Tokyo, Aug 21 (IANS): International and domestic sushi chefs showed off their skills in the two-day World Sushi Cup event held in Japan's capital city of Tokyo, the media reported.

A dozen chefs gathered in Koto Ward on Thursday to kick-start the event, state-run NHK news agency reported.

On the opening day, they tried their hand at traditional Edomae sushi --combination of fresh raw fish and cooked vinegar seasoned rice -- a type first prepared in Tokyo about 200 years ago when it was known as Edo. Edomae highlights the season's freshest ingredients.

Judges evaluated the participants in the areas of hygiene, knife technique and proper preparation skills.

On Friday, the chefs will be tested on their ability to create original sushi dishes. The chef who earns the most points over the course of the event will be declared the winner.

The organiser of the competition expressed hope that more people overseas will be drawn to Japanese food culture by eating sushi made by chefs who have learned skills through events such as the World Sushi Cup.