- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- FoodHealthy Food
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every June 18
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍣
International Sushi Day rolls around every June 18, inviting enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the iconic Japanese dish. From intricate nigiri to classic maki, sushi has captivated palates globally. Grab your chopsticks, explore new flavors, and share your favorite sushi moments with friends and family.
Want to sponsor International Sushi Day? Learn how
Expected International Sushi Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that International Sushi Day brings a wave of delicious deals from major chains and local eateries. Expect special offers from places like P.F. Chang’s, often featuring sushi rolls or combos at reduced prices. Benihana typically offers unique sushi creations or discounts on their signature rolls. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger frequently run promotions on their in-house sushi selections, making it easy to grab fresh options. Local Japanese restaurants and sushi bars are also key players, with many offering buy-one-get-one deals, free appetizers, or special chef’s tasting menus. Look for limited-time offers from delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats partnering with local sushi spots. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 18 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Sushi Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalSushiDay. Film a ‘sushi mukbang’ or a DIY sushi roll tutorial.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalSushiDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite sushi creations or restaurant visits.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalSushiDay. Tweet about your go-to sushi spot or a fun sushi fact.
International Sushi Day Hero
Yohei Hanaya
History of International Sushi Day
To find the origins of sushi we must look at a dish called narezushi. Narezushi is salted fish stored in fermented rice for months at a time. Southeast Asia and Japan both had their own version of the dish, the rice was discarded and the fish was eaten. This was the first iteration of sushi and was seen by the Japanese as an important source of protein.
In the Edo Period, between 1600 and 1800 in Japan, sushi as we know it was established. Fish and vegetables were wrapped in rice and mixed with vinegar. Much like with Narezushi, each region had its own variations to it, but this is close to the version most people in today’s world are familiar with. In the early 1800s, the style of nigirizushi began to emerge. This consisted of a mound of rice with a slice of fish draped over it.
The Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 disrupted the Japanese economy and it displaced many people from Edo Japan. Japanese people were forced to restart their lives in new places and this consequently took sushi all over the world.
In the U.S, sushi was emerging from communities in Little Tokyo by the mid-twentieth century. It became popular among Hollywood celebrities which led to it gaining the public’s attention. What was once foreign to Americans became Americanized with the California roll that used crab and avocado instead of raw fish. In 2009, International Sushi Day was proclaimed for June 18. The idea came from Facebook and it took on a life of its own.
International Sushi Day timeline
The sushi that the modern world is familiar with takes form using fish and vegetables wrapped in rice and mixed with vinegar.
The Great Kanto Earthquake displaces many Japanese people and sushi emerges in other parts of the world.
Hollywood celebrities of this time embrace sushi and the public follow suit.
On Facebook, International Sushi Day is proposed because of its mass popularity and it quickly takes off.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Sushi Day
Local businesses, especially restaurants and food suppliers, can celebrate International Sushi Day by offering special promotions. Sushi bars can feature limited-time rolls or combo deals, while Japanese restaurants might host tasting events or sushi-making classes. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of sushi ingredients and pre-made rolls. Even non-food businesses can join in by sharing sushi-themed content on social media or organizing an office sushi lunch for employees.
International Sushi Day FAQs
When is International Sushi Day?
International Sushi Day 2026 falls on Thursday, June 18, offering a perfect mid-week opportunity to indulge in your favorite rolls or sashimi.
How popular is sushi globally?
Sushi’s global popularity has soared, with market reports indicating a value of over $10 billion and continuous growth, especially in North America and Europe. It’s a staple in many international cuisines.
What are the main types of sushi?
The most common types include nigiri (sliced fish over rice), maki (rice and fillings rolled in seaweed), sashimi (sliced raw fish without rice), and temaki (hand-rolled cones). Each offers a distinct culinary experience.
What is the history of sushi?
Sushi originated in Southeast Asia as a method for preserving fish in fermented rice. It arrived in Japan around the 8th century, evolving over centuries into the fresh, vinegared rice and seafood dish we know today, largely popularized in the Edo period.
How To Celebrate International Sushi Day
Have a sushi day
Bring along your friends or family, go to your local sushi restaurant, and feast. Listen to the chef's suggestions and try something new.
Become a sushi chef
Watch a Youtube video and try making sushi yourself. You'll need a rice cooker, a rice paddle, a bowl of water, a bamboo mat, a sharp knife, and the ingredients for the type of sushi you’re making. It takes concentration and commitment but the finished product is well worth it.
Watch a sushi documentary
The documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is available on Netflix. It’s the story of the world's greatest sushi chef, 85-year-old Jiro Ono, and it received high praise from critics and viewers alike.
Five Facts About International Sushi Day
It’s probably not real wasabi
Horseradish is often used instead of the root of the wasabia japonica plant.
It didn’t start in Japan
Norezushi originated in Southeast Asia near the Mekong River before reaching Japan.
Sushi wasn’t always a specialty
Sushi was once more of a quick snack rather than a pricy cuisine.
Sashimi can kill
Sashimi prepared with pufferfish can have lethal amounts of poison if it's not prepared correctly.
Use all the sauce
In Japanese culture, it's improper to waste the soy sauce.
Why We Love International Sushi Day
The Taste
Looking to have your mind blown? The possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of seafood, vegetables, seasonings and sauces and have your sushi your own way. Mmmmm.
It's Very Healthy
It's difficult to get much healthier than raw fish and veg. The rice maybe isn’t the healthiest food in the world, but the carbs in it will give your body the energy it needs. If you’re looking to lose weight and stay in great shape then sushi is the way to go.
Variety
You'll never get bored as there are a plethora of things you can choose with sushi. Even if you don't love everything on the menu you will find something that tastes great. For extra flavor and spice, use soy and wasabi to dip your your food in.
Social Media Tips for International Sushi Day
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