Iconic German-Japanese chain BamBushi to close after 20 years

A beloved culinary landmark fades away. Founder Tatiana Semikina reveals the heartbreaking decision behind BamBushi's final bow after two decades of sushi and success.

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2026 March 27 . 3:04 PM

1 min read

The image shows a sushi restaurant on the corner of a street in Tokyo, Japan. The building has... — The image shows a sushi restaurant on the corner of a street in Tokyo, Japan. The building has glass walls and doors, and there are boards with text and pictures of food items, as well as lights. There are also banners with poles, and a road at the bottom of the image.

Iconic German-Japanese chain BamBushi to close after 20 years

After nearly two decades in operation, BamBushi—a well-known chain of Japanese-themed restaurants—has announced its closure. The business, which once expanded to six locations across Germany, will shut its doors for good on 1 April. Founder Tatiana Semikina delivered the news to her team, citing financial struggles as the reason behind the decision. The chain, owned by Elizium LLC, was established in 1997 under Semikina's leadership. At its height, BamBushi operated in cities like Cottbus, Offenbach am Main, Hamburg, and multiple sites in Berlin. Despite its past success, recent financial reports show a decline: in 2024, the company recorded 84.7 million rubles in revenue but only 5.8 million rubles in net profit.

A year and a half ago, the business relocated to a new space, hoping for a fresh start. However, ongoing financial pressures—including two years of VAT payments—proved too much. Semikina, an Omsk-based entrepreneur, confirmed that the company no longer has the funds to continue. The final closure date has been set for 1 April, marking the end of an era for the brand.

The shutdown leaves six former locations vacant, with no immediate plans for the sites. BamBushi's exit follows nearly 20 years of service, leaving behind a legacy in Germany's dining scene. The company's trademark, still held by Elizium LLC, will remain registered despite the closure.