From a commoner’s perspective
A unique perspective on Tokyo’s sushi culture from the perspective of the common man. In the Edo period (1603-1867), sushi was a kind of snack and was eaten in large onigiri (rice ball) sizes. The standing-eating style was common, and sushi chefs made their sushi while sitting on their haunches. It is unthinkable nowadays to eat sushi sitting on one’s hands at a standing sushi restaurant!
And it is said that the current bite-size sushi came about because of ingenuity during a time of rice shortages. When sushi restaurants were recognized as a “processing industry,” a rule was created to process one cup of rice into 10 pieces of sushi, which became the basis for today’s nigiri-zushi size. What a clever response!
Another interesting fact is that the large yugu (teacup) served at sushi restaurants was to save the craftsmen the trouble of changing the tea. Enjoying tea slowly with a large cup of tea… This may have been a good opportunity for busy Edo people to take a break.
In Tokyo today, sushi culture has diversified from conveyor-belt sushi to high-end sushi restaurants. But at the root of it all is the pure desire to eat sushi, a desire that has continued since the Edo period.
Tokyo’s sushi culture has changed with the times, but it is a food culture that continues to be loved, born of the wisdom and ingenuity of the common people. The next time you see a large teacup at a sushi restaurant, try to imagine the life of people in the Edo period. It will surely make sushi taste even better.
Tracing the history
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that Japan is proud to offer to the world. It has a long history and is believed to have originated among the mountainous peoples of Southeast Asia around the 4th century B.C. It was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794). It was introduced to Japan in the Nara period (710-794) and was initially eaten as a preserved food called “nare-zushi. Nigiri-zushi” appeared in the Edo period (1603-1867) and has undergone many evolutions up to the present day.
The basics of sushi are Shari (vinegared rice) and Neta (toppings). Some say that the name “shari” comes from busshari, meaning Buddha’s bones. For the neta, fresh seafood is commonly used, but vegetables and eggs are also used. Sushi is then eaten with wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
There are also many interesting terms related to sushi. For example, “gari” refers to pickled ginger in sweet vinegar, so named because of the “garigari” sound it makes when chewed. Namida” refers to wasabi (Japanese horseradish), so named because it is so spicy that it brings tears to the eyes.
Sushi is a dish deeply rooted not only in Japanese food culture, but also in its society and language. For foreigners, it is more than just a meal; it is an experience of Japanese history and culture. Even a single piece of sushi is filled with Japan’s rich traditions and innovations. Why not check out a sushi restaurant near you and see what new items and terms are available?
Tokyo Sushi Restaurant
Tokyo offers a wide variety of sushi experiences, from reasonably priced restaurants where you can enjoy sushi for less than 10,000 yen to upscale sushi restaurants where you may want to splurge on a special occasion. At Sushi Sodatsu in Hatsudai, you can enjoy Bib Gourmand-winning sushi at a reasonable price. Or, at Sushidokoro Shigeru in Akebonobashi, you can enjoy authentic sushi at a reasonable price. In Marunouchi, Manten Sushi Marunouchi offers a popular omakase course using seasonal ingredients. A sushi tour of Tokyo is truly a gastronomic treasure trove.
Now, when it comes to sushi in Tokyo, the sheer variety is astounding. From simple but exquisitely flavored nigiri-style dishes to creative a la carte dishes, the skills of sushi chefs shine through. At Sushi Shizume in Tsukiji, you can enjoy Edomae-zushi on the terrace for a modest price. Unique sushi restaurants in Tokyo also seem to be gaining popularity, such as the mackerel sushi at Kurumaya in Bunkyo-ku and the albacore with Aruban white truffle at Hatsune Sushi in Ota-ku.
Exploring sushi in Tokyo is like a treasure hunt. What surprises will the next sushi restaurant you visit have to offer? Grab your chopsticks and set out on an adventurous journey!
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