Who is the person who invented sushi?

It's impossible to pinpoint one person as the inventor of sushi. The evolution of sushi is a long and fascinating journey that spanned centuries and involved many individuals and cultures. Here's a breakdown of the process:

The Origins:

* Narezushi: This earliest form of preserved fish, dating back to 7th century Japan, involved fermenting fish in rice for months to preserve it. The rice wasn't consumed, but acted as a fermenting agent.

Transition to Modern Sushi:

* 18th Century: The method of pickling fish in rice evolved. The rice was now seasoned with vinegar, making it edible, and the fermentation process was shortened. This is considered the turning point towards modern sushi.

* Early 20th Century: The use of raw fish became more common, and sushi started gaining popularity as a culinary delicacy.

Key Figures:

While no single inventor can be credited, some individuals played pivotal roles in popularizing and shaping sushi:

* Hanaya Yohei: In the early 19th century, he introduced the concept of "Edomae-zushi" in Tokyo, where he served sushi with vinegared rice as a quick snack.

* Ono Jiro: Known for his high-end sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, he is a renowned sushi master who elevated sushi to an art form.

In Conclusion:

Sushi is a culmination of centuries of culinary innovation and adaptation. While it's impossible to pinpoint a single inventor, the journey from fermented fish to the sophisticated sushi we know today involved many hands and many cultures.