Step 1

In a medium-size pot whisk together soy sauce, water, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.

Step 2

Bring mixture to a boil, constantly whisk until sauce is slightly thickened, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Transfer 1 cup of the sauce to a bowl to use for basting the chicken.

Step 4

Thread cut pieces of chicken on wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 5

Drizzle both sides of skewers with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking when cooking.

Step 6

Preheat grill over medium-high heat. Use a paper towel dipped in oil to clean and grease the grill grates.

Step 7

Once the grill is hot add the skewers and cook for 4 minutes. Flip over and baste the cooked side with the sauce. Cook 4 minutes.

Step 8

Flip skewer over, baste with sauce, cook 2 minutes covered.

Step 9

Flip skewer over again, baste, cook 2 minutes covered.

Step 10

Repeat flipping, basting and covered cooking 2 additional times, 16 minutes total cooking time.

Step 11

Sprinkle chicken yakitori skewers with sesame seeds. Serve immediately with additional sauce.