Michiyo Hagio

Born in Japan and raised in Osaka, Michiyo Hagio grew up surrounded by sushi culture, thanks to a father who has been a sushi chef for over 60 years. Many early mornings were spent accompanying him to the local fish market.

Although a career as a sushi chef wasn’t part of the plan at the time, she built a career in hospitality, first working in hotel guest services and later as a flight attendant. In 2019, she opened her first Japanese restaurant in Napa, California. In January 2025, she reopened in a new location under the name “Michi,” offering a cozy 16-seat dining experience.

Her style reflects her Osaka roots, using slightly softer sushi rice than the Edomae-style commonly seen in the U.S. She focuses on the freshness of the fish and the careful handling of each ingredient. In 2024, she was honored with the Gold Award in the Best of Napa County’s Sushi category.