Let’s start with the history of Edo-style nigiri sushi. It is said to have originated in the early 1800s. Initially, it was primarily served at makeshift sushi stands that moved around town, so people would stop by those stands and eat sushi while standing. Have you ever heard the term “Edokko”? It refers to native Tokyo people who have been living in Tokyo for generations. Since they live in the bustling capital of Japan, they are often said to be a little impatient in general. That is probably why Edo sushi gained popularity, as you can spontaneously stop by and enjoy a meal quickly.

Later, the serving style gradually changed from stands to indoor premises. At that time, sushi chefs would prepare sushi sitting on their heels, and customers would eat while standing. As sushi became more popular, sushi restaurants began to function more like a place for socialization, giving rise to the serving styles we see today—one of them is the orthodox one that has a display case on the counter and the other one is family-friendly revolving sushi. And the evolution of revolving sushi is mind-blowing. You can place orders at the table using a tablet, and the sushi you order will be delivered on a bullet train-like machine that runs on the rail connected from the kitchen, so you can have a fun experience like an amusement park. Moreover revolving sushi are diversifying their menus at an incredible pace, and now they are even using hamburger steaks, tempura, and grilled meat, as well as vegetarian ingredients such as avocados and basil sauce. If Edokko from 200 years ago saw these things, they might be petrified with astonishment.

Of course, as much as these latest unique styles are popular, traditional restaurants in Ginza or other high-end restaurants are also popular. At these restaurants, reservations are always filled, and you often have to wait for months.

Being loved that much and having evolved to acquire such diversity, sushi even goes beyond the framework of food, and becomes content as itself. For example, there are many popular characters and related goods that are inspired by sushi, such as the “Toki Sudeni Osushi” series which is popular for its characters’ laid-back and kawaii looks as well as the “Neko Zushi Nyata” series that features cats sitting on top of sushi. Moreover, there are products inspired by the plastic food samples that you often see displayed by the entrance of restaurants in Japan. The sushi magnets available at Fa-So-La AKIHABARA in Narita Airport Terminal 1 are handmade by craftspeople with great care, and they look so realistic that you will mistake them for real sushi. You can’t take sushi home as a souvenir, as it is a raw food, so why not get these sushi-inspired goods for “takeout”？

Sushi magnets / Tax-free price ¥660 each

(Information as of April 2023)