New owners for Former Japanese restaurant

By Grace Lovins

Longtime Japanese restaurant Sushi Japan, at 176 S Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, is preparing for a new start after Birmingham City Commissioners approved the transfer of ownership and liquor licenses Monday, October 27, for the new restaurant concept, Kaishin Izakaya.

The approval moves the bistro’s special land use permit from Sushi Japan Inc. over to Gold Coin Inc., owned by Woojin Lee. The change includes the transfer of the Class C and SDM liquor licenses for dine-in and carryout alcohol services. According to planning director Nick Dupuis, no major changes to the interior or exterior of the building are being proposed, rather minor interior updates such as new paint and flooring.

Lee has operated Sushi Hana in Bloomfield Hills for 12 years and told commissioners the opening of a second restaurant in Birmingham fulfills a dream of his. He and attorney David Draper said the restaurant will continue serving sushi, sashimi and ramen, along with sake and beer.

With little discussion from commissioners, they voted 7-0 to approve the ownership change and authorized Clerk Alexandria Bingham to file the appropriate paperwork with the state liquor commission for the transfer of the liquor license.