▲The Japanese delicacy is as much about presentation as it is taste.

▲There is a lot of creativity and precision that goes into making every piece and roll.

▲Making for an extremely colorful and stunning dish.

▲Becoming a itamae (cook, chef) of sushi is not so easy.

▲It takes years of hard work and practice, working alongside a master itamae.

▲The preparation of sushi is an art form and taken very seriously in the industry.

▲It is only in their third year that a student is given the opportunity to try their hand at preparing rice.

▲The study period includes an apprenticeship period.

▲Once that is mastered, the next phase for a student is being promoted to a wakiita, which translates to "near the cutting board."

▲As a wakiita, a student gets to stand next to the master and learn how to cut fish.

▲But still, the practice is seen as very controversial by some.

▲It can take years before a student is even allowed to cook rice or cut fish.

▲A film that illustrates the grueling life of a sushi master is the 2011 documentary 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi.'

▲When it comes to eating sushi, there is a right way and a wrong way of doing so.

▲Nyotaimori is considered an art form.

▲The rice could also absorb too much of the sauce's flavor and ruin the taste.

▲Nigiri must actually be turned upside down to dip the fish into the soy sauce—not the rice.

▲Meaning that the fish should always be the first thing to touch your tongue.

▲The ginger that is often served alongside your sushi isn't meant to be eaten with your meal.

▲International Sushi Day is celebrated annually, worldwide.

▲Use chopsticks for eating sashimi, instead.

▲

In one of Tokyo's most famous sushi restaurants, apprentices spend two years just cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes, preparing the kitchen, and scaling and gutting fish, according to CNN.

▲A fantastic day to go for some sushi is June 18.

▲Because of this upside down technique, you might be surprised to learn that nigiri is actually best consumed using your hands, and not with chopsticks.

▲Sushi (which in theory should always be made fresh) should be consumed immediately.

▲It focuses on the life of Japanese sushi chef Jiro Ono.

▲It might even help you live longer.

▲There are many nutritional benefits from eating sushi.

▲For example, too little rice and the fish becomes overpowering.

▲In the end, sushi is all about balance of flavor.

▲Ono is considered the world's greatest sushi chef and master.

▲When former US president Barack Obama visited Tokyo in 2014, he stopped into Ono's three-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant.

▲It is meant instead to cleanse the palate between different bites of fish.

▲Of his experience, the former president said, "I was born in Hawaii and ate a lot of sushi, but this was the best sushi I’ve ever had in my life," as per The New York Times.

▲It is considered amateur to let the rice and sushi disintegrate.

▲Until her death in 2015, Misawo Okawa was the oldest living person on the planet following the passing of Jiroemon Kimura.

▲Her secret to a long life?

▲The Japanese woman was 117 years old.

▲Eating sushi, according to the Daily Mail.

▲Outside of Japan, there are many restaurants in North America that offer this type of service.

▲However, guests are expected to adhere to appropraite behavior at all times.

▲And the greatest insult to an itamae when eating sushi?

▲In Japanese culture, nyotaimori is the practice of eating sushi off a naked woman.

▲The reason being is that the rice can come apart if dipped directly into the sauce.

▲Eventually a student may be allowed to start making pieces of nigiri for clients.

▲People who condemn the practice call it humiliating, degrading, and sexually objectifying.

▲Talking with the models or making lewd comments is highly frowned upon.

▲... whether off a traditional Japanese wooden platter or off a human body...

▲But no matter how you choose to consume your sushi...

▲There is a long list of people waiting to dine at the popular eatery.

▲...using chopsticks or your hands...

▲Securing a reservation at the legendary restaurant is difficult and can be a frustrating experience.

▲Customers make reservations up to a year in advance. And if you do manage to score a date, it certainly won't be cheap.

▲Eating at the iconic restaurant will set you back nearly US$300.

▲... eating sushi should be an experience to enjoy and savor. So...

▲

Itadakimasu!

Sources: (CNN) (The New York Times) (Daily Mail)

▲Nigiri should be eaten inversely too.

▲

Peeling the fish off your nigiri.

▲

Sushi is possibly the greatest delicacy to come out of Southeast Asia. And while most people enjoy a good California roll without thinking much of it, how much do you really know about the traditional Japanese dish?

Click through this gallery for some fascinating facts about the appetizing meal and some beautiful shots that are sure to leave you with quite a craving.

Level up your sushi game: essential tips, tricks, and fun facts

Sushi like a pro

23/11/24 por StarsInsider

FOOD Meals

Click through this gallery for some fascinating facts about the appetizing meal and some beautiful shots that are sure to leave you with quite a craving.