This is a place where to take your date instead of having a home cook meal. Chef Nubuo was there and he personally prepared these dishes for us but I was hoping to find something that my grandmother would make for me like Chawan Mushi but in truth I've found a global fusion (Pan Asian, Continental) cuisine with Japanese flavor which means he seasoned a little heavy to my palate. His appetizer nearly destroyed by taste bud (Grilled Chili-boy that was spicy which I had to wash down with green tea to ease the pallets my tongue). The food was 5 star but the service is quite spotty. The server admitted that he is quite inexperienced but eager to learn new things which is rare among the service staff of today. Hot green tea were served with two teapots but unfortunately the server did not warm the Japanese pot which made the tea very cold (later he remedied it with additional hot water. Chopsticks were the the cheapest wooden kind--it has no place in this type of restaurant where the food is premium. Two demerits there.
Like a typical exotic restaurants in Japan and Italy, the menu changes with the inspiration of the chef who gathers for the seasonal flavors of the time, therefore you will probably not get the same meal twice but it is rather very exciting and creative cooking that is in par with very exclusive restaurants that is worthy of high Michelin stars ratings. Goose liver (Foie Gras) was absolute spectacular. To have full experience, be prepared to spend $100+ for dinner for two.
If you want a typical Japanese meal, this is not the place for it. It is a trendy place with the eclectic global fusion cuisine in the heart of Heritage Square of Downtown Phoenix for new generation of Japanese cooking with international flare.