Mamoru Kugaguchi (Mo) is a native of Toyama Prefecture (Province), located in Central Japan on the coast of the Sea of Japan within virtually the same distance of Japan's 3 major cities of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.  

He came to the United States in 1992, already a highly regarded chef with several years of experience in major, renowned restaurants. Mo has brought to Arizona his deep understanding, appreciation and knowledge of Toyama cuisine blending sea with earth.

Toyama region is considered the most appealing province on the main island, Honshu, surrounded by mountains and facing the enormous bay of Toyama. There is bounty of natural resourses...the culinary heritage of Toyama is remarkable....the region developed a cuisine encompassing both cold and warm ocean current harvests.

After spending 6 years as assistant and then head chef in Scottsdale, Mo opened Toyama Restaurant with his wife, Hiromi (Mimi). His childhood sweetheart, Mimi, was a classical ballet dancer and teacher. Her sensitivity, sense of visual arts and enthusiasm are an invaluable addition to Toyama's experience.

Together, they have created a restaurant that is warm, friendly and welcoming to all (including children). They enjoy educating their customers (both experienced diners and novices) in various arts and tastes of Japanese cuisine (sushi as well as cooked dishes), wonderful sakes and wines. Mo will happily suggest and prepare out-of-the-menu dishes to please every taste.