When YouTube Royalty Called: A Sushi Catering Adventure with the Sidemen

Honestly, I'm still pinching myself. When the agency rang asking if we could create something special for a "surprise birthday party," I thought it'd be another lovely private event. I had no idea I was about to become part of one of the biggest surprise parties on the internet!

Happy Sidemen and KSI with our delicious sushi creations

The Call That Changed Everything

The brief came through an events agency - they needed bespoke sushi catering for a very special birthday celebration. They wanted the works: a stunning sushi tower, an elegant sushi boat, and a beautiful sushi bowl arrangement. "It's for some YouTubers," they said. "Needs to look absolutely perfect."

Little did I know those "YouTubers" were the Sidemen - you know, the lads with 22.4 million subscribers who've basically taken over the internet. And the birthday boy? Only KSI himself, one of the biggest names on YouTube!

Crafting Perfection for the Big Day

Growing up in Kochi, Japan, I learnt that sushi isn't just about the food - it's about the artistry, the presentation, the whole experience. After 26 years in the culinary world, I've made it my mission to bring authentic Japanese traditions to the UK, and this was going to be my biggest stage yet.

The pressure was on. This wasn't just feeding some mates - this was going to be filmed for millions of people. Every piece had to be perfect, every arrangement had to be Instagram-worthy. No pressure at all, right?

I worked with the amazing Homa on planning the perfect combination of flavours, colours, and textures. The sushi tower needed to be architecturally stunning whilst remaining deliciously authentic. The boat arrangement had to capture that traditional Japanese elegance but be practical for a party setting. And the bowl? That needed to be the perfect centrepiece.

The Art of Japanese Sushi Catering Presentation

What many people don't realise is that traditional Japanese sushi presentation is an art form going back centuries. Each element has meaning, each placement is intentional. For KSI's celebration, I drew on all my experience to create displays that honoured these traditions whilst being perfect for their modern celebration.

The sushi tower became a proper showstopper - layers of carefully crafted nigiri, maki, and specialty pieces showcasing the full range of authentic Japanese flavours. Using only the freshest British ingredients combined with traditional Japanese techniques, each level told its own story whilst contributing to the overall masterpiece.

The sushi boat brought that classic Japanese elegance to their party table. There's something magical about a well-arranged sushi boat - it naturally draws people together, encouraging sharing and conversation. Exactly what you want for a birthday celebration.

Behind the Scenes of a Viral Moment

When we delivered our creations, the energy was absolutely electric. The whole surprise was being filmed, and you could feel how much love and effort had gone into making KSI's day special. Seeing our carefully crafted displays become part of this incredible celebration was honestly quite emotional.

The video's now got over 2.2 million views and counting. Watching it back, seeing how our sushi arrangements looked on camera, how they became part of the story - it's surreal. You can see the sushi part from around 5mins using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXd3NTGPdNc&t=323s

More Than Just Catering

What struck me most was how our food became part of the memory-making. This wasn't just about feeding people - it was about creating a moment that would be remembered forever. The visual impact of our displays, the way they fitted perfectly into the celebration, the authentic Japanese touch they brought to the party - that's what proper catering should do.

The beauty of our bespoke service is that we can transform any event into something special. Whether it's a surprise party for YouTube stars or an intimate celebration in your own home, the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail goes into every arrangement we create.

The Ripple Effect

Since the video went live, it's been mad. Seeing our work showcased to such a massive audience has been incredible. The Sidemen have shown millions of people what authentic Japanese cuisine looks like when it's done properly, and I couldn't be more chuffed.

This collaboration perfectly represents what Tomono Sushi Party is all about. Whether it's YouTube royalty, corporate events, or family celebrations, we bring the same level of authenticity, artistry, and passion to every catering order. Our bespoke service means we can create stunning displays tailored to any occasion, any venue, any vision.

A Proper Thank You

To the events agency who trusted us with this incredible opportunity, thank you. To the Sidemen team, thank you for creating such a brilliant celebration. And to KSI, happy belated birthday - hope you enjoyed every bite!

This experience has reminded me why I fell in love with Japanese culinary arts. It's not just about the food - it's about creating moments, bringing people together, and adding beauty to life's celebrations.

Ready to add some authentic Japanese elegance to your next event? Whether you need a show-stopping sushi tower, an elegant boat arrangement, or a beautiful bowl display, we're here to make your celebration unforgettable. Get in touch today!