The “Kaiten Sushi” concept, where sushi is served to you by a conveyor belt, is extremely popular in Japan and is gaining popularity here in the U.S. For your information and enjoyment, we would like to introduce you to some trivia that you might find interesting.

Why does the lane move clockwise?

You may have noticed that all of the sushi at a “Kaiten Sushi” restaurant is moving in a clockwise direction. According to statistics, everyone has a dominant eye and a majority of people has a dominant right eye. People who have dominant right eyes find it easier to watch something moving from right to left. This is why you will usually find that the sushi is moving in a clockwise direction. It is also easier for right-handed people to take a sushi plate moving from right to left.

Why does the same sushi come out successively?

Sometimes, it is difficult for people to decide which sushi they want to eat. If we mix the sushi up, it is harder for them to distinguish which one they want to eat. Therefore, we put three of the same sushi in a row. This makes it easier for our customers to examine and carefully choose which sushi they really want to eat.

How fast does the conveyor move?

If the conveyor moves too slow, it can get frustrating waiting for the sushi you want to eat. If the conveyor is moving too fast, it is difficult to decide which sushi you want and still have time to take it. We have found that the best speed is approximately 10 centimeters per second. This allows our customers ample time to decide which sushi they really want and still have time to take it.

Why do people tend to eat more?

Originally, humans had to hunt for their food. Studies have shown that we have a habit to chase objects with our eyes. When following food, our eye sight stimulates our appetite. Therefore, when people eat at a “Kaiten Sushi” restaurant, they tend to eat a little more than they would at a traditional sushi restaurant.

“Kaiten Sushi” is cheaper and simple. The average meal time is approximately 15 to 30 minutes. People eat steadily for about 30 minutes until their blood sugar level rises and their stomach tells them that they are full.

Customers’ appetites are stimulated when they see the sushi even when they are not hungry. Their brain tells them “which one will I eat?” instead of “I will not eat”. In addition, when one customer sees another customer take a plate of sushi or the last sushi, they feel compelled to take it before someone else gets it. It’s kind of a fun competition.

Also, you will eat more at Sushi Station® because we are the Best Sushi Restaurant in Chicagoland! Well, you probably knew that, right?