Head and Belly Tuna Sushi. Oishii!!!

Kaiten sushi is one of my favorite Japanese experiences.  Kaiten refers to conveyor-belt sushi restaurants and are sometimes called "sushi-go-round".  Having regained popularity in recent years, they are found from ritzy neighborhoods like Omote-sando  (like this one) to working-class communities. The conveyor belt--or magnetic system shown here--winds clockwise around the restaurant past every counter seat and booth.   Sushi condiments include soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.  Complimentary self-serve green tea and ice water is available right at your seat. 

Notice the little plates passing by in front of customers?  While patrons usually grab appetizing plates as they revolve, the Itamae chefs also take special orders.  They cut, dice and deliver sushi onto little colored, decorated plates: red, blue, green, yellow, and white, with gold being the most expensive.  The plate quantity, color and degree of decoration  determines the final bill.  I was too occupied selecting the most delicious-looking sushi to pay much attention to plate colors or count.  (Reminders from beside me came too late for most claims.)   By the end, I collected a respectably tall stack of empty plates.  Not a record, I'm sure, but impressive nonetheless. 

Kaiten sushi is particularly suited to non-Japanese-speaking patrons like us.  First of all, there is no menu to read!   And when in a hurry, they serve as a healthy "fast food" because no orders or waiting is involved (unless a line forms for a seat).  In addition, portions are small so the meal is easily adapted to fit the appetite. 

By the way, this fish head is TUNA.  I watched as the chef hacked away before chucking the remains into a cooler below.  He was pleased to personally deliver both head and belly pieces to our booth (before they got snatched by other patrons) as he had observed my great interest.  Indeed, it was  delicious!!  I exclaimed, Oishii!!!  Oishii!!  (Oy shee)