Kampai, The Documentary.

WHO AM I, WHAT IS THIS?!

Hi! My name is Jon Walley and Im a Documentary and commercial filmmaker originally from Binghamton, NY.

Binghamton, NY is where this story began in 1975 when Richard ( Ryuchi ) Matsushima, a first-generation Japanese immigrant, had a complete typed and bound business plan in hand for what would be the first Japanese hibachi restaurant in upstate NY. Almost 5 decades later KAMPAI is not only still around, but a staple in the community for people to get together, celebrate and revel in the art that is Hibachi.

Hibachi has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. Many of us have celebrated many milestones nestled close to friends, family and strangers around the Hibachi table. The heat, aromas, showmanship and a couple of hot sakes bring us together not only to celebrate but to receive a direct injection of nostalgia. For kids of the ’80s and 90’s Hibachi was ingrained in us as a special thing. I want to take that further, I think It’s time we celebrate Hibachi, one of America's truest culinary pleasures.

WHY THIS STORY?

Richard Matsushima is a first-generation Japanese immigrant who opened a Japanese steakhouse “Kampai” in 1975 in Vestal, NY. Richard is now retired and his 3 children, Michael, Andrew and Katie have taken over the business. Kampai is a time capsule, literally and figuratively. Thousands of occasions have been captured on celluloid there; that is just one of Richard’s signature touches that he took very seriously. It seems that preservation and hospitality are recurring themes with Richard and Kampai that need to be explored in the time of throw-away culture. Even among the cacophony of the Hibachi table, time seems to slow down at Kampai; people are genuinely laughing, eating, drinking and oooing and aahhing at every spatula flip and shrimp toss. I want to show you Hibachi the way it feels to me: intense, special, sometimes comical, all brought to you by one of the hardest working yet humble people in the business, Richard Matsushima.

WHY DOES ANY OF THIS MATTER?

Kampai is a small piece of a larger tapestry with stories that almost everyone in any town in the world can relate to with a message we need now more than ever. Kampai and the Matsushimas story is an important one where food, family, legacy and generosity share a seat at the table. I truly believe this story will resonate beyond the local community that the restaurant resides in, I want to be the one to bring it to you how I see it.

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED

I have started principal photography on my own but to truly bring this film to life I need your help! Your funds will be used for the following:

If we are able to hit the first goal I will not only be FLOORED by your generosity but encouraged to make our goal larger to help fund post produciton.

*** This film is being independently produced and is not affiliated with the restaurant in any way***