The original meaning of "Nikkei" was actually not food-related.

"Nikkei" or "Nikkeijin" describes the Japanese emigrants and their descendants.

Fun Fact: Nikkei is also the name that refers to the Japan stock market index.

In 1899, the first 790 Japanese immigrants arrived in Peru to work in the coastal sugar plantations. The Japanese immigrants had a hard time adapting to the harsh working conditions and assimilation in Peru. They also were not paid the promised amount and fled to cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo. There, they would settle down and open up businesses, such as stores, hair salons, and restaurants.

At the time, the typical seafood dishes consisted of either bonito (affordable) and corvina/sea bass (luxurious). There wasn't really any "sushi" to be found in restaurants. The thought of eating squid or octopus did not cross the minds of Peruvians.

The start of Nikkei cusine started in two waves, according to chef-owner, Mitsuharu Tsumura, who was born in Lima, who wrote the book called "Nikkei es Peru". First, it was ceviche sashimi or octopus with olive mayo. Second, it was a sushi roll, called Acevichado roll. The Acevichado roll consisted of tempura shrimp, tuna, avocados, and waas drizzled with the blend of both leche de tigre (tiger's milk) and mayo. Acevichado roll eventually became known as the most Peruvian version of all makis.