Meet Junki Yoshida at Don Quijote Honolulu and Don Don Donki Kapolei for a Tasting Demo & Bottle Signing Event
The wildly popular Yoshida’s Gourmet Sauce is now available at Don Quijote and Don Don Donki locations across Hawaii—and this February, its legendary founder is coming in person.
Junki Yoshida, the entrepreneur behind one of America’s best-known Japanese-style sauces, will be visiting Hawaii for a special tasting demonstration and bottle signing event. This is a rare opportunity to sample the sauce, meet the man himself, and hear the story behind its creation.
Experience the Flavor Behind the American Dream
A Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Rich Umami
Yoshida’s Gourmet Sauce is a soy sauce–based, sweet-and-savory all-purpose sauce. Its versatility is one of the reasons for its massive popularity—it works beautifully with meat, fish, and vegetables, and is ideal for BBQ, stir-fries, marinades, and more.
The secret lies in a family recipe passed down from Mr. Yoshida’s mother. Carefully selected spices and balanced sweetness create a deep, rich flavor that holds up even when heated.
It truly tastes great on almost anything. It pairs especially well with tonkatsu, ginger pork, and hamburg steaks—and surprisingly, it’s even delicious when added to curry.
Original Gourmet Sauce: Perfect for marinades, teriyaki, and simmered dishes
BBQ Sauce: A bold fusion of American-style barbecue with Japanese flavor—spicy, smoky, and irresistible
Created with the vision of “bringing Japanese flavors into American homes with ease,” Yoshida’s Sauce is now enjoyed in more than 10 countries worldwide.
From Washing Dishes to Building a Global Brand
Junki Yoshida’s Remarkable Success Story
Junki Yoshida was born in Kyoto in 1949 as the youngest of seven siblings. At the age of four, he lost sight in his right eye—yet he went on to strengthen both body and spirit through karate.
At 19, he moved alone to the United States with no English skills, no money, and no connections. He supported himself through extremely difficult years, working as a dishwasher while also serving as an assistant instructor at a karate dojo.
The turning point came when he prepared barbecue meals for his students using a homemade sauce based on his mother’s recipe. The response was overwhelming—“This is amazing!”—and he decided to turn it into a product.
His sauce quickly gained attention not only for its flavor, but also for his unforgettable in-store demonstrations: wearing a cowboy hat, kimono, and wooden geta sandals while passionately explaining his product. The unique style and authentic taste resonated across America, leading to explosive success.
Today, the Yoshida Group has grown into a global brand with annual sales of approximately ¥25 billion, and Mr. Yoshida has been inducted into the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Hall of Fame—a true embodiment of the American Dream.
Meet Junki Yoshida in Person
Yoshida’s Gourmet Sauce Tasting & Bottle Signing Events in Hawaii
Now, you can meet Mr. Yoshida himself at special events held at Don Quijote Honolulu and Don Don Donki Kapolei locations in Hawaii.
Yoshida’s Gourmet Sauce – Junki Yoshida Tasting & Signing Event
Friday, February 20 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Don Quijote Honolulu
801 Kaheka St #A7, Honolulu, HI 96814
Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Don Don Donki Kapolei
500 Kamokila Blvd, Kapolei, HI 96707
Event Highlights
Bottle Signing: Receive Mr. Yoshida’s autograph with your purchase
Photo & Talk Session: You can talk with Mr. Yoshida in person at the store.
You can take a memory photo there, too.Live Tasting Demo: Sample dishes prepared with Mr. Yoshida’s own recipes
Free Souvenir: Receive a special can badge featuring Mr. Yoshida’s face
Mr. Yoshida has shared, “I’m truly looking forward to meeting everyone in Hawaii.”
For three special days, you’ll be able to taste a sauce that represents perseverance, passion, and the American Dream—straight from the hands of the man who created it.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity. Visit Don Quijote and Don Don Donki and experience the story and flavor of Yoshida’s Gourmet Sauce for yourself.
