Every year on 18th June, sushi lovers all around the world celebrate International Sushi Day - a delicious occasion dedicated to one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions.
Beautifully prepared, thoughtfully presented and deeply connected to Japanese culture, sushi is far more than simply a meal. In Japan, food presentation is considered an art form, where colour, balance, texture, and seasonality all play an important role. Sushi perfectly reflects this philosophy.
A Brief History of Sushi
Although modern sushi is now enjoyed globally, its origins date back centuries in Japan. Early forms of sushi began as a method of preserving fish with fermented rice. Over time, this evolved into the fresh and elegant style we recognise today, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Tokyo.
Interestingly, many people outside Japan assume sushi simply means raw fish, but sushi actually refers to the specially prepared vinegared rice that forms the foundation of the dish. The word ‘sushi’ comes from a Japanese term meaning ‘sour rice,’ referring to the seasoning of rice with vinegar. Sliced raw fish is called ‘sashimi’.
Whilst some sushi does include raw fish, many varieties are made with cooked seafood, vegetables, egg or pickled ingredients. Popular fillings and toppings can include tuna, prawns, crab, cucumber, avocado, shiitake mushrooms, omelette and grilled eel, making sushi an incredibly varied and accessible cuisine.
There are many different styles of sushi to enjoy:
Nigiri – hand-pressed rice ball topped with thin sliced fish, seafood, vegetable or egg omelette.
Maki – rolled sushi wrapped in nori, seaweed sheet
Temaki – hand-rolled cone-shaped sushi with seaweed sheet
Chirashi – sushi rice topped with seafood, shredded egg omlette and fresh vegetables
Each style celebrates simplicity, freshness and craftsmanship.
Bringing Japanese Dining Home
One of the joys of sushi is the experience of sharing it with others. Whether you prepare your own sushi at home or order from your favourite restaurant, creating a beautiful table setting can make the occasion feel even more special.
Traditional Japanese tableware is designed to enhance both the food and the dining experience. Sushi served on elegant Japanese sushi plates instantly feels more authentic, while small soy sauce dishes add both practicality and charm to the table. The balance of colours, textures and handcrafted ceramics helps create the calm and welcoming atmosphere often associated with Japanese dining.
For summer entertaining, lightweight Japanese fabrics can also bring softness and seasonal style to the table. Handkerchiefs, tenugui and furoshiki wrapping cloths make wonderful alternatives to traditional table linens, adding colour, pattern and a touch of Japanese craftsmanship to your dining setting. A tenugui, the traditional Japanese cotton cloth, is particularly versatile and can be used as a placemat, runner, napkin or decorative accent. Furoshiki can also be used creatively as placemats, napkins, bottle wraps or centrepieces, helping to create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere for a sushi gathering.
As sushi is often enjoyed during warmer weather, traditional Japanese fans are another lovely addition to summer dining. Whether placed beside each setting or used outdoors during garden gatherings, fans add a practical yet elegant touch while helping create a refreshing seasonal atmosphere inspired by Japanese summer festivals and outdoor dining traditions.
Japanese Dining Etiquette
If you are planning your own sushi celebration, here are a few traditional customs often observed in Japan:
• Soy sauce is used sparingly to avoid overpowering delicate flavours
• Pickled ginger is eaten between different sushi pieces as a palate cleanser
• It is polite not to rub disposable chopsticks together
• Presentation and appreciation of the meal are considered part of the experience
• These small traditions help make sushi dining feel mindful and enjoyable.
Celebrate Sushi Day This June
Whether it’s a homemade sushi night, a takeaway feast or simply setting the table with your favourite Japanese ceramics and summer accessories, 18th June is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the artistry and tradition behind one of Japan’s most beloved dishes.
At The Japanese Shop, we love helping customers bring a little Japanese style into their homes, whether through authentic sushi plates, soy sauce dishes, beautifully crafted table accessories, traditional tenugui and furoshiki textiles or elegant Japanese fans perfect for summer entertaining. Why not transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable Japanese-inspired dining experience on International Sushi Day?