For example, when arranging sashimi, three slices of tuna are placed on the dish, accompanied by two slices of squid. The dish is presented in a square small bowl, with the left side slightly elevated. This is one of the established plating conventions in Japanese cuisine.
If you have four slices of tuna sashimi, then there would be three slices of squid. In other words, an odd number of slices for the sashimi arranged in a small bowl is considered preferable, maintaining an overall sense of balance.
Why has such a rule been established?
One, Japanese cuisine is rooted in the culture of chopsticks, and two, Japanese cuisine is deeply influenced by the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.
According to ancient texts, in the beginning, the primal universe was chaotic, and from this chaos emerged the dual forces of Yin and Yang. Yang’s energy rose to form the heavens, while Yin’s energy settled to create the earth.
Since then, every entity in the universe has been classified into the categories of Yin and Yang. The concept of Yin and Yang theory holds that the transformations of Yin and Yang give rise to the various phenomena and changes in all things.
Yin energy is characterized by qualities such as stillness, heaviness, softness, coldness, and darkness, while Yang energy is associated with qualities like movement, lightness, hardness, heat, and brightness. It is believed that the interplay of these energies gives rise to the four seasons in the natural world and even to phenomena like human illnesses.
On the other hand, the concept of the Five Elements suggests that everything is formed by five fundamental elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This belief holds that the endless variety of phenomena arises from the cyclic interactions and transformations of these five elements.
In other words, fire overcomes wood, but it cannot conquer earth. Earth can’t overcome metal, which, in turn, can’t overpower water, and water cannot overcome wood. However, wood generates fire, fire generates ash (earth), earth generates metal, metal cools and condenses to form water, and where there is water, wood can grow. This is considered the balanced interplay of the Five Elements. In relation to the Yin and Yang theory, wood and fire are Yang, while water and metal are Yin, with earth existing as a midpoint between them.
The amalgamation of Yin and Yang theory with the Five Elements theory, known as the Theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, is believed to have spread extensively in our country during the Heian period（795~1192). Its influence extended beyond rituals and governance, also encompassing various aspects of people’s lives through disciplines like medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, and even cuisine.
Speaking about cuisine, the fundamental concepts of Japanese cuisine known as “Gomi” (Five Tastes), “Goshiki” (Five Colors), and “Goho” (Five Cooking Techniques) are also rooted in the Theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements.
The “Gomi/五味” (Five Tastes) refer to the five inherent flavors of food: sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty.
The “Goshiki/五色” (Five Colors) represent the five colors of food: blue, red, yellow, white, and black.
And “Goho/五法” (Five Cooking Techniques) encompass five cooking methods: steaming, simmering, grilling, boiling, and frying.
In any case, the essence of the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory suggests that preparing and consuming food by harmoniously balancing their inherent flavors and colors is a crucial secret to maintaining health. In that sense, it is highly reasonable and logical.
By the way, circling back to the beginning, having three slices of tuna sashimi signifies tuna as the main attraction, representing the yang aspect, while squid represents the yin aspect. Yin should not overcome yang, so having three slices of tuna allows squid to be limited to two slices.
Furthermore, the concept of yin and yang extends to the choice of tableware as well. Round dishes represent yang, while angular ones signify yin. Deep-bottomed bowls are yin, while shallow bowls are yang. Therefore, when you combine three slices and two slices of sashimi, you achieve a total of five, which corresponds to the numerical balance of yin and yang. This is why the arrangement is made on an angular, yin-oriented dish to maintain the balance of yin and yang.
Elevating the left side of the presentation is a thoughtful consideration that stems from the fact that most people use chopsticks with their right hand, making it more convenient for them to access the food. Although it’s becoming more common to see people using chopsticks with their left hand these days, historically, even left-handed individuals were encouraged to use their right hand for chopsticks as using the left hand was considered improper.
Japanese cuisine indeed holds significant depth, and even in the art of plating, there are various meanings. Simply being aware of this can prove helpful in your future culinary endeavors, whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests.