I wish I liked Akai Hana, as they have all the items that I would look for in a Japanese restaurant. The prices are definitely affordable too. Came in during happy hour and had a spicy salmon roll, seaweed salad, soft shell crab and shumai. The roll was made out of rice that was overcooked and the pieces all fell apart. Seaweed salad and shumai were nothing special. The soft shell crab was a tiny piece of crab for $6. It was the best thing I had among everything I ordered, but I wish they added a little more breading. Over all, this place just isn't for me. Service wasn't great, my water was never refilled and I felt like I was bothering my server.
I do know a couple of people who frequent this place and swear that this is the best Japanese restaurant in Arizona. I would still recommend you to try it; maybe I just came at the wrong time.