NIPPONIA No. 47 December 15, 2008
Special Feature
Sushi! Sushi! Sushi!
11:45
Opening up for lunch
Yasui hangs the noren half curtain over the main entrance to the shop. This is a sign that they are open for business. Right away, the first two groups of customers come in.
14:00
Washing the kashi-bako
After the lunch crowd is gone, he goes outside to clean in front of the shop and wash the kashi-bako box, which he used this morning to carry provisions from the fish wholesaler.
15:00
His own lunch time
Yasui has a short time to eat his own lunch before getting ready for the evening customers. It was prepared by the proprietor’s wife.
17:00
Opening up for evening customers
As soon as customers enter, Yasui is ready to give them small moist oshibori towels to wipe their hands, and green tea. He makes sure to keep a pleasant look on his face.
21:30
Closing time
He takes down the noren half curtain and cleans up. He began this morning by cleaning, and ends the work day by cleaning again.
22:00
Practicing making maki-mono sushi rolls
The shop is closed and cleaned up, but Yasui’s long day of training is not over yet. Now, without guidance from a pro, he practices rolling sushi maki-mono, using pieces of leftover fish.
