Kampai Japanese Steakhouse Added to NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo joined the restaurant’s owners to announce the designation on October 28, 2026.
By WBNG Staff
Published: Oct. 29, 2026 at 12:10 AM GMT+1 | Updated: 10 hours ago
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — A family-owned Japanese restaurant in Vestal with a rich history reached a significant milestone.
A Historic Restaurant Celebrates 50 Years
Kampai Japanese Steakhouse, open since December 19, 1975, marked its 50th anniversary last year. It is the Southern Tier's first hibachi restaurant and one of the oldest Japanese eateries in upstate New York.
The restaurant's story began in the 1970s with Ryoichi "Richard" Matsushima, a first-generation Japanese immigrant. At 20 years old, he moved to Vestal and established Kampai. Over a decade later, he introduced sushi to the community, bringing in a Japanese chef and importing products directly from Japan. The restaurant's name, Kampai, translates to "cheers" in Japanese.
A Family Legacy
Kampai has been passed down to the next generation. Michael and Andrew Matsushima, Richard's sons, now own and operate the restaurant.
The recognition means a lot to the family as it symbolizes years of hard work, family traditions, and the unwavering support of the local community.
To get on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, businesses must be in operation for at least 50 years and be nominated by a state elected official. The registry, established in 2020, is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
As part of the designation, Kampai will be featured on the program's interactive online map and display an official certificate and window decal.