Kazumi was born in Hiroshima Japan. After graduating high school she attended university and became a school teacher. Feeling unfulfilled with her career she moved to New York City in 2001, intent on learning how to make sushi and become a chef.

In 2009 Kazumi and her husband John decided to move to Portland Oregon. Since living in Portland Kazumi has worked at Masu and Bamboo. After working at Bamboo for 3 years John convinced her to open her own sushi cart. After some persuading, a sushi cart named Kazumi was born. John originally from Philadelphia, also works with Kazumi every day and helps to bring their delicious sushi to Saint Johns.