Safe Sushi

Worried about the after-effects of the disaster in Japan? Mario Haddad, owner of Le Sushi Bar explains why you can still satisfy your sushi-addiction this month.

At Le Sushi Bar, two tonnes of fish are consumed each month. Mario explains that although sushi is synonymous with Japan, the majority of fish is imported from other countries. Norway is a major exporter of salmon, which constitutes over 50% of all fish sales in sushi restaurants. Tuna is mainly imported from the Philippines while most of the white fish used is locally sourced. Dry products such as tempura flour have a shelf life of over two years and rarely originate from Japan. Instead, a large portion of ingredients is imported from Korea where labour and raw products are cheaper. Wasabi, the green and feisty paste, he says ‘does not necessarily come from Japan’.

As a precaution, the ‘Ministry of Agriculture has put very strict controls on products imported from Japan. They are even considering banning them completely’ Mario says.

Though it’s been a grim few weeks for the Japanese, Time Out Tokyo provides a hopeful list of the city's weird and wacky wonders. 'Rent a dog' and 'See the naked men of Kichijoji' are just two of the ’66 things to do this spring’. So check out what fashionistas, bird lovers or bar hopping Tokyoites may get up to once the sun comes out.