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Did You Know? The Rotating Table in Chinese Restaurants Was Invented in Japan

 

Most people assume the large rotating table in the center of a Chinese restaurant is a Chinese invention. Surprisingly, the modern rotating dining table—often called a "Lazy Susan" in English—is widely believed to have been invented in Japan.

 

The story begins at Meguro Gajoen, which opened in Tokyo in 1931. Its founder, Rikizo Hosokawa, reportedly noticed that guests seated around large round tables had difficulty reaching dishes placed on the opposite side. His solution was simple yet brilliant: make the center of the table rotate so everyone could easily share the food without leaving their seats.

 

Small rotating serving trays had existed in Europe for centuries. However, combining the idea with a large round dining table for Chinese-style banquets is credited to Meguro Gajoen. The invention quickly proved practical and eventually spread to Chinese restaurants around the world.

 

Interestingly, this story is not only told in Japan. Chinese-language sources also acknowledge that the modern banquet-style rotating table originated at Meguro Gajoen in Tokyo.

 

Today, the rotating table has become one of the symbols of Chinese dining. Yet its modern form may actually be an example of Japanese innovation inspired by hospitality.

 

Rather than asking everyone to reach for the food, the food itself comes to everyone.

 

Perhaps that is a perfect example of the Japanese spirit of omotenashi—thoughtful hospitality.

 

P.S. If you ever visit Tokyo, Gajoen Tokyo is still there today. Originally established by Rikizo Hosokawa as a restaurant in 1928 and expanded into Meguro Gajoen in 1931, it has become one of Tokyo's most historic luxury hotels, famous for its magnificent Japanese artwork and the nationally designated cultural property known as the Hyakudan Kaidan (Hundred Step Staircase).