Essay On Sushi

Sushi is a Japanese cuisine consisting of vinegared rice and different seafood as the main ingredient while vegetables or other ingredients are sometimes used as well. Sushi has undergone intense and spectacular modern transformation. Nonetheless, the only unchanged ingredient that all types of sushi have is rice as the name of sushi literally means “vinegar rice”.1 In this paper, the history of sushi, its cultural importance in Japan, and its value to Japanese people so context in Japan are unfolded based on the information gathered from eight credible articles.

The history of sushi can be traced back to the Mekong river basin, including most of Southeast Asia countries and Southern China, during the 7th century.1 It all started when the

Sushi is considered to be an ancient Japanese art from the time when it was a popular dish in the party of the crown prince of Pacific Rim.4 Based on It includes all five senses of the body; the sense of satisfaction can derive from simply looking at the food.1 Sushi typifies a national art of Japan by interpreting the white of the rice and the red color of the fish as the white and red found on the Japanese flag.1 Furthermore, from preparing sushi to eating sushi, the Zen Buddhism concept is divulged.3 The astonishing art of sushi can only be described using Japanese poetry or philosophy, haiku and wabi sabi respectively, which both consist of the ideas of Zen. Even the interior and exterior design of the sushi bar is the indication of Zen Buddhism.3 In addition, there are several forms of sushi thrived separately in different regions of Japan, representing these regions.5 For instance, Kinki region has Kakino-ha zushi, the sushi packed in the persimmon leaf, and Sanma-zushi, which is the salted Pacific saury sushi, whereas Kyushu and Okinawa region is famous for Buen Zushi, referred to a type of sushi made with snapper. As a festive food for Japanese New Year and Obon Festival, which is a ceremony to venerate the spirits of

Sushi chefs are highly respected by Japanese people.7 The reason behind it is that they need to spend at least ten years and undergo a tough and bitter experience to have the qualifications working behind the sushi bar. From cleaning the kitchen, shadowing their chef mentor, and cooling the prepared rice to making rice, mastering the professional knife skills, and making sushi rolls at the side, the apprentices need to be competent to do these tasks before becoming a respectful sushi chef. The official jobs of the sushi chefs are apparently more than these duties. Besides that, Japanese have set the rules of sushi etiquette influenced by the religious beliefs.1 Cleaning the hands before eating by using a wet towel provided, eating each piece of sushi in one bite if possible, and consuming the mildest flavored sushi are some of the examples. 1,7 It is critical to follow these guidelines to earn the respect of Japanese people as they hold sushi in great esteem. In addition, based on Sakamoto and Allen,8 sushi is a traditional food that must be protected against the globalization and food cultural change. They explained that the meaning of sushi for Japanese people was often misinterpreted by foreigners; the only feasible connotation was that sushi is the symbolic food