Kaitenzushi chains

What is a kaitenzushi and its history

The term "kaitenzushi" (回転寿司) literally means "revolving sushi". This innovative concept was invented by Yoshiaki Shiraishi in 1958 in Osaka. Inspired by the operation of a bottling line in a brewery, Shiraishi came up with the idea of serving sushi on a conveyor belt, allowing customers to serve themselves directly.

The history of kaitenzushi can be divided into several phases:

• 1958-1978: Period of exclusivity of Shiraishi's patent, with his Genroku Sushi chain.
• 1979-1987: Market boom with the arrival of new players such as Kappa-Zushi and Muten-Kura-Zushi.
• 1988-1992: Period of decline due to consumer fatigue.
• 1993-2000: Renewal with the introduction of more gourmet sushi.
• Since 2000: Diversification with the emergence of upmarket chains.

This evolution shows how the kaitenzushi concept has adapted to changing consumer tastes, evolving from simple fast food to a more refined culinary experience.

The main kaitenzushi chains in Japan

Japan is home to numerous kaitenzushi chains, each with its own distinctive character. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Hamazushi: Founded in 2002, this chain has quickly established itself with over 400 restaurants across Japan. It offers plates of two sushi for 108 yen (tax included), and even has an English-language website.

2. Kura sushi: Established over 40 years ago, Kura sushi focuses on food safety. All their dishes are free from artificial additives, and they even offer low-carb sushi. One of their restaurants is strategically located opposite Kyoto's famous Golden Pavilion Temple.

3. Kappa sushi: Present for 45 years, this chain has recently modernized its image. It is known for its seasonal collaborations, such as its special Halloween menu.

4. Sushiro: Founded in 1984, this is Japan's most successful kaitenzushi chain. It regularly appears on Japanese television for its innovative dishes. Their menus are available in several languages in their 500 restaurants.

These chains stand out for their competitive prices, their wide selection of sushi and their efforts to adapt to a diverse clientele, including international ones.

How a kaitenzushi restaurant works

The basic principle of a kaitenzushi is simple: sushi is prepared in the kitchen and placed on a conveyor belt that runs through the restaurant. Customers are seated along the conveyor belt and can help themselves directly to the plates as they pass in front of them.

Here are the typical stages of a kaitenzushi experience:

1. Welcome: At the entrance, an employee shows you to your seat and hands you a towel to clean your hands.
2. Settling in: You take a seat at the counter or at a table near the conveyor belt.
3. Choice of sushi: You can pick up the plates you like directly from the conveyor belt, or order specific dishes via a touch screen or from a waiter.
4. Tasting: You eat at your own pace, taking as many plates as you like.
5. Payment: At the end of the meal, a waiter counts your empty plates to settle the bill.

Some modern restaurants have introduced fully digitalized ordering systems and direct-to-table delivery rails, in response to hygiene concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic and the "sushi terrorism" scandal.

The ordering and pricing system

The ordering system at kaitenzushi has evolved over time. Traditionally, customers only served themselves on the conveyor belt, but today many establishments offer additional options:

• Touch screens: allow you to order specific dishes, which are then delivered directly to your table.
• Order from the chef: In some restaurants, you can request specific sushi dishes directly from the chef.
• Mobile applications: Some chains now offer ordering via a smartphone application.

Pricing in kaitenzushi is generally based on a system of plate colors:

• Each color corresponds to a specific price (for example, blue for 100 yen, red for 250 yen, etc.)
• Some chains, such as Kura sushi, have opted for a single price (often 100 yen excluding tax) for most of their plates.

At the end of the meal, the staff count the plates of each color to calculate the bill. Some modern restaurants even use electronic chips under the plates for automatic counting.

Etiquette and tips to make the most of your experience

To make the most of your kaitenzushi experience, here are a few etiquette rules to observe and tips to follow:

Etiquette:

• Don't touch the sushi on the conveyor belt without picking it up.
• Never put a plate back on the conveyor belt after picking it up.
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes that could interfere with the aroma of the sushi.
• Eat sushi in a single bite if possible.
• Don't stick your chopsticks into the rice.

Tips:

• Start with the lightest sushi and finish with the strongest.
• Use ginger between different types of sushi to cleanse your palate.
• Don't hesitate to ask for explanations of the different types of sushi if you're not familiar with them.
• Take advantage of the green tea usually offered to accompany your meal.

By following these rules and tips, you'll ensure a pleasant and respectful kaitenzushi experience.

Types of sushi and specialties to discover

Kaitenzushi offer a wide variety of sushi and Japanese dishes. Here are some common types and specialties to try:

Classic types of sushi :

• Nigiri: A ball of rice topped with a slice of fish or seafood.
• Maki: A roll of rice and ingredients wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed.
• Temaki: Cone of nori seaweed filled with rice and various ingredients.
• Gunkan: "Boat" of rice surrounded by a strip of nori seaweed and filled with various ingredients.

Specialties to discover:

• Tuna tartar maki (まぐろ ユッケ): A tasty blend of finely chopped raw tuna.
• Salmon and onion sushi (オニオンサーモン): A refreshing combination of salmon and raw onions.
• Salmon and egg "gunkan" maki (極旨 サーモン 軍艦): A rich blend of salmon and egg on a rice "boat".
• Roasted shrimp sushi with cheese (あぶり えび チーズ): An interesting fusion of Japanese and Western flavors.

Don't forget that many kaitenzushi also offer side dishes like soups, tempura, and even desserts. Don't hesitate to experiment and discover new flavors!

Advantages and disadvantages of kaitenzushi

Like any restaurant concept, kaitenzushi has its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages :

• Affordable prices: kaitenzushi generally offer sushi at very competitive prices.
• Fast service: No need to wait, you can start eating as soon as you're seated.
• Variety: The conveyor belt offers a wide selection of sushi and other dishes.
• Unique experience: The concept is fun and appealing, especially to tourists.
• Flexibility: You eat at your own pace and according to your appetite.

Disadvantages :

• Variable quality: Quality can be inferior to that of traditional sushi restaurants.
• Product freshness: Sushi can lose its freshness if left on the conveyor belt for long periods.
• Lack of interaction: Less interaction with the sushi chef than in a traditional restaurant.
• Health risks: Incidents such as "sushi terrorism" have raised concerns about hygiene.
• Over-consumption: The system can encourage people to eat more than they need.

Despite these drawbacks, kaitenzushi chains continue to innovate to improve the customer experience. For example, the introduction of digitized ordering systems and direct-to-table delivery is designed to address issues of freshness and hygiene. These developments demonstrate the adaptability of this unique Japanese catering concept.