Travelers in Japan can now savor delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, at approximately 20% lower prices compared to two years ago. This price drop is due to the current devaluation of the Japanese yen, which is currently at its lowest point in almost three decades. Furthermore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sushi conveyor belt restaurants (sounds unappetizing) have implemented "contactless interactions" between customers and staff to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases. Customers now place their orders using touch screens, food is delivered via conveyors, and payment can be made through card tapping or electronic payments. Interaction with staff is kept to a minimum, as both sushi and beer are “served” to the customer's table via a conveyor belt. These technological advances have effectively preserved the flavour and enhanced the freshness of sushi compared to earlier delivery methods. Consequently, conveyor belt sushi restaurants are becoming increasingly popular, especially among non-Japanese-speaking visitors.
Most patents for conveyor systems and equipment used in "kaiten-zushi" restaurants are primarily filed in Japan and are not as prevalent in Western countries. Patent applications related to restaurant operations, such as implementing ordering systems and service robots in major chain restaurants, far outnumber new recipe inventions.
The drawing above is quoted from the published patent application of JP2024-27245(A), Ishino Seisakusyo Company Ltd. The full document: https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-2022-129879/10/ja