Nache Chobap (나체초밥) is the Korean version of Nyotaimori (女体盛り, "female body presentation"), often referred to as "body sushi", is the practice of eating sashimi or sushi from the body of a woman, typically nude. As a result of being served on a human body, the temperature of the sushi or sashimi comes closer to body temperature, which some may see as a downside or a benefit.
The practice is, in fact, not in any way common in Japan and generally associated with prostitution and mafia. Western media reporting of the phenomenon severely misrepresents this to the point that it is perceived in Japan as a European fad.
Even less common, but not unheard of, is the practice of using a male model for the same purpose, this would be called 男体盛り, nantaimori.
Ito Hirobumi, the first prime minister of Japan, was quite a lover of female beauty and is well known as having quite an interest in nyotaimori, to the point that his name is primarily associated with the practice. He is sometimes said to be the originator.
[edit] Procedures
Before becoming a living sushi plate, the woman is trained to lie down for hours without moving. She must also be able to withstand the prolonged exposure to the cold food. Her body hair, including pubic hair, would also be shaved.
Before service, the woman would take a bath using a special fragrance-free soap and then finish off with a splash of cold water to cool the body down somewhat for the sushi.
In some countries, in order to comply with sanitation laws, there must be a layer of plastic or other material between the sushi and the body of the woman or man.
