I was invited by a regular customer to a precious seat at the renowned Japanese restaurant "Hana Ichi," which I had been wanting to visit for a long time!This establishment is one of the must-visit places when discussing Nagoya's food culture, cherished by food enthusiasts for many years. I was fortunate to have this rare opportunity thanks to the invitation from a regular customer, and I was looking forward to my visit.Upon entering the restaurant, I felt a calm atmosphere that was different from flashy or extravagant settings. Personally, I really appreciate this kind of ambiance.The first thing I noticed about the food was how beautifully the warmth of the term "home-cooked meal" coexists with the refined techniques of Japanese cuisine.Of course, it’s not just simple home cooking. The ingredients' natural flavors are carefully drawn out, the broth serves as the foundation for the flavors, and nothing excessive is added. Yet, with each bite, the taste is profoundly delicious.A significant commitment of Hana Ichi is to avoid pre-prepared dishes and to serve food as freshly made as possible.When it comes to Japanese cuisine, people often focus on the techniques of preparation, beautiful presentation, and seasonal elements. However, at Hana Ichi, I felt that they truly value the simple yet luxurious aspect of "serving freshly made dishes." It feels like a return to the roots of Japanese cuisine.And what left a lasting impression on me was the tenmusu.Known nationwide as a Nagoya specialty, the tenmusu here is, in my opinion, truly "the best in the universe!"Despite its small and cute size, one bite reveals the perfect balance of rice and tempura. Because it’s a simple dish, the quality of the ingredients and the skill in preparation come through clearly.This dish made me realize just how delicious tenmusu can be.Nagoya has many delicious offerings, but this is a must-try dish.The dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet) was also exquisite.With a fluffy texture, the umami of the dashi is felt strongly, and the flavor expands with each bite. It may not be a flashy dish, but I believe it reflects the restaurant's philosophy and skill in cooking.The sashimi was wonderful as well, showcasing the quality of the ingredients with meticulous preparation. Without any gimmicks, it allowed me to truly enjoy the deliciousness of the fish.During this meal, I strongly felt a connection to the "Kyo-mi" style of Japanese cuisine that I love.The dishes do not overly embellish the ingredients, but rather cherish the basics of dashi, cooking techniques, and seasoning. It seems that the focus is more on allowing diners to genuinely feel the deliciousness rather than showcasing the chef's skills.I love this kind of cooking.At first glance, it appears simple. However, behind that simplicity lies years of experience in selecting ingredients, making dashi, cooking, and balancing flavors.That’s why, when I take a bite, there’s a pleasant feeling as it smoothly enters my body.Unlike dishes piled high with luxury ingredients, this cuisine allows you to experience the "deliciousness that Japanese people have cherished for ages."That is one of the great charms of this restaurant.Above all, I am grateful to the regular customer for inviting me, allowing me to visit this wonderful place.Visiting with someone who has been coming here for a long time offered a different experience than going alone, as I could enjoy the atmosphere and the way to appreciate the food.Thank you very much for the precious invitation.Nagoya has many fantastic Japanese restaurants, but among them, Hana Ichi is a place you must visit to truly feel the essence of Nagoya's food culture.The ability to enjoy tenmusu, known as a Nagoya specialty, as such a special dish is a great attraction, and I was also drawn to the seemingly simple yet profoundly deep dishes like the dashimaki tamago and sashimi.It’s not just about flashiness; it’s about the deliciousness of the food itself.And there’s a warmth that makes you feel at home.I felt that the phrase "the best home-cooked meal" truly suits this restaurant.While exploring delicious foods, it’s easy to be drawn to intricate dishes or rare ingredients, but in the end, what stays in your heart may be these kinds of meals.Simple yet unforgettable.After finishing, I can genuinely think, "That was delicious."This time, I was invited to a precious seat and had a wonderful time. It was a great meal!