A one-of-a-kind exhibition showcasing the art and history of sushi opened last night at the Art Centre in Manama.
The Japanese Embassy, supported by the Japan Foundation and in co-operation with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), hosted the ‘I Love Sushi’ exhibition, which opens to the public today at 8pm. It is free of charge.
The expo aims to provide an in-depth visual guide to the appeal of sushi, and it includes a chance to learn about how Japan took in sushi in its original form. It also introduces today’s vibrant sushi culture and encourages guests to think about the potential of sushi as a food for the future in light of contemporary food issues.
“It has been a delightful opportunity to share the true art and tradition of sushi with the people of Bahrain,” the newly-appointed Japanese Ambassador Okai Asako told the GDN on the sidelines of the event.
“Sushi not only tastes good, but it holds important traditions, and I am pleased that this exhibition will highlight how sushi has evolved and adapted through time to what it is today.”
Baca president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa also spoke at the event.
“Sushi is also a common food eaten in the Middle East, and it’s great to put on display all the various, diverse forms of sushi.
“I am sure after this exhibition we will all have a different appreciation for sushi.”
Japanese Chef Hideki Miura and his assistant, who is also his wife, staged a live demonstration where they perfectly crafted each sushi piece for guests to try. The exhibition also included a walk-through simulation of a visit to a sushi shop in Japan, aiming to give guests a one-of-a-kind experience into Japanese culture and tradition.
Various types of sushi such as Sake, Anago, Awabi, Hotategai, Madal, Ikura, Hirame and more were on display at the sushi shop.
Worldwide, sushi is the best-known dish of washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine). However, the exhibition sheds light on the fact that sushi didn’t originate in Japan. In fact, scholars say it came from Southeast Asia or Southern China and was later introduced to Japan in the eighth century.
After arriving in Japan, sushi underwent various changes during the centuries of exposure to the country’s culture, nature, and way of life, before it finally assumed the form of nigiri-zushi.
Today, the most popular type of sushi is nigiri-zushi, served at a kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant. And although new types of sushi form with modern times, it has never completely replaced the older forms, it just adapts and evolves with time.
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