When sushi comes to mind, it is definitely synonymous with Japan. The popular Japanese dish is usually made with rice, commonly seasoned with vinegar and many ingredients are added to top it off which usually includes raw or cooked fish, vegetables and sea food. It is usually served with wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger as condiments and can also be garnished with sesame, seaweed or may include other toppings too.
Sushi has become a popular and widely enjoyed culinary dish on a global scale with many countries having a different take on the popular Japanese dish. It is known for its aesthetic presentation, delicate flavors and a diverse range of ingredients.
Sushi Terrorism: A huge concern in Japan
Many people already know what Sushi is and where it comes from but what is Sushi terrorism? Sushi terrorism has hit Japan recently.
The police in Osaka, Japan arrested two men recently identified as Ryu Shimazu and Toshihide Oka on charges of obstructing business as well as causing damage to property. As per the police the duo used their own chopsticks to eat red ginger directly from a communal bowl at a popular Japanese chain, Yoshinova back in September. However, the video surfaced on social media recently.
As per the duo, they did it because they believed that it was funny, and they wanted to make people laugh. A video has recently surfaced on social media which shows a man who is possibly believed to be Shimazu strangely eating the ginger with the video being shared by Oka on social media.
In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for Yoshinoya said “The video made our regular customers feel uncomfortable and uneasy. We greatly regret that this has become a major news story that calls into question the safety and security of the entire food service industry. We sincerely hope that this is kind of thing will not happen again in the future.”
Sushi terrorism has not only affected Yoshinoya. Other restaurant chains such as Kura Sushi, Sushiro and Hamazushi told CNN, they have also suffered.
The Guardian reported that a week before the Yoshinoya incident, three men were arrested at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant for licking the top of a communal soy sauce bottle.
What actions are chains taking?
These sushi terrorism incidents also dubbed as #sushitero on social media have concerned sushi chains as well as customers on the issues of hygiene and cleanliness especially after the Coronavirus pandemic. Many chains have also installed security cameras in order to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Others have halted their conveyor belts.