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 ]
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
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]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji twice in five days for very dumb reason
Police in Osaka file charges against resident for serial pigeon/crow feeding
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
We turn to a shady Amazon Japan gadget to try to stop Tokyo crows from stealing our hangers
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Zunda Shake vending machine lets you taste samurai culture in milkshake form