--- description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. title: It All Revolves Around Sushi image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt94083e624949fcd6/6a4b526644440d018c11a668/7EF0403676E0420CB5A25A030F96BE07.png?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- # It All Revolves Around Sushi  Introduced in 1987, Kura Sushi's E-shaped lane system transforms traditional counter seating into a more social and convenient experience, ideal for group dining. Introduced in 1987, Kura Sushi's E-shaped lane system transforms traditional counter seating into a more social and convenient experience, ideal for group dining.  Conveyor belt sushi. It’s a hallmark of Japanese cuisine overseas and one of the first touchpoints that many have on their journey exploring the country’s culinary delights. Known as kaiten sushi in Japan, it combines high-tech innovation, creative menu design and, of course, fresh seafood. But while diners around the world are familiar with the concept, they often don’t understand the true meaning of kaiten until they experience it in Japan. The first stop for many when arriving in the country is, of course, Kura Sushi. Starting with takeout sushi in Osaka in 1977, Kura Sushi launched its first revolving sushi restaurant in 1984, and now has expanded across Japan with more than 500 stores. Locations include the flagship Kura Sushi beside the iconic Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa’s tourist hub, both of which are especially favored by overseas visitors. Specially created for the 2025 Osaka Expo, Kura Sushi also created the world’s longest conveyor belt for sushi, with a 135-meter belt delivering over 70 internationally inspired dishes to customers visiting from all over the globe. Reflecting on the progression of the business, President and founder Kunihiko Tanaka noted, “There is a saying in Japan called fueki ryūkō; it roughly translates to ‘continuity and change,’ meaning we must improve what needs changing without compromising the original.” Kura Sushi was the first in the industry to introduce the “E-Shaped Lane” back in 1987, a layout that allowed diners to sit in group booths rather than traditional counter seating, and a feature still prominently seen in its restaurants today..Another constant is an unwavering commitment to quality, something Tanaka maintains through occasionally unconventional business practices. “We make direct contracts with fishermen, ensuring that we can offer affordable prices to our customers. This also allows us to maintain freshness, which is very important,” he said. One area where Kura Sushi is driving significant innovation is the delivery of ingredients nationwide. “We have an ongoing pilot project, known as the Shinkansen Project, which involves sending freshly caught fish from Fukui to Tokyo by bullet train, to be served in our restaurants that same evening,” Tanaka said. “Thanks to the speed of our supply chain, we can offer this level of freshness.” Kura Sushi continues to innovate how sushi is delivered to tables, remaining the only major chain in Japan to use a continuous conveyor belt system. The company has pioneered an AI-powered camera setup to boost efficiency, alongside touchscreen ordering systems designed to be intuitive for both locals and tourists alike. Tanaka is also focused on enhancing the entertainment factor of kaiten dining, introducing interactive games at the table. “We have a new project, known as the ‘Present System,’ which sends surprise gifts to customers via the conveyor belt,”he said. This medley of fresh, accessible food and technology is a key driver for Kura Sushi’s future and an advantage they see extending beyond Japan. “We believe the kaiten model can innovate the global restaurant industry, addressing the severe labor shortages expected soon, especially in developed countries,” said Tanaka.  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