When dreams of sushi lead to life lessons

Is sushi the perfect food?

Jiro Ono. From Magnolia Pictures.

It may be when in the hands of octogenarian sushi master Jiro Ono. It is also the embodiment of the quest for perfection — and a life lesson.

Once you decide on your occupation, you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success and is the key to being regarded honorably.

Jiro's sushi. From Magnolia Pictures.

Those were Jiro's opening lines in "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," the 2011 film directed by David Gelb and released by Magnolia Pictures.

Jiro owns Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat sushi-only restaurant in a Tokyo subway station and the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious three-star Michelin Guide rating. 

Jiro has been making sushi since he was 9 and now works alongside his eldest son, Yoshikazu Ono, who at age 50-plus is still his apprentice and heir apparent.

Watch "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" for a reminder of what it takes to really be the best. And if you ask that of Jiro, he will likely say he doesn't know — at 87 he is still seeking to improve!