There's something fishy about that sushi: How Japan interprets the global sushi boom

Authors

Rumi Sakamoto, The University of Auckland
Matthew Allen, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

38144

Publication Details

Sakamoto, R. & Allen, M. 2011, 'There's something fishy about that sushi: How Japan interprets the global sushi boom', Japan Forum: the international journal of Japanese studies, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 99-121.

Abstract

Since the 1900s sushi has become a global product with a transnational market. Hybridised and localised sushi like California Rolls and Spider Rolls are now even being reverse-imported to Japan as 'genuine American sushi'. This article examines some attempts to re-nationalise global sushi, both from the Japanese state and from the vernacular media. We argue that, while popular reporting on the 'overseas sushi boom' generates a sense of national pride over 'them' eating 'our' food, the state's position is a more strategic one. It operates with a clear motive of increasing sales of Japanese food products overseas, mobilising the image of authenticity for this specific purpose. Both state and popular expressions of culinary nationalism claim Japanese ownership of culture not only in its 'authentic' forms but in its multiple, creative, hybrid and fusion forms. By examining Japanese responses to foreigners consuming sushi, we hope to provide some insights into the relationship between food and national culture, authenticity and globalisation. A further objective is to understand Japan's culinary nationalism within the larger context of the 'soft power' and 'cultural diplomacy' discourse.