Food History

Conveyor Belt Sushi History: The Origins of Kaiten Sushi

How Beer Inspired a Sushi Revolution.

Today, we can have a range of sushi, from incredibly expensive sushi counter experiences to affordable and fast sushi shops. Read all about conveyor belt sushi history and how bottles of beer sparked an idea for sushi for the people:

 

Food Facts

Conveyor belt sushi, known as kaiten zushi in Japanese meaning “turnover sushi”, was invented by Yoshiaki Shiraishi who got the idea after seeing beer bottles at an Asashi Brewery’s assembly line.

Shiraishi opened this one-of-a-king sushi restaurant in 1958 in Osaka.
 

Conveyor Belt Sushi History

For restauranteur Yoshiaki Shiraishi life changed in the mid-1950s after a tour of an Asahi Brewery factory where he saw beer bottles going down an assembly line on conveyor belts.

Using that image of beer bottles, he solved his problem of restaurant staffing with efficiency and production technology – two things highly prized in Japan.

In 1958, Shiraishi introduced kaiten zushi, or turnover sushi, in which plates of sushi went around to each customer on a conveyor belt.

Yes, this took away from tradition. Yes, it did not have refinement. Yes, it was not about the art of sushi.

But, wow, what a fun attraction to watch and to experience. And, it saved money on waiters and fancy sushi chefs.

There were so many new-found benefits, including faster customer turnover and affordable prices. In a sense, this was healthy fast food.

And while it was not considered at all gourmet, this became a fun, casual meal for families and friends. Kaiten zushi provided sushi for the everyday person.
 
 
Buy your Official JR Pass and Regional Pass!

Stay connected in Japan with Pocket Wifi!

Arrive in style and convenience with Meet & Greet service!


 
 
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. With no additional cost to you, your purchases earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!


Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!

Angela

Share
Published by
Angela

Recent Posts

Ramen History of Japan’s Famous Noodle Soup

Slurping up the Strands & Theories of Ramen History. Ramen is undoubtedly one of Japan’s…

3 days ago

Silog History: Looking Back at the Famous Filipino Breakfast

In Search of Silog’s Origin Story. Silog is a must-have dish when in the Philippines.…

5 days ago

Poke History: From the Ocean to the Islands to the Mainland

Origins and Variations of Poke. In recent years, poke and poke bowls have been so…

1 week ago

Sinigang History: The Unofficial National Dish of the Philippines?

Everyday Comfort Food for All Occasions. While the world may know of adobo or lumpiang…

2 weeks ago

Parker House Rolls History: The Unintentional Creation of America’s Dinner Roll

Kind of on purpose, but also kind of an accident. Parker House Rolls are dubbed…

2 weeks ago

Pepperoni History: Origins & Timeline

A Timeline of Pepperoni History. Pepperoni is truly an iconic American food as it is…

3 weeks ago