When Izumi first moved into the town of Henty in southwestern New South Wales, many had not seen or tasted sushi before. Today, it’s one of the most popular items in the school canteen, SBS News reports.
When graphic designer and mother of three, Izumi Hooper first moved to Henty five years ago, she was the first and only Japanese national in town.
Although she was warmly welcomed by the local population and settled in well, she soon discovered that the people of Henty were not very familiar with the traditional Japanese dish of sushi – unlike in most major cities of Australia today.
When Izumi was invited to the MerriMeric Bush Fire Brigade’s Christmas party, she decided to take a plate of sushi rolls, despite advice by her Australian husband that “no one will eat it”.
Izumi’s husband, Ben, was right for the most part, however, there was one lady who seemed to be very impressed by the sushi rolls.
That lady was Melanie Scholz, an owner of the only café in Henty, called the Henty Bakery.
“Izu’s sushi was the most exotic dish on the table. I knew we could add it to our menu,” Melanie recalls.
From there, began Izumi’s journey to spread the culture of sushi in Henty, providing it for the cafe’s special menu.
“Now customers, some who have never before eaten sushi, order a week ahead!” says Melanie.
Today, Izumi’s sushi is sold in the canteen of Henty Public School, and students are loving it.
“I could have never imagined the sight of children eating sushi in Henty, when I first arrived here,” says Izumi.
FULL STORY
‘No one will eat it’: How a small Australian town developed a love for sushi (SBS)
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