This trend spread throughout Southeast Asia and people began to add different ingredients like meats and vegetables. They began to dry their sushi in the sun to add a crunchiness to the outside and soft texture on the inside. As this habit caught on, people began to shorten the process and press the rice and meat between stones. Later, fish cavities were stuffed with rice. At this time, rapid cultivation of rice spread throughout Asia.

During the Heian period in 8th century AD, sushi was introduced to Japan. The Japanese people usually like to eat their fish and rice together, instead of throwing the rice away as many did in earlier times. This way of eating rice and fish together became popular during the end of the Muromachi period. This type of sushi was eaten with partly raw fish and fresh rice. This began the early ways of modern sushi.

In the Edo Era, the Japanese mixed vinegar with rice and added fish and vegetables. They created a way to eat both the rice and fish which was original to the Japanese. By adding vinegar to the mix, the rice fermentation process was shortened to just one day and they were able to sell their sushi in mobile food stalls along Tokyo's bay.

The sushi food business became more competitive as the Japanese were selling their creations to patrons on the bay. To stand out from the competition, they began to create sushi as an art form. Sushi was presented simply and artfully with colorful dishes and decorations. They wanted to exemplify the simplicty of the food with the beautiful presentation.

Sushi found popularity in the United States in the 1980s when Americans became increasingly health conscious. Sushi is a healthy alternative. Sushi bars have gotten very popular in the U.S. They are almost as common place as many fast food restaurants. Americans have put their own spin on making sushi with western techniques. Sushi in the U.S. is much larger with different ingredients like cream cheese, beef teriyaki and fruits. Sushi is also much larger and focuses more on the quantity of the sushi.