Did you know that sushi actually originated in Southeast Asia and not Japan? The concept of fermenting fish with rice was brought to Japan in the 8th century by Chinese immigrants. Over time, the Japanese adapted and refined the technique to create the sushi we know today. The word sushi actually refers to the seasoned rice used in the dish, not the raw fish commonly associated with it. The use of raw fish in sushi became popular in the Edo period (17th-19th century) in Japan, when advances in preservation techniques allowed for the safe consumption of raw seafood. Modern sushi as we know it was further popularized in the early 20th century with the invention of nigiri sushi by Hanaya Yohei. Nigiri sushi consists of a small mound of seasoned rice topped with a thin slice of raw fish or seafood, creating the iconic bite-sized sushi pieces we see in sushi restaurants today. So next time you enjoy a delicious sushi meal, remember that this beloved dish has a rich history and has evolved over centuries to become the culinary delight it is today.