Where Is Chef Katsuji Now? Inside KatSushi Bar, His New RTP Sushi Spot

Photo via Alo Japan

Months after his shocking walk-off from Yes, Chef!, one question keeps popping up among viewers: Where did Chef Katsuji go? 

Straight back to the pass, it turns out. Top Chef veteran Katsuji Tanabe has just launched KatSushi Bar — a fast-casual sushi concept in Boxyard RTP that already has the Raleigh-Durham food scene talking.

KatSushi Bar Opens in Boxyard RTP in NC

The October 2026 debut plants KatSushi Bar inside Boxyard RTP, the food hall built from shipping containers in Research Triangle Park. Tanabe shares ownership with Raleigh restaurateur Anthony Rapillo. Their new restaurant moves into the old Lagoon Bar footprint, joining La Taqueria, the duo's other Boxyard operation.

What's on the Menu

At KatSushi, hand rolls are the heart of the menu: seasoned fish and rice wrapped in crisp toasted seaweed, assembled to order right in front of guests. Opening-day offerings include marinated salmon, spicy tuna with truffle mayo, crab salad, and a passion fruit and shrimp roll. Rice bowls and bright tropical drinks fill out the rest of the menu, while ramen bowls — once part of the plan — are on hold for now.

Hours and Location

KatSushi Bar welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Boxyard RTP.

Katsuji's Growing Triangle Empire

KatSushi marks the newest collaboration for Tanabe and Rapillo, who have opened a string of Triangle spots together in recent years — among them Flour & Barrel on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh and the Mexican eatery La Taqueria. Word is that a comeback for Tanabe's High Horse is also being plotted for RTP.

From a stunning reality-TV departure to an expanding restaurant portfolio, Chef Katsuji shows no signs of slowing down — and KatSushi Bar could be his next big hit.

Related: Why Chef Katsuji Tanabe Abruptly Left

New Research Reveals a Natural and Innovative Approach to Remove Microplastics from Water

The Organic Indian posted on Facebook that "Okra and Fenugreek extracts remove up to 90% of microplastics from water," announcing an innovation that is more economical and safer method for treating water.

Credit: The Organic Indian on Facebook

The Organic Indian on Facebook posted about new research from Tarleton State University revealed that combined natural extracts from okra and fenugreek demonstrate an efficient ability to "remove up to 90% of microplastics from water." 

This research provides a more economical natural solution for developing countries as opposed to existing chemical-based water treatments widely used in industrialized countries, and also safer for the environment.

The Organic Indian Post on Facebook

On Facebook, The Organic Indian posted the following:

"Okra and fenugreek extracts have emerged as powerful allies in the battle against microplastic pollution. Recent research from Tarleton State University reveals that polysaccharides derived from these plants can effectively remove up to 90% of microplastics from various water sources, including ocean, freshwater, and groundwater. When combined, okra and fenugreek extracts form a natural flocculant that outperforms traditional synthetic agents like polyacrylamide in both efficiency and safety.

This innovative approach not only offers a sustainable solution to a pressing environmental issue but also integrates seamlessly into existing water treatment infrastructures without the need for costly modifications. As researchers continue to optimize these plant-based treatments, the potential for large-scale application grows, paving the way for cleaner water and a healthier planet." -The Organic Indian

Korean Researchers Have Developed a 'Groundbreaking Technology' to Turn Cancer Cells Back into Normal Cells

Scientists may have found a way to manipulate and reprogram cancer cells back into non-cancerous cells in groundbreaking new research at the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Groundbreaking cancer research

Groundbreaking Technology that Reverts Cancer Cells into Non-Malignant State

IFL Science reported on the findings by the Korean research team and their groundbreaking technology to force cancer cells back into non-cancerous cells.

This type of cell manipulation is called "cancer reversion," which is when cancer cells regress back to their differentiated and non-malignant state.

The research team was led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from the Dept. of Bio and Brain Engineering at KAIST, which focused on observing cancer cells during the oncogenesis process. This is when cells become cancerous. The team then developed a technology that "builds a digital twin of the gene network associated with the cell's normal differentiation trajectory." 

The Korean research team was able to "systematically identify master molecular switches that induce normal differentiation."

They then modified the switches on existing colon cancer cells in animals, and the team observed them revert to a "normal-like state."

Kwang-Hyun Cho said in a statement:

"The fact that cancer cells can be converted back to normal cells is an astonishing phenomenon. This study proves that such reversion can be systematically induced."

He also said:

"This research introduces the novel concept of reversible cancer therapy by reverting cancer cells to normal cells. It also develops foundational technology for identifying targets for cancer reversion through the systematic analysis of normal cell differentiation trajectories."

Past studies have shown problems such as limited scalability and other issues. The Korean research team developed a computational framework in this study to overcome limitations for single-cell Boolean network interference and control (BENEIN).

Sources:

Advanced Science. "Control of Cellular Differentiation Trajectories for Cancer Reversion."

IFL Science. "Researchers Develop Groundbreaking Technology to Revert Cancer Cells Into Normal Cells."