Irasshai is the dream project of two Japan enthusiasts

Thierry Maincent & Xavier Marchand. Their goal through this place? To allow Japanese cuisine enthusiasts to overcome the language barrier and get hands-on with explanations and advice on product labels. They also wanted to bring back to the heart of Paris the welcoming, contemporary, and relaxed Japan they have loved for years!

iRASSHAi - which means "welcome" in Japanese - consists of several spaces to satisfy all desires. On the menu? 


THE GROCERY
KISSABA ∙ café-bar
KISSABA · temaki bar
takeaway sales
SHOKUDO ∙ the canteen
BIWAN ∙ the table

Located opposite the Bourse de Commerce and spanning over 800 square meters, 40 rue du Louvre is a lively place open every day from 10 a.m. to midnight. iRASSHAi is also accessible via rue du Louvre, rue Berger, and rue de Viarmes.

Want to enjoy the flavors of iRASSHAi at home? Extend the experience at home: our grocery store is also available online at www.irasshai.co, with a selection of Japanese products to order in just a few clicks. Free delivery from €50 in France and from €90 in Europe.

Co-founder and president

Thierry Maincent 

Great traveler and passionate about Japan for decades now, Thierry Maincent has first got in the kitchen at the Cordon Bleu de Tokyo school and at a specialized distributor of great wines, before taking the lead of the Japan Experience Shoppingist , of which he is today the president. With Xavier Marchand, he imagines Irasshai, a modern and welcoming place to find in Paris the Japan which he cherishes.

His favorite Japanese ingredient: Amazake

His favorite Japanese recipe: Sukiyaki

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Co-founder and DG

Xavier Merchant

After spending six years in Japan for his studies at the University of Tokyo and then his first professional experiences, Xavier wanted to find the Japanese good taste in Paris. With his Japanese wife, they first opened two restaurants in Paris. In parallel with the kitchen, it was towards the trip that he turned by integrating the Japan Experience team. The culmination of his passion for Japan was born in 2023 with Irasshai, of which he is the co-founder and managing director.

His favorite Japanese ingredient : The Yuzu Kosho

His favorite Japanese recipe: The shabu shabu

The iRASSHAi brand

Accessible products, designed for everyday life

The new iRASSHAi essentials range includes 10 of the most commonly used ingredients in Japan, such as rice, soy sauce, and matcha, carefully selected for the authenticity of their flavor and their value for money. These basics are offered in sizes and quantities suited for first-time use, with the promise of typical Japanese flavors.

For each product, iRASSHAi offers simple recipes that celebrate the great classics, as well as easy ideas to incorporate them into everyday dishes. Whether you are a flavor purist or an adventurous foodie, these suggestions invite you to explore, experiment, and above all, enjoy with ease. iRASSHAi turns preparing Japanese dishes into a smooth, quick, and intuitive experience—without ever compromising on flavor.

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Discover iRASSHAi products

the essentials of Japanese cuisine

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Our product selection

During the two years leading up to the opening of iRASSHAi, a dedicated team tested a (very) large number of products to build the current selection, which includes over 1000 items, three-quarters of which are being sold for the first time in France!

Since then, iRASSHAi’s Purchasing department, now made up of 4 people, works daily to add new products to the offer. This can happen in various ways: by listening to customer suggestions, traveling to Japan to identify (and especially taste) popular new products… If the product meets certain criteria (quality, price, taste, relevance…), it is added to the iRASSHAi catalog! In any case, nothing ends up on the shelves without first being tasted by the Purchasing team!

If one of your favorite Japanese ingredients is not yet in the catalog, don’t hesitate to send us a little note at the email address hello@irasshai.co. Customer suggestions are more than welcome, and the Purchasing department will carefully consider your request!

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The latest new arrivals

imported directly from Japan

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The iRASSHAi loyalty program

The Club

What's on the menu for our loyalty program?

Points to earn from your online and in-store purchases, specific missions, and delicious rewards across all our spaces.

JOIN THE CLUB

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