Salmon, Side Dishes, and What Locals Really Eat – A Look into Japanese Sushi Culture (Part 2)

Hello from Sushi Academy Ginza, where we offer hands-on sushi experiences right in the heart of Tokyo!With temperatures soaring above 35°C every day, we hope you're staying cool and well.

Today, we're continuing our deep dive into Japanese sushi culture, based on the 2025 survey by Maruha Nichiro titled "Consumer Trends in Conveyor Belt Sushi."Let’s explore what sushi means to locals—beyond just what’s on the plate! 🥇 Japan’s No.1 Sushi Pick? It’s Salmon!

When people think of Japanese sushi, many immediately think of tuna.But in reality, salmon has been the most popular sushi topping in Japan for 14 years straight!In the 2025 survey, about 47% of respondents said they “often eat” salmon, with over half of women (51.9%) choosing it as their go-to sushi.

Why is salmon so loved in Japan?

• “It’s delicious and good for your health”

• “It’s mild in flavor and never gets boring”

• “It’s fatty, tasty, and affordable”

• “There are many varieties, so it’s fun to choose”

In short, salmon wins on taste, nutrition, and cost-performance—a triple threat that keeps it at the top.

✨ By the way, salmon is also included in our sushi experience lesson!You’ll get to make your own fresh, fatty salmon nigiri—a hands-on moment that’s always a guest favorite.

Our salmon is always a hit—“so delicious!” is what we often hear from our guests! 🍣✨

🍣 Salmon at the Start... and the End!?

The same survey asked people what sushi they usually eat first and last at a kaiten-zushi restaurant.And the top answer for both was—you guessed it—salmon.

That means many people start with salmon... and finish with it too!It just goes to show how comforting, satisfying, and well-loved this sushi topping truly is. 🍵 Side Dishes Are a Big Deal Too! No.1: Chawanmushi

Conveyor belt sushi isn’t just about sushi—side dishes are part of the fun!According to the survey, customers order an average of 2.3 side items per visit.

Here are the top 3 most popular sides:

1. Chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard) – 31.2%

2. Miso soup or red miso soup – 29.2%

3. French fries – 24.8%

Among women, 36% said they often order chawanmushi, making it a much-loved warm and comforting classic during sushi meals.

Have you ever tried chawanmushi?　It’s one of those side dishes you just can't resist ordering!

These days, even salmon comes in many creative styles at kaiten-zushi restaurants in Japan—seared salmon, salmon with sliced onions, or topped with cheese or mayo.It’s no exaggeration to say salmon has become the star of “next-generation sushi.”So why not try a few different types and find your personal favorite?

And if you'd like to make your own authentic salmon nigiri, we’d love to welcome you to our hands-on lesson at Sushi Academy Ginza.Using fresh ingredients, you'll get to experience the joy of sushi-making—and feel just a little like a real sushi chef! 🍣✨ Source: Maruha Nichiro “Sushi Consumption Survey 2025”　 Data referenced from a 2025 consumer survey by Maruha Nichiro.

Ready to Try?