Spirits of Sushi: Introduction
The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Japan's Sushi Tradition
Japan's food culture is truly overwhelming. Having traveled to about 40 countries and visited more than 6,000 restaurants, I am firmly convinced that Japanese culinary culture ranks among the highest globally. The hospitality and hygiene standards of the wait staff are also world-class.
Despite Japan's declining international economic power and its modest presence on the global stage, I am convinced that its culinary culture is of such a caliber that it would make the world proud. This virtue is unwavering and enduring.
Gourmets visiting Japan will be delighted as long as they discover the finest restaurants that cater to their tastes. They are invariably impressed by the unmatched flavors and keep returning Japan for more.
In fact, I have friends who are “gourmet repeaters” of Japan, including Americans, Singaporeans, Thais, Hong Kong people, and Taiwanese. They visit Japan driven by their love of cuisine and explore Japan with more vigor than many locals, passionately sharing the allure of Japanese culture and ingredients.
Sushi is a Japanese dish renowned worldwide, and it often ranks alongside Ramen, Sukiyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Tempura as a favorite among visitors to Japan. For the Japanese, sushi is not just popular; it's a coveted delicacy. Even in its homeland, sushi attracts nearly every citizen, a testament to its enduring appeal.
“The good fight” of sushi in during the COVID-19 crisis is particularly noteworthy. Despite challenges like shortened business hours of all restaurants and the “Prohibition of Alcoholic Beverages Law” in Tokyo, top sushi restaurants remained fully booked, underscoring their unwavering popularity.
This period saw sushi's popularity in Japan surge, particularly around 2016, leading to what has been termed the “sushi bubble”. New sushi establishments proliferated rapidly, contributing to the upscale trend in sushi dining.
While I personally would prefer more reasonable prices, it's fascinating to observe the ongoing evolution of “Edomae Sushi”, a traditional cuisine dating back to the Bunka-Bunsei era (1804-1831) of the Edo period. This culinary art continues to advance, reflecting both its rich history and modern appeal.
Sushi, a deceptively simple dish within Japanese cuisine, employs fewer cooking methods than its Western counterparts. Yet, its true brilliance lies in its ever-evolving expressions, becoming increasingly delicious and sophisticated over time. Despite its global popularity, the full extent of sushi's greatness remains underappreciated, both in Japan and worldwide. As a sushi aficionado who has devoted time and personal resources to exploring this culinary art since my youth, I am compelled to write this articles. My aim is to enlighten all of humanity with updated knowledge and a deeper understanding of sushi!
I know this introduction is a bit belated, but allow me to introduce myself.
Yuya Ohtani, the author, discovered the allure of sushi in 2008, in my mid-20s. In 2015, I launched a blog dedicated to sushi, “Sushi Log”, with the goal of increasing the number of sushi enthusiasts. Until then, there is no media platform solely focused on sushi in japan. My fascination with sushi began for a simple reason: sushi encapsulates complex tastes and aromas in a single bite, creating an emotional experience. I fell in love with this “excitement of a bite” and started my journey into the world of sushi. It's rare to find any other dish that offers such a diverse range of flavors in just one bite.
Every time I dine around the world, I'm reminded of sushi's uniqueness and allure. Truly delicious sushi changes its flavor with each bite and leaves a lasting aftertaste. Sushi that makes you instantly exclaim, “Wow, delicious!” is not necessarily the best sushi. Sushi embodies a uniquely Japanese aesthetic of "wabi" and "sabi”.
From its inception, Japanese cuisine has been centered around rice and fish, evolving as an offering to the gods. A decade ago, the global palate tended to shy away from raw fish, but in recent years, the culture of eating fish, particularly in its raw form, has gained newfound appreciation. Nowadays, more people, both Westerners and Asians, are embracing raw fish and sushi. When I visit sushi restaurants in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, I frequently encounter foreign tourists. It's impressive to see them often enjoying sushi with more finesse than some Japanese diners. I am grateful to these international visitors for choosing sushi as a valued dining experience during their stay in Japan.
Throughout my journey of savoring sushi, I've come to a firm realization: Sushi enriches lives. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it nourishes not just the body but also the spirit. This, I believe, is the secret of sushi. Dining at a sushi restaurant does more than satisfy hunger; it enhances one's personal charm and garners respect from others. The nuances of this transformation are detailed extensively in my narrative.
A first-class sushi restaurant is a haven of tranquility and cleanliness, often reminding me of the ethereal ambiance of shrines and temples. These establishments are more than just places to eat; they are spaces where one can connect with Japanese culture and introspect. Facing a sushi chef across the counter, even as a Japanese person, I'm sometimes reminded of a samurai engaged in earnest battle. This feeling likely stems from the unique tension present in these settings, the flow of quality time, and the chef's special hospitality, as they prepare and serve dishes spontaneously over the counter.
Occasionally, I observe diners in sushi restaurants who slouch and eat in a disrespectful, coarse manner. Such individuals, regardless of their wealth and social status, seem spiritually impoverished and unable to enrich their own lives. In contrast, the expression of a person who stands tall and faces the sushi chef and sushi with the appreciation is truly beautiful. They exude confidence and respect for others. Seeing such people, I am further convinced of sushi's power to enrich lives.
By the time you finish reading my narrative, you will have gained insights akin to those of a world-class sushi connoisseur. You will find yourself drawn to sushi restaurants in Japan. And upon visiting one, you will recognize the truths I've introduced here, becoming thoroughly captivated by the world of sushi.
In the next article, I will discuss "The History of Sushi: From Japanese Tradition to Global Phenomenon". Please look forward to it!
If you enjoy this article, please share it on your social networks. Your support inspires me to keep writing!
The TOC of “Spirits of Sushi“
Introduction: Unveiling Sushi Secrets
The History of Sushi
Exploring Sushi Varieties: Edomae-zushi (Nigiri-zushi), Kansai-zushi, and More
Essential Sushi Vocabulary: Key Terms for Navigating a Sushi Restaurant
The Heart of Sushi: A Guide to “Shari”, Sushi Rice
A Deep Dive into Sushi Fish and Accompaniments
The Art of the Sushi Master: Traditional Japanese Knives
Japan's Exquisite Fish Culture: From Tsukiji to Toyosu Market and Various Regions
Must-Visit Sushi Restaurants: From Tokyo to Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Other Regions
Regional Sushi Styles: Exploring Japan's Diverse Sushi Culture
Sushi and Sake Pairings: A Culinary Adventure
Sushi Etiquette and Table Manner: Dining like a Sophisticated Local
Shopping in Japan: Essentials for Crafting Delicious Sushi at Home
Sushi in Pop Culture: Manga and Movies
Sushi: A Lens on Health and Sustainability
Wrapping Up: The Future of Sushi