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Nyotaimori means “served atop a woman” in Japanese. A nude woman, usually a model, lays atop a platform or table dressed only with leaves in strategic places; bare breasts are acceptable in some locations. Sushi is served atop the model, using the leaves as serving plates. The leaves are necessary to insulate the sushi from the model’s body heat, which would warm it up and spoil its quality.

History behind this Japanese custom is muddled by legend and hearsay. Some sources quote it as a long-standing tradition. Others claim it was introduced by the Yakuza gangsters.

Because this isn’t an everyday occurrence at the sushi bar, here is some additional information that you’ll need prior to enjoying this experience:

• The best place to enjoy Nyotaimori is by invitation to a private party
• If you are in Japan or other parts of Asia, expect the model to be Caucasian, usually blonde; if you are elsewhere expect the model to be Asian
• Restaurants that offer Nyotaimori have strict rules for their patrons; adhere to them or expect to get kicked out
• The few restaurants in the US that offer Nyotaimori are too gimmicky, tend to wrap the model in cling wrap, and the sushi itself will almost certainly suck; make some friends instead and get invited to, or organize, a private party
• The model should be dressed in nothing more than a tiny G-string and perhaps a flower or leaf covering each of her breasts; if she’s got a layer of cling wrap as well, head for the sushi bar because that defeats the self-indulgent pleasure of enjoying Nyotaimori
• Don’t try to be funny or to engage in conversation with the model unless she starts; laying on that table without moving for several minutes is hard work and some models prefer not having the extra distraction; ‘hello’ and a friendly ‘thank you’ are the best way to go
• Pick the sushi pieces off the model’s body with your chopsticks, not with your fingers
• Get consent from the host, other patrons or guests, and the model before snapping any photographs or you run the risk of getting kicked out and have your photo equipment confiscated

The last point is very important because most Nyotaimori events are at private engagements. Some patrons may not wish to be in the photo and, if you wound up crashing a Yakuza party, the hosts may be rather stern in how they make you turn your camera over to them and how fast they show you to the door, or surprise you with a show-and-tell of what your pancreas looks like.

No I haven’t enjoyed Nyotaimori….. but always willing to give most things a try.

This post is tagged Nyotaimori, sushi