SEA - Looking for best traditional sushi

As background, I've lived in Japan for a few years and have been going back and forth between different parts of the States, currently Seattle, and Japan for 12 some years. I have been fortunate to dine at some of Japan's finest sushi and fish establishments. While some may look to variety or number of non-mundane delicacies, what should be given high consideration is freshness. Having eaten at many of the major sushi establishments up and down the coasts in the States, excepting LA, I must say that the establishment that has most closely approximated the freshness of fish in Japan is Shiro's. He is the self-proclaimed pickiest fish buyer in Seattle and I believe him. No matter what sort of variety any establishment may have, if it's not fresh, what's the point. That aside, many of the exclusive sushi establishments in Japan have a very small selection of fish, but all are of exquisite freshness. Shiro's is similar in that respect. Another element that makes Shiro's a great culinary experience is Shiro's use of many local fish items in their appropriate seasons, so, yes you will likely eat something you have not had before. Eating seasonal local food is a very Japanese mindset that Shiro has fully adapted to Seattle. That, coupled with freshness, is why discerning Japanese palates dine at Shiro's. Shiro now works only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so make sure you go on one of those days, as it does differ than the other days of the week. On a different note, Shiro is a major figure in the history of sushi in the States since coming to Seattle 40+ years ago, fresh from training in Tokyo. Enjoy his food while he is still with us. The next best thing is to eat at Jiro's, although at $300 for 45 minutes, enjoy the relatively inexpensive fish at Shiro's.

usagi in Pacific Northwest