It's not raw, just very lightly seared

There are certain foods in Japan that are not for the faint of heart.  Many people have heard of fugu - blowfish - but few have heard of chicken sashimi - raw chicken.  I've had it before.  When my husband and I were dating he took me to my first chicken sashimi restaurant.  When I realized where we were, I told him "there better be feathers behind this restaurant!"  I may eat raw fish all the time, but my American view of contaminated chicken is really terrifying.  Despite my reservations, I tried the raw chicken and I actually liked it. 

Obviously, I survived.  I didn't get food poisoning or any harmful bacteria. 

While strolling around, looking for a place to eat dinner, we found a chicken themed restaurant that looked pretty promising.  Ji Tokko Kumiai was a nice looking restaurant that offered a variety of chicken dishes.  After finding a seat, we reviewed the sizable menu.  My husband asked me if I'd like some chicken sashimi, which made me chuckle.  I was game.

Some of the signs at the restaurant also got me to chuckle.  The restaurant has a connection with a farm that supplies the chicken.  There was a sign on the wall that reminded me of a Portlandia episode where the couple learn about the mental health and upbringing of their dinner.  I hope our chicken dinner grew up happy. 

Our chicken sashimi was actually lightly seared on the edges and topped with ume (pickled plum), mizuna (a bitter green), and served on nori (roasted seaweed).

Beyond the chicken sashimi, we ordered their famous blackened chicken, which was made over a large charcoal flame.  Eggplant with miso and ground chicken, as well as tamagoyaki found their way to our dinner plates.

Raw chicken isn't for the faint of heart, but it is a special treat to enjoy in Japan.