The Seattle area is about to see a surge of new Japanese-related restaurant openings:
I've heard rumors of new sushi joints opening soon in Ballard and Upper Queen Anne. More for sure, look for a new Blue C Sushi outpost to open at the expanded Southcenter Mall as early as this weekend.
Also rumors of an izakaya coming to Wallingford. Meanwhile, Billy Beach (formerly of Umi Sake House) will be doing Japanese street food (I'm excited about the prospect of organ meat yakitori) at Kushibar, opening next month in Belltown.
Beard Papa is scheduled to open soon at Uwajimaya. I've been enjoying these cream puff wonders (shu cream, as they say there) in Japan for many years. The key is their freshness, and you can smell them from far away.
And tomorrow is the opening of "vinocentric" bin vivant at Kirkland's Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa, with Executive Chef Lisa Nakamura at the helm. Stay tuned for a report.

bin vivant's tasting bar (photo credit: Tom Hession-Herzog)