[Japanese food culture] Why do Japanese people eat raw fish (sashimi and sushi)?

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

There are many countries and regions in the world that do not have the custom of eating raw fish.
That is why some people are surprised that the Japanese eat fish raw.

Japanese people eat raw fish as sashimi and sushi on a daily basis, but why?

In this article, we will tell you about the history and why Japanese people eat sashimi and sushi.

The reason and history of why Japanese people eat raw fish as sashimi and sushi

Why did the Japanese start eating raw fish?
I will explain the reason.

Reason 1: Geographical influence

One of the reasons that led to the habit of eating raw fish is the country's geographical location, being surrounded by the sea.
Being surrounded by the sea, fresh fish was easy to obtain and it is thought that there were few problems with eating it raw.

Additionally, Japan has a climate that is suitable for rice cultivation, and rice cultivation developed more than livestock farming.
Livestock farming was not developed, so meat was difficult to obtain.
It is said that this is why people started to eat more readily available fish.

Reason 2: Religious influence

In Japan, there was a time when eating meat was prohibited based on Buddhist teachings.

The ban on eating meat was issued in 675.
The consumption of meat was legalized around 1871, approximately 1,200 years later.
During the period when meat consumption was prohibited, there were times when restrictions on meat consumption were strict and times when they were lenient, but the food culture of avoiding meat persisted for a long time.

Therefore, it is said that a food culture using fish instead of meat developed.

Reason 3: A food culture that used highly preserved seasonings had developed

In Japan, condiments such as wasabi, soy sauce, and vinegar have been used since ancient times.
They have a high sterilizing effect and are suitable for preserving the freshness of raw fish.

For example, sushi is said to have originated from "nare-zushi," which uses sweet vinegar.
Narezushi is made by placing freshwater fish on rice mixed with sweet vinegar, letting it sit overnight, and then eating it.

Initially, they ate only fish and no rice, but later they started eating rice as well.


Incidentally, in Korea, there is also a culture of eating raw fish, similar to sashimi.
In Korea, white fish is often used, and a distinctive feature is that it is cooked while still alive.
While sweet and spicy sauces like "ssamjang" and "chojang" are commonly used, soy sauce and wasabi are also used.

Is Japanese sashimi and sushi safe?

Currently, the Japanese fishing industry is subject to strict regulations and controls.
Therefore, fish sold in supermarkets and markets, as well as fish served in restaurants, are generally considered safe.

Fresh fish sold in supermarkets sometimes has an "expiration date" written on it.
The expiration date is the date by which food can be safely consumed.
Do not eat food that has passed its expiration date.

However, even fresh raw fish can occasionally cause food poisoning.
In some fish, such as horse mackerel and mackerel, food poisoning can be caused by a parasite called "Anisakis."
Furthermore, raw oysters can cause food poisoning due to viruses.

Generally, you can safely enjoy dishes made with raw fish, but if you experience symptoms such as stomach ache or nausea after eating raw fish, you should go to the hospital immediately.

If you want to enjoy a meal in Japan, it's reassuring to know the proper dining etiquette.
Please be sure to read this column as well.
Learn about Japanese dining etiquette! Also, check out what eating habits are considered inappropriate!

Summary: There is a historical background to why Japanese people eat raw fish (sushi and sashimi)!

Japan is a country surrounded by the sea.
Fresh fish was readily available, and there has been a long-standing culture of eating raw fish.
This is also influenced by the fact that eating meat was prohibited by Buddhist teachings, and that meat was difficult to obtain in that environment.

The development of a food culture that utilized seasonings with high antibacterial properties, such as soy sauce, wasabi, and vinegar, was one of the reasons why raw fish could be eaten hygienically.

Raw fish in Japan is generally safe, but in rare cases, it can cause food poisoning.
If you feel unwell after eating raw fish, go to the hospital immediately.

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