Prepackaged Sushi

Sealed in disposable containers, prepackaged sushi became an affordable and convenient meal option. With a pair of disposable wooden chopsticks and a soy sauce packet, one could purchase a plate of sushi at the supermarket and easily enjoy it on the go. Prepackaged sushi provided consumers with another healthy, affordable meal option at local supermarkets. Popularity also spread with the use of chopsticks, enriching the American understanding of a traditional Asian eating utensil.

Prepackaged sushi comes in a two-piece plastic container. The colored tray often comes with printed embellishments, replicating the types of designs commonly found on Japanese dishware, making it a critical feature in effectively marketing the product as Japanese. But most importantly, the lid is always clear in order for the content to show through.

The content varies from individual sushi types to assorted packages and party platters. Though Advanced Fresh Concepts offers over one hundred items in its menu selection, most stores only hold eight or nine with a weekly rotation. Customers can also request that the sushi chef create a specific assortment if it is not available in the prepackaged selection. Larger party platters have also grown to be a popular food option at gatherings and events.

Sushi Tray, Small

This sushi tray is from AFC Corporation, a distributor of sushi products at supermarkets nationwide. The two part container has a black tray with a detailed red and gold maple leaf pattern and a clear plastic lid.
Description
This sushi tray is from AFC Corporation, a distributor of sushi products at supermarkets nationwide. The two part container has a black tray with a detailed red and gold maple leaf pattern and a clear plastic lid. The clear plastic counterpart is shaped to leave space for the sushi inside, and allows for the contents of the tray to remain visible to the customers. This is an example of a small sushi tray used for packaging sushi.
These trays often contain of a variety of rolls and nigiri, and include a side of wasabi and gari (pickled ginger) as condiments. Upon purchase, the customer is provided with a pair of disposable chopsticks and a single serving packet of soy sauce. These trays are disposable, and therefore these prepackaged sushi trays make a convenient lunch option.
date made
ca 1990-2010s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.05
catalog number
2012.3099.05
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Sushi Tray, Small

This two part rectangular sushi tray is from AFC Corporation. It has a clear blue base and a clear plastic lid, which allow for the contents to remain visible.
Description
This two part rectangular sushi tray is from AFC Corporation. It has a clear blue base and a clear plastic lid, which allow for the contents to remain visible. The tray has an indentation at the bottom that reads "ST-4".
This is another example of a small sushi tray used for packaging sushi. These trays often contain of a variety of rolls and nigiri, and include a side of wasabi and gari (pickled ginger) as condiments. Upon purchase, the customer is provided with a pair of disposable chopsticks and a single serving packet of soy sauce. These trays are disposable, and therefore these prepackaged sushi trays make a convenient lunch option.
date made
ca 2012
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.06
catalog number
2012.3099.06
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Sushi Tray, Large

This sushi tray is from the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation, a fresh prepackaged sushi distributor at supermarkets nationwide. The tray comes in two parts; a clear plastic lid and a red and black counterpart.
Description
This sushi tray is from the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation, a fresh prepackaged sushi distributor at supermarkets nationwide. The tray comes in two parts; a clear plastic lid and a red and black counterpart. The base is a red tray with black rims, which have golden brush strokes on each edge. There are several indented markings such as "BF" and "70" on the tray.The clear plastic lid is shaped to leave space for the sushi inside, and allows for the contents of the tray to remain visible to the customers.
This is an example of a large sushi tray that is used for prepackaged sushi. They often consist of rolls, nigiri, or a variety of sushi types, and include a side of wasabi and gari (pickled ginger). A single serving packet of soy sauce and a pair of disposable chopsticks is provided upon purchase. These trays are disposable, and therefore these prepackaged sushi trays make a convenient lunch option.
date made
ca 1980-2010s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.04
catalog number
2012.3099.04
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Sushi Display Photograph, 1991

The photograph shows the fresh sushi products of the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation as they are displayed at a supermarket sushi counter. Most of the black and clear plastic sushi trays contain California roll slices.
Description
The photograph shows the fresh sushi products of the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation as they are displayed at a supermarket sushi counter. Most of the black and clear plastic sushi trays contain California roll slices. The logo of the AFC Corporation is affixed to the lid of each tray. With a standardized cooking procedure and a systematic training program, AFC’s pre-packed sushi products are to be identical in quality regardless of its location.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1991
maker
Kodak Corp.
ID Number
2012.0182.13e
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.13e

Sushi Display Photograph, 1991

The photograph shows a display of sushi products prepared for sale in American supermarkets by the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation based in California.
Description
The photograph shows a display of sushi products prepared for sale in American supermarkets by the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation based in California. Four of the boxes show a combination of nigiri and maki sushi; the others contain assortments of California rolls and other sliced roll-style sushi. The sushi packages are made of a black plastic base with a clear plastic top. With a standardized cooking procedure and a systematic training program, AFC’s pre-packed sushi products are to be identical in quality regardless of its location.
The concept of pre-packaged sushi in America was introduced by Ryuji Ishii in 1986. His mission was to introduce fresh packaged sushi to supermarkets in America and make it readily accessible to consumers, the same way that it had always been available to him at supermarkets in Japan. The California roll was a safe introductory sushi type that catered toward American taste as it didn’t contain raw fish.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1991
maker
Kodak Corp.
ID Number
2012.0182.13d
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.13d

Supermarket Sushi Counter Photograph, 1991

The color photograph displays one of Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation’s many sushi counters in supermarkets nationwide. There is a white noren (Japanese room divider) with the AFC logo and a “Sushi” written in the center.
Description
The color photograph displays one of Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation’s many sushi counters in supermarkets nationwide. There is a white noren (Japanese room divider) with the AFC logo and a “Sushi” written in the center. Here, the noren is used not as a room or space divider, but as a tool to advertise their sushi products. It is hung on a green stick that is held up by two strings and secured above. Similar to other AFC sushi counters, the pre-packaged products are displayed in the open refrigerated space alongside containers of wasabi and gari (ginger), and the fresh fish displayed in a closed glass cooler.
The AFC employee is wearing a white chef hat with the original AFC logo on it, which consists of the print “AFC” with an image of two nigiri below. He is also wearing a white short-sleeved collared t-shirt and an apron with the same AFC logo printed in the center. Though the refrigerated area holds plenty of pre-packaged sushi that are available for immediate purchase, the sushi chef is there to satisfy special orders that are not available in the pre-packaged selection and guarantees that they are freshly made. The sushi chef stands behind the bar and prepares the sushi in a space that is visible to the curious customers. If a certain pre-packaged product is running low, the sushi chef assures that more are made. With a systematic management and training process, AFC is able to maintain consistency in their products regardless of store location and employee. The counter is operated by one AFC employee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1991
maker
Kodak Corp.
ID Number
2012.0182.13c
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.13c

Sushi Counter Photograph

The photograph shows the sushi counter display in what appears to be a gourmet food store or liquor establishment. There are no pre-packaged sushi trays at the counter.
Description
The photograph shows the sushi counter display in what appears to be a gourmet food store or liquor establishment. There are no pre-packaged sushi trays at the counter. An employee dressed in a red and white striped shirt, a red apron and a red and white cap, stands behind a case of sushi-making materials while preparing sushi for a customer. An image of a sushi platter is displayed on the counter, suggesting the types of products that can be ordered. Another employee, an Asian male dressed in a white shirt and red tie, also stands behind the counter. A red and white sushi sign hangs above a large fan and a microwave, and other Japanese artifacts such as dolls and lanterns are also on display to create a ‘Japanese’ feel to the space.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1991
maker
Kodak Corp.
ID Number
2012.0182.13f
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.13f

Sushi Bar Photograph, 2001

The color photograph from 1991 shows the supermarket display counter for the sushi products of the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation. Above the counter is a red banner with a bold “SUSHI” printed in the center.
Description
The color photograph from 1991 shows the supermarket display counter for the sushi products of the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation. Above the counter is a red banner with a bold “SUSHI” printed in the center. The pre-packaged products are displayed in an open refrigerated space. Underneath the “special new items” section on the left part of the display are several pre-packaged rolls. To the right are other pre-packaged sushi products, holding a variety of rolls and a few nigiri. Containers of wasabi and gari (ginger) are lined up behind the pre-packaged sushi products. The clear glass coolers directly above hold a variety of fresh raw fish. The signs placed on the counter illustrate the variety of sushi that can be prepared behind the counter for orders.
In the photo, the employee is wearing a red and white AFC uniform which consists of a white and red collared top, red and white cap, and a red bib-style apron. Though the refrigerated area holds plenty of pre-packaged sushi that are available for immediate purchase, the sushi chef is there to satisfy special orders that are not available in the pre-packaged selection and guarantees that they are freshly made. The sushi chef stands behind the bar and prepares the sushi in a space that is visible to the curious customers. If a certain pre-packaged product is running low, the sushi chef assures that more are made. With a systematic management and training process, AFC is able to maintain consistency in their products regardless of store location and employee. The sushi bar is typically managed by one or two employees.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1991
maker
Kodak Corp.
ID Number
2012.0182.13a
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.13a

Supermarket Sushi Counter Photograph, 1991

This color photograph from 1991 shows one of Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation’s many sushi counter displays in American supermarkets. The sushi counter is located next to the cheese counter within the supermarket.
Description
This color photograph from 1991 shows one of Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation’s many sushi counter displays in American supermarkets. The sushi counter is located next to the cheese counter within the supermarket. Above the sushi counter is a white board with “Sushi” written on it in blue. The open refrigerated space holds pre-packaged sushi products along with containers of wasabi and gari (ginger). Directly above is a clear glass cooler that stores the fresh raw fish that are used to prepare pre-packaged sushi products and special orders behind the counter. The counter displays various images of sushi that can be ordered ranging from nigiri to rolls.
Though the refrigerated area holds plenty of pre-packaged sushi that are available for immediate purchase, the sushi chef is there to satisfy special orders that are not available in the pre-packaged selection and guarantees that they are freshly made. If a certain pre-packaged product is running low, the sushi chef assures that more are made. The sushi chef stands behind the bar and prepares the sushi in a space that is visible to the curious customers. With a systematic management and training process, AFC is able to maintain consistency in their products regardless of store location and employee. The counter is operated by one AFC employee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1991
maker
Kodak Corp.
ID Number
2012.0182.13b
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.13b

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