•  International Sushi Day

Date:

June 18 (celebrated annually)

What Is International Sushi Day?

International Sushi Day is a global celebration of sushi, the iconic Japanese dish made with vinegared rice and a variety of fillings or toppings like raw fish, vegetables, and seaweed. It’s a day to honor the art, history, and enjoyment of sushi around the world.

Why is Sushi Celebrated Internationally?

While sushi is traditionally Japanese, it has become a beloved global cuisine, symbolizing:

• Culinary craftsmanship

• Fresh, clean eating

• Artistic food presentation

• Cross-cultural appreciation

International Sushi Day is a celebration of both culture and cuisine, enjoyed by millions around the world in homes, restaurants, and food festivals.

Purpose of the Day

• To promote Japanese culture and cuisine, especially the artistry of sushi-making.

• Encourage people to try different types of sushi, from traditional nigiri to modern fusion rolls.

• Support local sushi restaurants, chefs, and sustainable seafood practices.

• Educate people about sushi etiquette, its varieties, and its health benefits.

History of Sushi & the Day

• Sushi originated in Southeast Asia as a method to preserve fish in fermented rice.

• Modern sushi, as we know it today, evolved in Japan during the Edo period (1600s–1800s).

• International Sushi Day is believed to have been started informally by sushi fans on social media in 2009—not as an official holiday but as a viral movement to appreciate the dish.

A Brief History of Sushi

• Ancient Origins:
  Sushi began as “narezushi” in Southeast Asia—a method to ferment fish in salted rice to preserve it.

• Edo Period (1603–1868):
  Sushi evolved in Japan as fast food sold at street stalls in Tokyo (then called Edo). This was the birth of “edomae-zushi” (what we now call nigiri).

• 20th Century Expansion:
  Sushi gained popularity in the U.S. and globally starting in the 1960s and 70s, especially in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London.

Types of Sushi

1. Nigiri – Hand-formed rice with a slice of fish on top

2. Maki – Rolled sushi, wrapped in seaweed (nori)

3. Temaki – Hand-rolled cone-shaped sushi

4. Sashimi – Thin slices of raw fish (no rice)

5. Uramaki – Inside-out rolls with rice on the outside

6. Chirashi – A bowl of rice topped with assorted fish

How People Celebrate

• Visit a sushi restaurant or order sushi from a local vendor.

• Make homemade sushi with kits and fresh ingredients.

• Try new or exotic sushi varieties (e.g., uni, eel, vegetarian rolls).

• Share photos and recipes using #InternationalSushiDay.

• Learn about sushi traditions, etiquette, and proper chopstick use.

Fun Facts About Sushi

• The word "sushi" refers to the vinegared rice, not the fish.

• Sushi-grade fish must meet strict freshness and safety standards.

• In Japan, sushi is traditionally eaten with hands, not chopsticks.

• Wasabi in many countries is horseradish-based — real wasabi is rare and expensive.

Why It Matters

• Sushi represents culinary precision, balance, and presentation.

• It's a healthy food choice—high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and low in fat.

• Encourages cross-cultural appreciation and global culinary exploration.

• Highlights the importance of sustainable fishing and ocean conservation.

 Sushi Etiquette (Dos and Don’ts)

 Do This                                                                   Avoid This

Eat nigiri in one bite                                           Rubbing chopsticks together

Dip the fish (not rice) in soy sauce                       Overdosing with soy sauce or wasabi

Use your hands for nigiri or rolls                           Mixing wasabi in soy sauce (in Japan, it's seen as                                                                                        disrespectful)

Say “Itadakimasu” before eating                              Leaving rice behind or wasting food

(means “I humbly receive”)

Popular Sushi Rolls Around the World

Roll Name                                  Description

California Roll                         Imitation crab, cucumber, avocado (American invention)

Spicy Tuna Roll                         Raw tuna mixed with chili and mayo

Dragon Roll                                 Eel, avocado, cucumber with sweet sauce

Rainbow Roll                                 California roll topped with various sashimi

Tempura Roll                                 Deep-fried shrimp with spicy sauce

Health Benefits of Sushi

• Omega-3s from raw fish promote brain and heart health

• High-protein, low-fat—especially with lean fish like tuna

• Vinegared rice aids digestion

• Wasabi and ginger have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Sushi as a Global Movement

• Sushi has become a cultural bridge, helping people appreciate Japanese traditions.

• International chefs often fuse sushi with local flavors (e.g., Mexican sushi rolls with jalapeño, Korean kimchi sushi, or vegan sushi).

• Sushi bars and conveyor-belt sushi restaurants (kaitenzushi) now thrive in major cities worldwide.

Ways to Celebrate International Sushi Day

1. Try Making Sushi at Home
   You can use a bamboo mat, sushi rice, nori sheets, and fillings like avocado, cucumber, tuna, or tofu.

2. Support Local Sushi Restaurants
   Order from or visit a local Japanese or sushi place and try something new.

3. Learn from a Sushi Chef
   Some places offer sushi-making workshops or online classes.

4. Promote Sustainable Sushi
   Choose ocean-friendly fish (like pole-caught tuna or farm-raised salmon) and avoid overfished species.

5. Host a Sushi Party
   Have friends bring different rolls and enjoy sushi together, along with miso soup or sake.