When we first considered doing a Naked Sushi event, many thoughts came to mind. The reaction by our clients and guests, the health implications, finding the right models ... but we are always up for a challenge, even a riské one. So the first ever Nyotaimori party in Canada took place this summer...

In this entertaining idea we give some background into naked sushi and our modernized version of it. Most important, respecting what the original intention of this art was.

To read press coverage of the event, please click on one of the following links: Globe & Mail or Nuvo Magazine

Naked Sushi

Nyotaimori – “Adorned body of woman” (rough translation)

nyo – woman
tai – body
mori – helping, plateful serving, arrangement

BACKGROUND

Nyotaimori is a well-accepted and practiced tradition in Japan.  It is recognized as an art form in Japan and has been part of the Geisha culture dating back hundreds of years.

It is based on the idea that sushi is made to delight the eyes as well as the palate.  Sushi making is an art form and an artful presentation is the goal.

Tokyo is world famous for this type of dinner theatre and art practice. 

The practice, which has spread in a 'bastardized version' to Los Angeles and New York, involves placing sushi on clear plastic wrap over the torso of a model wearing little more than a thong and a few strategically placed flower petals. Not exactly the original intention of the art.

The Japanese combine food and art seamlessly as each dining experience is more than just a meal – it is an all encompassing sensual experience.

Sushi is an art itself.  So presenting tiny works of art on such an obvious masterpiece as a woman’s body makes complete sense. For this event we also used a male model ... politically correct!


The deeper meaning can perhaps be construed as woman nurturing man – and woman.  As infants, we all feed at our mother’s breast.  Perhaps the act of coming to a woman’s body to have one’s hunger satiated is based somewhere deep in our subconscious.  Woman = Gratification


Since making its way to Western culture, nyotaimori has attracted a lot of attention by ways of women protestors.  The consensus is that using women’s bodies to act as “serving tools or stations” is dehumanizing.  


Although not set in stone, there are several rules that are mandatory at nyotaimori gatherings.  They are as follows:

• No speaking to the models
• Respect for the models
• No touching the models bodies
• Chopsticks can be the only tool to pick the sushi up from the body
• No lewd or inappropriate comments, gestures etc.

Each guest was hand-delivered a scroll providing details about the event. When they arrived, each person received a personally engraved set of stainless steel chopsticks and a saki cup. Traditionally trained sushi masters handrolled sushi for guests.


Beverages served included: Geikekkan Sake, Raspberry Sake, Japanese Plum Wine, Indigo Wing Sparkling Sake, Soho Lychee Liqueur and Kirin Japanese Beer.