It’s a happy hour favorite and a quick fix for busy professionals frequenting seafood restaurants during lunch. But sushi hasn’t always been the American mainstay that it is today. In fact, it didn’t reach the country’s shores until well into the 1960s. What made the high-quality seafood so popular? Let’s delve into the fascinating history of sushi’s rise in America.

A Look at the History of Sushi in America

Where Was Sushi First Introduced?

Sushi made its American debut in Los Angeles in 1966 when Noritoshi Kanai and his partner Harry Wolff founded Kawafuku Restaurant. The Little Tokyo establishment served traditional Japanese fare on its main level and nothing but sushi upstairs. At the time, the seafood restaurant was frequented primarily by Japanese businessmen who would visit with their American counterparts.   

What Led to the Sushi Boom?

By the early 1970s, there was greater demand for sushi in Los Angeles, and the chefs in Japan recognized that opportunity for career growth in the United States. With this influx of the country’s finest chefs came more seafood restaurants, including the first Little Tokyo sushi bar in 1970. Given its prime location next to a film studio, it developed a major celebrity following that helped grow its popularity even more. Other large cities, including Chicago and New York, quickly followed suit and opened their own sushi restaurants.

How Did It Evolve?

While sushi may have originally been popular for its new taste and adventurous recipes, it earned a reputation during the 1970s as a healthy food option. This was due in part to Hollywood’s great enthusiasm for fresh fish, vegetables, and avocado. In the 1980s, when Japanese immigrants flocked to America to open businesses, the desire for high-quality seafood was bolstered even more. Before long, sushi was available everywhere from airports to shopping mall food courts. Today, it’s a key part of America’s fabric—a dish as common and beloved as pizza.

If you’re craving a delicious meal, pay a visit to Ahi and Vegetable in Honolulu, HI. This seafood restaurant specializes in local favorites like fresh poke and sashimi. If you’re in a hurry, you can stop by and gab a bento box packed with your favorite sushi. Or, for your next big event, order up a customizable party platter. Visit their website to view their menu, or give them a call at (808) 845-3500 to place your order.