Sushi terrorism and artificial intelligence 

Interesting problems often call for innovative solutions. Lina Kolesnikova explores the emerging concerns surrounding food security...


Photo: Ivan Samkov 

But what exactly is sushi terrorism? Some time ago, an incident occurred in Japan where a prank video was staged inside a sushi restaurant. Young people in the video licked bottles of soy sauce and chopsticks, touched the sushi on the revolving belt with their fingers, and engaged in other unsanitary actions. 
This incident quickly grabbed the attention of the mass media worldwide, giving rise to the term 'sushi terrorism.' The repercussions were significant, leading to a sharp decline in the share prices of a leading sushi chain. However, the more profound effect was of a moral nature. While some may view these incidents as mere pranks, for Japanese society, they were tantamount to a real terrorist attack, causing shock and disgust. 

Consequently, many customers stopped patronising 'kaitenzushi' restaurants, renowned for offering high-quality sushi at affordable prices. These incidents pose a threat to the future commercial viability of such establishments. It is worth noting that prank videos typically garner immense popularity on social media, attracting a staggering number of viewers (the mentioned video, for instance, was viewed 40 million times).

Japan is renowned for its stringent standards of hygiene and food quality. As a response to these incidents, many restaurants have taken proactive measures to combat potential pranksters. They have installed security cameras and ensured the use of properly sanitised eating utensils. In an effort to prevent such occurrences, the sushi chain Kura has implemented artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect suspicious behaviour among customers.

However, the use of cameras and technology in restaurants, particularly smaller establishments, does not seem to be a viable preventive or deterrent solution, at least in Europe and other countries.

The sushi-terrorism incidents serve as a reminder of the serious threat posed by the exploitation of food safety and security for blackmail or unethical practices in the realm of commercial rivalries or by animal rights activists. Even food producers, restaurants, and cafeterias can become targets of their own employees, who might create inappropriate videos or photos during the production process, intending to later use them for pranks or blackmail.

While there are potential solutions to address such problems within restaurant premises, there is an increasingly pressing issue that remains uncontrolled. Specifically, the problem lies in the realm of food delivery. Numerous services, shops, and restaurants rely on door-to-door delivery services. Once the meals are ready for consumption, they transition from the control of the restaurant to that of an intermediary, which is the delivery service provider. 

This intermediary effectively severs direct lines of responsibility and liability between the restaurant and the customer. Delivery services often employ freelancers, students, and, in some cases, even illegal workers and migrants to carry out deliveries. 

Consequently, we face a significant problem that encompasses both safety and security concerns, extending far and wide.