Senate Resolution No. 1205
BY: Senator WEBB
COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Kampai
Japanese Steakhouse of Binghamton, New York, on
December 19, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse on
December 19, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Kampai Japanese Steakhouse is a longtime local favorite in
Binghamton, known for its lively hibachi dinners, fresh sushi, and
entertaining tableside chefs; serving the community since December 19,
1975, Kampai offers a unique dining experience that blends flavor,
flair, and tradition; and
WHEREAS, The story begins back in the 1970's when Ryoichi "Richard"
Matsushima, a first-generation immigrant from Himeji, Japan, arrived in
New York City and met a restaurant owner named Sato, a meeting that
changed his life; and
WHEREAS, One day, Sato asked Richard Matsushima if he would help in
the restaurant on the weekend; before long, he was Maître d'; this
launched his restaurant career; and
WHEREAS, Richard Matsushima moved to Vestal, New York, a western
suburb of Binghamton, and opened Kampai, Binghamton's first hibachi
restaurant, in 1975 when he was only 20 years old; he began with hibachi
grills, featuring Japanese chefs simultaneously cooking, chatting with
customers, and providing entertainment; ten years later, he introduced
Sushi to the community, finding the right chef, arranging for shipments
of the best quality fish available, and importing unique products from
Japan; and
WHEREAS, Richard Matsushima's life did not center on just the
restaurant; he has always been a strong believer in family; as his three
children, Michael, Andrew, and Katherine, were growing up, he always
made it a point to be home for dinner even if it meant leaving the
restaurant to do so; and
WHEREAS, That commitment to family extends to all of the loyal
Kampai staff, some of whom have been with the restaurant for years,
including a couple of brothers, a father and son, and brother and
sister; that feeling of family extends to the loyal cadre of customers,
now serving the fourth generation in some families; it is no surprise
that sons, Michael and Andrew, are active in the business, and their
sister, Katherine, is also in the hospitality business in Barcelona,
Spain; and
WHEREAS, Kampai Japanese Steakhouse is the first Japanese restaurant
in the Southern Tier and one of the oldest operating in Upstate New
York; today, Kampai has been passed down to the next generation and is
owned and operated by Richard Matsushima's sons, Michael and Andrew; the
name Kampai comes from the word "cheers," or more literally, "bottoms
up," in the Japanese language; and
WHEREAS, For 50 years, Kampai Japanese Steakhouse has been a place
to celebrate countless birthdays, anniversaries, and even engagements;
it is a pleasure for the Matsushima family to host these special life
events for their patrons; as you enter the restaurant, which is inspired
by Japanese philosophy and aesthetics, you are transported to Japan;
Kampai has its own unique culture and traditions, and there is no place
quite like it; and
WHEREAS, Richard Matsushima, the subject of a new award-winning
documentary, says his mission in life is to teach others and spread
kindness, and he hopes the film spreads a positive message; Kampai's
founder is known for his kind personality and commitment to hard work;
and
WHEREAS, The success of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse began with family
and the guidelines, which were implemented by Richard Matsushima 50
years ago, where his personal family, his employee family, and his
customer family are all valued and respected; the Matsushima family is
committed to continuing the tradition that has thrived since 1975; and
WHEREAS, The progression of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the Matsushima family and their employees,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and
the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is with immense pride that the hard-working and
dedicated staff members of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse, past and present,
celebrate this milestone 50th Anniversary and anticipate many more years
of success for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and state economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy
the outstanding success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Kampai Japanese Steakhouse; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Matsushima family, owners of Kampai Japanese
Steakhouse.
