A Walk with Richard

“A walk with Richard” is an intimate portrait of a first- generation Japanese immigrant and restauranteur who firmly believes in “protecting” the customer, his business and his legacy. Richard landed in Vestal, NY in 1975 and opened Kampai, a Hibachi restaurant that same year.

Richard has always instilled the values of putting the customer first for over five decades and that legacy continues with his three children who now run the restaurant. Richard is retired but still pops in and out of Kampai to perform his rituals like cleaning the parking lot by-hand every morning before opening and closing out the last nights books. Our short film shares intimate moments with Richard and his family, illustrating what all of us in Vestal, NY have known about him for a long time. It is time to share his story with a larger audience and celebrate his legacy.

Director: Jonathan Walley

Production Co: Walley Cinema Works

Re-Recording Mixer and Sound Designer: Benjamin Wong

Composer: Richard Hamilton