Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Sashimi

Sashimi

刺身刺し身作り作り身
alternative words: Tsukuri, Tsukurimi
keywords: food
related topics: Soy sauce , Sushi , Fugu
related web sites: http://www.coara.or.jp/~sueyoshi/
explanation: Initially fresh fishes were eaten with vinegar (Namasu). Gradually it has been replaced by soy sauce. Usually fishes cut off to small pieces are consumed by dipping into soy sauce with shredded radish or wasabi (horseradish). When they are arranged to preserve the initial form, it is called "ikizukuri". Most appreciated are tune fish and bonito among red meat fishes, and flounder and horse mackerel among whites. Some mollusk such as shrimp and a bit boiled octopus are also appreciated.