Sushi Money

On the lighter side, or not, depending on how seriously you consider the fine art of making and eating sushi, Yahoo News is reporting that Japan will “certify real sushi” around the world.  Some have jokingly called this idea the beginning of the “sushi police” and wonder how Japan can effectively achieve this goal.  Perhaps to the purist it is a great idea…   There’s nothing wrong with a desire for achieving excellence in food preparation.  And in Japan the creation and presentation of all things sushi is indeed a deep tradition, with years of apprenticeship and a dedication to quality unmatched in many culinary endeavors.  If not taken to the extreme, then I see no harm in it.  The growth of Japanese dining and eating sushi is exploding around the world.  So if this helps foster excellence in Japanese food, then why not?  Realistically, I believe in “economic survival” in that restaurants with good food and presentation will survive, while those with poor food quality will eventually fade away.  Sushi is definitely something that is either wonderful, or awful.  If not prepared properly, “you know it when you see it.”  How many times have we eaten at an asian restaurant with sushi on the menu, but all that’s really there is some conglomeration of rice in a roll designed to imitate sushi?  In America we love asian food… most typically through Chinese restaurants or buffets.  Japanese restaurants are less well known except in larger metropolitan areas, as well as Thai, Vietnamese and others.  When you visit Japan, it can be surprising and almost overwhelming… yet refreshing, to see harmony and devotion to the homogenous nature of Japanese culture.  Food is no exception, and for the creation and enjoyment of sushi there are few places in the world to match the experience on such a wide scale.  If this effort to “certify real sushi” results in higher quality sushi and Japanese food around the world, then I’m all for it.  It may be difficult to implement but hopefully will be a fun and welcoming, rather than divisive, experience for restaurants who desire an emblem or certificate that shows their efforts to provide a quality Japanese dining experience.

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