Kyoko: Hi Brian. Welcome to Japan!
Brian: Hi Kyoko. It’s so nice to meet you. Kyoko: Yes, likewise. Thanks for flying over for today’s meeting.
Would you like to grab a bite to eat before we head over to Murano Securities?
Brian: Sounds great. Hey, do you know any sushi bars that have those conveyor belts that move plates of sushi around?
Kyoko: Oh, you must be talking about "kaiten-zushi." Yes, there's a place just down the block. Let's go!
Brian: Wow, the sushi is actually rotating past each table. I think this is really unique - do you know who came up with this idea?
Kyoko: Yes, kaiten-zushi was invented in 1958 by a man who ran a standing sushi bar in Osaka. That was 52 years ago. He was inspired after watching beer bottles on a conveyor belt at a beer factory. He was looking for a way to serve as many customers as he could when working by himself at his sushi bar. Conveyor belt sushi has even been patented since 1962.
Brian: I never knew that this was so old.
By the way, the different colors and patterns on the plates make it pretty to watch.
Kyoko: That’s to differentiate the price of sushi. Go ahead and pick what you want. They’ll ring up the bill based on the number of plates you’ve taken.
And help yourself to some green tea. Drop a tea bag into the tea cup and pour hot water in from the faucet in front of you. By the way tea is complimentary.
Brian: Conveyor belt sushi and self-served free tea. I love it! Let’s dive in!
