Japonais, later known as Japonais by Morimoto, opened in 2003 under the Mirai Sushi Restaurant Group. They offered French-Japanese fusion cuisine and was located at 600 W. Chicago Avenue in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. For eight years, the restaurant was led by Chef Gene Kato, who became a key figure there. In 2011, Chef Kato left to start Sumi Robata Bar.