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Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City

03.30.25

From the team behind JINYA Ramen Bar and Robata, JINYA Holdings is introducing its latest concept — Saijo, a 24-seat counter-style restaurant specializing in hand rolls (temaki) and grilled skewers (kushiyaki) — opening April 2 in Culver City. 

Founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi was inspired by his time in Saijo City, Japan — home to a historic JINYA (a small castle) and Saijo High School, where he studied. The new concept brings together two signature elements of Japanese cuisine: freshly prepared temaki and flavorful kushiyaki.

Saijo’s hand rolls feature high-quality sushi ingredients, while its kushiyaki menu highlights expertly grilled meats and seafood. The menu also includes appetizers, hosomaki, and a curated beverage list of sake, beer and wine. Takeout and delivery will be available through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, with bento boxes offered exclusively to-go.

Designed to be an immersive experience, the intimate 24-seat countertop invites guests to watch chefs meticulously prepare each dish. The focus is on precision, freshness and exceptional ingredients.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality starts with its nori. Saijo uses Hatsuzumi Nori, imported from the Ariake Sea in Fukuoka, selected for its sweetness, delicate texture and high umami. Only 5% of the annual harvest qualifies as first-harvest nori, making it a rare treat. The sushi rice is also time-controlled for ideal temperature and consistency.

Saijo’s kushiyaki offerings include A5 Miyazaki wagyu, pork belly chashu, shrimp, unagi (grilled eel), Chilean sea bass and a variety of chicken and vegetable skewers — all grilled to perfection.

For more information, visit jinya-ramenbar.com.

Operating hours will be Wednesday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Saijo joins a legacy of successful concepts that began with Sabakurou, the original Tokyo restaurant that opened in 2000, and evolved into Robata JINYA and JINYA Ramen Bar. This new concept represents an exciting evolution of the brand’s expertise in Japanese cuisine.

12473 Washington Blvd. in Culver City.

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Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season

03.28.25

Under Music Director Carl St.Clair—one of today’s leading Wagner interpreters—Pacific Symphony presents Richard Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” for the first time. These landmark performances (April 10, 13, and 15) mark a historic moment in St.Clair’s farewell season after 35 years of artistic leadership.

The first opera in Wagner’s epic “Ring” Cycle, “Das Rheingold” will be semi-staged with an orchestra, world-class singers, video elements, costumes, and props. Sung in German with English supertitles, the opera’s story—an inspiration for The Lord of the Rings—unfolds in a mythic world of gods, Rhinemaidens, and a stolen ring of immense power.

St.Clair previously conducted the full “Ring” Cycle as general music director of Germany’s National Theatre and Staatskapelle Weimar, earning critical acclaim. Now, Pacific Symphony audiences can experience his interpretation of this monumental work as part of the orchestra’s ongoing “Opera and Vocals” initiative.

A Mythic Journey

Wagner spent 25 years crafting “The Ring”, drawing from Norse mythology and German legend. His revolutionary use of leitmotifs—more than 150 recurring themes—binds music to character and fate. The opera’s gripping tale follows the consequences of greed, betrayal, and ambition, set against a backdrop of feuding gods, magical beings, and epic struggles for power.

Renowned bass-baritone Kyle Albertson leads as Wotan, king of the gods, alongside Nathan Berg as Alberich. Rising soprano Hanna Brammer sings Woglinde, while tenor David Cangelosi reprises his signature role as Mime. The cast also features Alexandra Razskazoff, Krysty Swann, Ronnita Miller, Adam Diegel, and Aleksy Bogdanov.

Tomer Zvulun, general and artistic director of The Atlanta Opera, serves as production designer and director, bringing his experience from previous “Ring” productions in Atlanta and Dallas. 

The creative team includes lighting designer Ben Rawson, projection designer Nick Hussong, costume designer Mattie Ullrich, and scenic consultant Steven Kemp.

Costumes were constructed by The Atlanta Opera Costume Studio, Carmel Dundon, The Dallas Opera, and Siam Costumes International Company.

 “Das Rheingold” takes place Thursday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. All three performances include a preview talk with KUSC midday host Alan Chapman at 7 p.m. (and at 1 p.m. for the Sunday performance). 

This concert is part of the 2024-25 Classical Season and is sponsored by the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation. Tickets are $30-$251. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit pacificsymphony.org. 

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