What if a young sushi apprentice became the world's next great superhero?
I am developing SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE, an original cinematic universe that blends Japanese pop culture with global superhero storytelling.
Long ago, an ancient race of fish-humanoids known as the Deep Sea Royalty ruled the Earth. Driven into the depths by a devastating solar flare, they built an underwater empire and waited thousands of years for the chance to reclaim the surface world.
Now, led by KING ABYSS and the mysterious organization FOODIE, they have discovered a way to transform humanity's darkest emotions into gigantic monsters known as FOOD BEASTS.
At the center of this conflict is Ken Ichinotani, a 21-year-old half-Japanese, half-American sushi apprentice who dreams of becoming a master sushi chef.
When his brilliant scientist father is abducted by FOODIE, Ken is drawn into a battle far greater than he could ever have imagined. Using the MIRACLE 3D GOGGLES, powered by the sacred power of the sea, Ken transforms into SUSHI MASK—a hero who must overcome his fear, discover his true power, and ultimately fight for the survival of humanity.
In terms of tone, imagine the epic monster scale and action of Pacific Rim, the coming-of-age spirit and character-driven journey of The Karate Kid, combined with a distinctive layer of comedy and Japanese pop-culture imagination.
But SUSHI MASK is more than a single superhero story.
It is the beginning of a larger universe with multiple heroes, monsters, mysteries, and stories that can expand across film, streaming, animation, games, and other media.
I created this project with a simple ambition:
To make audiences around the world laugh, feel inspired, and emotionally connect with a hero they have never seen before.
I am now looking to connect with film producers, production companies, development executives, and creative partners around the world who are interested in discovering original IP with global potential.
If this concept sparks your imagination, I'd love to connect and hear your thoughts.
The journey of SUSHI MASK begins here.
The SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE pitch deck is now available on my ArtStation page.
I would be very grateful if you could take a look and share your thoughts and feedback. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated as I continue developing the project.
Thank you for your interest and support!
https://sushimaskneo7.artstation.com/projects/Wd2Bd2
One of the most exciting aspects of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE is the visual world behind its characters, heroes, villains, and FOOD BEASTS.
These concept visuals explore the universe I am building—from the ICHINOTANI LABORATORY and the MIRACLE 3D GOGGLES, to KING ABYSS and the mysterious FOODIE EMPIRE.
At the heart of this universe are larger-than-life heroes, terrifying monsters, Japanese pop culture, and a story designed to grow into something much bigger.
This is not a finished film.
These are concept visuals created to explore the world, characters, and cinematic potential of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and impressions.
Excited to share a glimpse of the global franchise vision behind SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE — an original multi-platform IP created for audiences around the world.
This vision goes beyond a single feature film.
SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE is designed as an expanding cinematic universe with potential across theatrical films, streaming, animation, gaming, publishing, and consumer products.
The vision blends high-concept action, iconic characters, universal themes, and a fresh twist on Japanese pop culture to create a world that can grow across multiple forms of entertainment.
My goal is to build not just one story, but a universe with the potential to entertain audiences around the world for years to come.
I’m always happy to connect with producers and industry professionals who share a passion for bold, original storytelling.
Let’s build something great together.
Now, let’s meet the unique and fascinating characters who bring the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE to life.
Let’s begin with the protagonist of the story: SUSHI MASK.
Ken Ichinotani, also known as SUSHI MASK, is a young man of Japanese and American heritage who has always lived in the shadow of his brilliant scientist father. By day, he works tirelessly at a sushi restaurant in the United States, dreaming of becoming the world’s greatest sushi chef.
But Ken’s world is turned upside down when his father is abducted by the FOODIE, an ancient race of fish-humanoids that once ruled both the surface world and the deep sea. After a devastating solar flare forced them into the depths, the FOODIE have now returned with plans to reclaim the surface world.
Carrying on his father’s legacy, Ken puts on the MIRACLE 3D GOGGLES, a weapon developed by his father to fight the FOODIE. He rises as SUSHI MASK and faces the terrifying FOOD BEASTS unleashed by the FOODIE.
What do you think of Ken and his story? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this concept.
Next up is Ann Morohoshi — SUSHI MASK WOMAN!
Ann Morohoshi is a brilliant scientist and the trusted assistant of Ken’s father, Dr. Jun Ichinotani. After Dr. Ichinotani is abducted by FOODIE, Ann carries on his mission and supports Ken after he becomes SUSHI MASK.
But when SUSHI MASK is pushed to the brink of defeat by the FOOD BEASTS unleashed by FOODIE, Ann makes a bold decision. She puts on the MIRACLE 3D GOGGLES, the anti-FOOD BEAST weapon created by Dr. Ichinotani.
Ann then transforms into SUSHI MASK WOMAN, the second warrior of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
With her intelligence, courage, and overwhelming combat power, SUSHI MASK WOMAN ranks among the strongest warriors in the entire universe.
She is more than just SUSHI MASK’s partner. She is a powerful warrior in her own right.
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Next up is Naomi Hayata — SUSHI MASK WOMAN NEO!
Naomi lost her scientist father to the FOODIE when she was a young girl. She was taken in and raised by Dr. Jun Ichinotani, one of the world’s leading scientists and a close friend of her father.
Now, Naomi works as an assistant to Ann Morohoshi at the research institute.
One day, Naomi accidentally witnesses Ann transform into SUSHI MASK WOMAN. When she sees SUSHI MASK and SUSHI MASK WOMAN struggling against the powerful FOOD BEASTS, Naomi makes a bold decision.
She puts on the 3D GOGGLES herself and transforms into SUSHI MASK WOMAN NEO, the next-generation warrior of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
Naomi is still inexperienced, and her combat skills are far from those of the other heroes.
But she possesses a power that even she doesn't yet know about—an ultimate weapon that can destroy the cells of any enemy in an instant, a power that can only be used until she turns 20.
Her true power has yet to awaken.
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Next up is TEMPURA NINJA — the mysterious legendary warrior of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
No one knows his real name, his age, or even the full story behind his existence. According to legend, he is a descendant of the KONA CLAN, an ancient ninja clan that has secretly protected humanity for centuries. Hidden deep in the mountains of Japan, the clan has trained for catastrophes beyond humanity’s ability to overcome.
Only those who survive the clan’s ultimate trial can earn the title of TEMPURA NINJA. The trial itself is almost unimaginable: surviving for one week in oil heated to 2,000 degrees.
TEMPURA NINJA carries a sacred shrimp tempura on his back, containing the secret techniques of generations of legendary warriors. Its shrimp tail can propel him through the sky, while the tempura itself can transform into powerful weapons, including a bazooka and a staff said to possess a thousand times the power of an ordinary club.
His ultimate technique is “SEN-GIRI NO JUTSU” — the Technique of 1,000 Slices, a legendary sword technique capable of defeating 1,000 enemies in just five seconds.
TEMPURA NINJA normally moves silently through the shadows, traveling around the world to protect humanity from global crises. But when SUSHI MASK faces a threat beyond his ability to overcome, he can launch a special ninja signal flare.
When the signal is launched, TEMPURA NINJA appears from nowhere — as SUSHI MASK’s greatest reinforcement.
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Next up is TEMPURA NINJA GIRL — YUKI!
Very little is known about TEMPURA NINJA GIRL. Even her real name remains a mystery. She simply calls herself Yuki. Some believe she is TEMPURA NINJA’s daughter, while others believe she is his apprentice. The truth is unknown. But one thing is certain—whenever TEMPURA NINJA appears, Yuki is never far away.
As TEMPURA NINJA’s attendant and apprentice, Yuki is training to become his successor. While TEMPURA NINJA carries a sacred shrimp tempura on his back, Yuki carries a giant wax eggplant tempura replica containing a scroll of secret ninja techniques passed down through the KONA CLAN.
As part of her training, Yuki travels across America, gaining real-world experience by becoming involved in unusual incidents and learning new ninja skills along the way. To support herself, she performs in ninja shows, sometimes posing as nothing more than a cosplay ninja.
Yuki is bright, curious, playful, and kind. She brings laughter and warmth to the team and has become its most healing presence.
Although she is still an apprentice and has much to learn, her swordsmanship is exceptional. Trained directly by TEMPURA NINJA, she can easily defeat even the fish-man spies sent by FOODIE.
Yuki also becomes close friends with Naomi Hayata. The two are nearly the same age—and sometimes get so carried away with their girl talk that they continue chatting even in the middle of a battle.
She may still be an apprentice today, but Yuki has the potential to one day become a legendary ninja worthy of standing alongside TEMPURA NINJA.
One of the most unique aspects of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE is its wide variety of monsters inspired by Japanese pop culture and everyday life.
Meet the BUTTER TOAST BEAST!
This terrifying FOOD BEAST was born from the explosive frustration of a husband whose family, struggling during an economic downturn, could afford nothing for dinner except buttered toast.
But there is something unusual about every FOOD BEAST.
They can exist for only one week.
Why?
Because human negative emotions simply cannot remain at their peak forever. When the emotion that created a FOOD BEAST finally fades, the monster disappears with it.
But don't underestimate that one week.
During its brief existence, a FOOD BEAST possesses enough destructive power to devastate an entire country.
A monster born from an ordinary human emotion.
A monster that exists for only seven days.
This is the world of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
Next up is the TOFU BEAST — the very first FOOD BEAST unleashed by the Deep Sea Royalty, FOODIE!
The TOFU BEAST is the first monster sent to the surface by FOODIE to unleash destruction and prepare the way for their return to the surface world.
It is also the very first opponent SUSHI MASK must face.
The TOFU BEAST possesses terrifying destructive power. SUSHI MASK fights desperately, but he is completely overwhelmed by the monster’s immense strength.
The battle reaches its climax.
SUSHI MASK is knocked down and crushed beneath the massive foot of the TOFU BEAST.
He is on the verge of defeat.
And then—
THUNDER ROARS ACROSS THE SKY.
Lightning flashes.
A mysterious figure appears.
The legendary TEMPURA NINJA has arrived.
What happens next?
Wouldn’t you want to see this moment on the big screen?
The Original Concept Art Behind SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE
Every cinematic universe begins with a single idea.
Before SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE became a cinematic universe, it began with original concepts, character designs, and world-building that I created.
These ideas became the foundation of this universe.
I hope you enjoy following the journey of SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
Why I believe TEMPURA NINJA could become one of the breakout characters of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
He is a mysterious legendary ninja whose origins are unknown, appearing only when the world faces a crisis that seems impossible to solve.
What makes him special is not only his extraordinary ninja skills, but the completely unexpected visual concept behind him. He combines the timeless appeal of the Japanese ninja with the wild, imaginative spirit of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
I believe TEMPURA NINJA has the potential to go far beyond being a supporting character. He could become a character audiences around the world remember—and perhaps one day, a hero powerful enough to carry his own feature film.
What do you think? Could you imagine seeing TEMPURA NINJA on the big screen?
Why does SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE need five heroes?
Because one hero can tell one story.
But five heroes can build a universe.
Each of the five heroes has a different personality, ability, background, and role within the story.
One is a master.
One is a scientist.
One is a leader.
One is a healer.
And one represents the next generation.
They can fight together.
But more importantly, each hero has the potential to carry their own story.
My goal was never to create five variations of the same superhero.
I wanted to create five characters who could grow independently—while remaining part of one larger cinematic universe.
That is why SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE begins with five heroes.
Five heroes. Five stories. One universe.
How do you keep a cinematic universe generating new stories?
For SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE, the answer is the FOOD BEAST system.
FOOD BEASTS are monsters born from human cravings and negative emotions.
Greed.
Obsession.
Rage.
Hunger.
Desire.
Each Food Beast can be different.
Different emotion.
Different food.
Different design.
Different ability.
Different story.
This gives the universe an almost endless source of new conflicts and characters.
A new Food Beast can introduce a completely different story without breaking the rules of the universe.
That is important for a long-running franchise.
The heroes remain familiar.
But the threat can constantly evolve.
One universe. Endless cravings. Endless stories.
What if SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE became a comic?
One of the things I love about building an original universe is imagining how the story could expand beyond the screen.
I created this concept sheet to explore how a SUSHI MASK adventure might look as a comic book.
SUSHI MASK vs. a giant BUTTER TOAST FOOD BEAST in California.
Action. Humor. Kaiju. Japanese pop culture.
This is not just about adapting a movie into a comic.
It is about building a world that can live across different forms of storytelling.
Feature films.
Streaming.
Animation.
Comics.
Video games.
Licensing.
One universe. Many ways to tell the story.
This is one more piece of the SUSHI MASK UNIVERSE.
What do you think — could you see SUSHI MASK as a comic book series?