SUSHI

Originally sushi was called nare-sushi and was conumed in the beginning in China and then eventually led to Japan by the 8th century. Nare sushi was fish that was salted and wrapped in fermented rice. The reason for the fermented rice was to preserve the fish and was not consumed. Early sushi became a great source of protein for the people.
Once this early sushi hit Japan the Japaneese liked to eat the rice along with the fish and this was called seisei-sushi. This form of Japaneese sushi was made of partially raw fish wrapped in rice and consumed right away so not to loose any flavor. Unlike the Chineese where they wrapped the fish and stored it for a future date (preservation) the Japaneese added a new dish to there Japanese cuisine.

During the 1600's in Japan there was a new type of sushi introduced called haya-sushi. This type of sushi is made up of rice mixed with vinegar, fish fresh vegetables and dried preserved foods.

In the 19th century Japan added one more type of sushi called Nigiri-sushi. Nigiri-sushi is the most common today. Nigiri-sushi is a mound of rice with a slice of fish drapped over it.

For a Chronology of sushi in Japan check out this link:
Chronology of sushi