International Sushi Day 🍣

Overview

International Sushi Day, observed annually on June 18th, is a global celebration dedicated to the iconic Japanese dish. It encourages people worldwide to appreciate the art, history, and diverse flavors of sushi, from traditional nigiri and maki to innovative rolls, and to explore its cultural significance as a culinary staple. The day promotes enjoying sushi at restaurants, making it at home, or learning more about its preparation and ingredients.

Origin and story

Sushi originally began as a method for preserving fish in Southeast Asia, where fermented rice was used to wrap and preserve fish, not eaten with it.

The word 'sushi' actually refers to the vinegared rice, not the raw fish itself. Raw fish served without rice is called 'sashimi.'

Quick facts

• DateJune 18
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

Modern nigiri sushi wasn't crafted as a slow, refined art — it started in 1820s Edo as fast food for busy townspeople, invented or perfected by a single chef looking to feed people quickly.

Eat some

Celebrate by:

• Getting sushi today, whether it's from your favorite spot or somewhere new.
• Trying a style or roll you don't normally order.

See where nigiri actually came from

Helpful resources:

• When Sushi Became a New Fast Food in Edo (Nippon.com)

Did you know?

Sushi as we know it required a shortcut: vinegar replaced the weeks-long lactic fermentation older sushi styles relied on, letting Edo-period cooks pair fresh fish with rice almost instantly instead of waiting.

Fun facts

• Sushi originally began as a method for preserving fish in Southeast Asia, where fermented rice was used to wrap and preserve fish, not eaten with it.
• The word 'sushi' actually refers to the vinegared rice, not the raw fish itself. Raw fish served without rice is called 'sashimi.'
• Much of the 'wasabi' served in restaurants outside of Japan is often a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and green food coloring, as true wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is expensive and difficult to cultivate.

Sources and attribution

When Sushi Became a New Fast Food in Edo (Nippon.com)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is International Sushi Day?

It is observed on June 18 each year.

What is International Sushi Day?

International Sushi Day, observed annually on June 18th, is a global celebration dedicated to the iconic Japanese dish. It encourages people worldwide to appreciate the art, history, and diverse flavors of sushi, from traditional nigiri and maki to innovative rolls, and to explore its cultural significance as a culinary staple. The day promotes enjoying sushi at restaurants, making it at home, or learning more about its preparation and ingredients.

How do people celebrate International Sushi Day?

Get sushi and try a style you don't normally order — nigiri itself started as fast food in 1820s Edo, not a slow culinary art.

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