In Japan, not only is sliced salmon a dinnertime staple, but it’s a cute mascot and candy too. And salmon also has one other crazy property that sets it apart from all other fish: it can still swim around even after it’s been sliced into cutlets. Apparently…
But while all of us adults know that’s not possible, some kids might not, and one Japanese television show decided to do an experiment to see how kids would react to swimming cuts of cooked salmon. Do the kids know where the fish on their plate actually comes from? Watch the video to find out!
On September 6, the Japanese television show Souda, Sakanaya-san e Ikou! (Yeah, Let’s Go to the Fish Market!) took to the aquarium to see if kids would understand that what they eat on their plate doesn’t look the same as what swims in the ocean. The show usually focuses on educating the public about fish in a fun, variety show-type way, but this time they decided to just go for a good old-fashioned prank.
Why would they do this? Perhaps fish literacy in Japan is dwindling as more and more land animals make their way onto the Japanese dinner table. Or perhaps just because they knew it would be hilarious, as you can see in the video here:
▼ The video begins with a child’s misinformed interpretation of fish swimming in the ocean.
▼ There’s something mysterious going on here….
▼ What is it? What’s everyone looking at?
▼ Come on! I can’t take the suspense anymore!
▼ Oh…. Oh my god, my whole life has been a lie!
▼ You can say that again, girl! I’m with you.
▼ It… it has a mouth too? Is this even real? It can’t possibly be-
▼ Phew! You really had me going for a second there.
▼ Yes, let’s learn more about fish! Will there be free samples?
I can’t help but wonder what actually was inside the salmon slices to make them swim around like that. Were there tiny motors? Were smaller fish wearing them as costumes? I’d love to watch a whole video just to see how these “fish” work.
When did you learn where food comes from when you were a kid? Did you imagine tuna fish sandwiches swimming under the sea? Or bologna slices living happily on a farm? Let us know in the comments!
Images: YouTube (SBS Shizuoka Housou)
[ Read in Japanese ]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Bizarre Japanese vending machine sells “Peace and Equality” and “Angels and Demons”
Pokémon Company to require Japanese government ID cards for some online Pokémon card purchases
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
McDonald’s Japan adds curry French fry flavor, regional-taste burgers to its menu with Gotochi Mac
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool