The earliest Sushi methods probably came to Japan from Southeast Asia or China, at about the time that the Japanese were learning to grow rice. As early as 500BC the mountain people in Thailand, Laos and North Borneo used fish and rice in pickling and fermenting processes that preserved the fish. A similar fermenting process was used in China in early times, but through the reign of Mongolia over China (1368-1644) the process was lost.

In Japan Sushi was seen originally as a way of preserving fish. Layers of carp and layers of rice were placed in a jar with a lid on top and left to ferment for up to a year. The fish would be eaten and the rice thrown away. As time went by, methods of fermentation were developed that only took a few days, so the rice, which had a sharp, sweet taste could be eaten as well as the fish.

Several centuries ago, the people of Tokyo (or Edo as it was called in those days) were known for their businesslike impatience. In the 1640s they came up with the idea of adding vinegar to the rice to give it a fermented flavour without the bother of having to wait a few days for fermentation to take place. In early Sushi making, the fish was either marinated or boiled in soy and mirin or grilled. In time the range expanded to include raw fish - sashimi. In the early 1800's a man called Yohei Hanaya began serving sashimi on Sushi rice at his street stall (or known as a Yattai). This marked the beginning of the current style of Nigiri Sushi.

Oshi Sushi is a style of Sushi that evolved in Osaka. To make Oshi Sushi, fresh seafood or other ingredients are [placed in a custom made wooden box, Sushi rice is added and then a lid is put on to press the Sushi together to form a cube. The cube is then cut into bite size pieces for serving.

Modern Sushi as we know it is an evolution of the history as described. Western influences saw new types of Sushi being created such as California Rolls and other complicated "fusion" pieces. As the worldwide trend towards healthier eating and lifestyle continues, Sushi is becoming a staple, regular meal amongst those who previously would never have imagined they would be eating meal consisting of raw fish.

Sushi is evolving and continues to reinvent itself as to what taste combinations are possible through various food combinations.