Daisu Tsashimi : Le chef sushi qui a marqué Cars 2

Daisu Tsashimi: The sushi chef who made his mark on Cars 2

1170 words | Reading time: 6 minutes

CharacterCars 2Tokyo

Mistaking wasabi for pistachio ice cream: the gag that made this bit player unforgettable. Daisu Tsashimi is one of the sushi chefs at the World Grand Prix reception in Tokyo in Cars 2 (2011), a small white forklift wearing a white and red hachimaki, at work alongside his colleague Edamame. He tries to warn Mater before the latter swallows a huge portion and interrupts Miles Axlerod’s speech. His name refers to Daisuke “Dice” Tsutsumi, Pixar artist and the character’s original voice actor. This profile details his design, his cult scene and his Mattel 1:55 die-cast.

Summary

Introduction

A minor character has won over fans thanks to a scene that has become cult: Daisu Tsashimi, the sushi chef from Tokyo. This small white forklift illustrates Pixar's typical attention to detail and humor.

🎬 To put this scene back into the full context of the film, you can discover our complete article Cars 2: The Complete Story of Pixar's Spy Film, which revisits the reception in Tokyo and the most striking moments.

Small white forklift wearing a pink and white headband, standing still on the floor of the neon-lit Tokyo reception, next to a green van and in front of a glowing 95 logo.
The World Grand Prix reception in Tokyo: the staff in hachimaki move among the guests, in the neon setting where Mater will make his famous mistake.

Who is Daisu Tsashimi?

Daisu Tsashimi is one of the sushi chefs present at the World Grand Prix reception in Tokyo. He works alongside a second chef, Edamame. They are two small white forklifts, wearing a white and red hachimaki headband, with characteristic black eye outlines.

The name "Daisu" most likely evokes Daisuke “Dice” Tsutsumi, Pixar artist and the character's VO voice actor. "Tsashimi" is a pun on sashimi, in keeping with the humorous style of the saga.

👔 For the two sushi chefs at the Tokyo reception, the fabric on duty is a white and red hachimaki headband; in your own wardrobe, it is worn knotted under the collar with our Cars ties.

🍝 If you like characters related to cooking and conviviality in the saga, our article on Uncle Topolino, Luigi's Uncle in Cars 2 shows another way Pixar stages gastronomy.

Close-up of a white forklift sushi chef, red and white hachimaki headband, two knives held out over a counter covered with trays; a second identical chef works in the background.
The two sushi chefs at the reception work side by side: same white body, same hachimaki, same black eye outlines.

The Cult Wasabi Scene

During the party, Mater mistakes wasabi for pistachio ice cream. Daisu tries to warn him ("No, no, wasabi!"), but Mater insists, swallows a huge portion, and triggers a memorable gag where his mouth catches fire before interrupting Miles Axlerod's speech.

The humor relies on the culture clash and Daisu's restrained politeness.

Mater, the rusty tow truck, faces a white sushi chef with a pink headband behind a wooden counter covered with trays, in a room bathed in pink and purple light.
Daisu Tsashimi facing Mater, just before the mix-up: the chef tries to warn him that it is wasabi and not pistachio ice cream.

Design and Cultural Details

  • White and red Hachimaki, a symbol of effort and determination in Japan;
  • Chef accessories (stylized knives, sushi tray) adapted to the Cars universe;
  • White bodywork reminiscent of traditional Japanese chef uniforms;
  • Slightly accentuated black gaze to emphasize his professional seriousness.

Daisu in Video Games

Daisu Tsashimi appears in some games inspired by Cars 2, usually in levels located in Tokyo. He then plays a similar role: a thematic extra providing a touch of culinary authenticity.

🏮 The torii and the lanterns that dress the Tokyo levels never leave the screen in Cars 2: The Video Game; on your nightstand, our Cars lamps and night lights take over.

Screenshot from Cars 2: The Video Game showing a white race car marked “日本 7” on a road lined with red torii, Japanese lanterns and lit-up skyscrapers.
The Japanese levels of Cars 2: The Video Game replay the Tokyo setting, torii and lanterns included.

Merchandising and Figurines

Mattel has commercialized Daisu Tsashimi as a 1:55 die-cast. Some packs also include Edamame. Details like the hachimaki headband and black-rimmed eyes are faithfully reproduced, making it a sought-after piece by collectors.

Mattel Cars blister pack from the Tokyo Party range holding three miniatures: Mater with Allinol cans, Edamame Tsashimi and Daisu Tsashimi.
The Mattel “Tokyo Party” set brings together Mater and the two sushi chefs: the hachimaki headband and the black-rimmed eyes are reproduced on the miniatures.

🎧 At Mattel, Daisu fits entirely into a 1:55 die-cast, hachimaki headband and black-rimmed eyes included; your AirPods, for their part, fit into our Cars cases and covers for AirPods.

Why is Daisu Memorable?

  • A cult scene (the wasabi) that has become one of the most striking moments of the film;
  • A design strongly inspired by Japanese culture;
  • A direct interaction with Mater, which gives him a significant comedic presence despite a minor role;
  • A Mattel miniature appreciated by fans.

🏁 To discover another important character from this same World Grand Prix, you can also read our article on Nigel Gearsley, the Elegant British Driver from Cars 2, one of the main competitors in the race.

Mater, mouth wide open and tongue hanging out, in the middle of the guests at the Tokyo reception bathed in green and purple light.
The result of the misunderstanding: Mater, his mouth on fire after swallowing the wasabi, in front of the World Grand Prix guests.

Summary Table

Element Verified Data
Name Daisu Tsashimi
Role Sushi chef of the World Grand Prix
Appearance Cars 2 (2011)
Cult Scene The wasabi gag
Model Small white forklift
VO Voice Actor Daisuke “Dice” Tsutsumi

FAQ

  • Does Daisu Tsashimi speak in Cars 2?
    Yes, a few words in the wasabi scene.
  • Is he inspired by anyone?
    Yes, probably by Daisuke Tsutsumi, a Pixar artist.
  • Why is he a forklift?
    Like Guido and other characters, this format is associated with precision trades.
  • Does he appear in other Cars movies?
    No, only in Cars 2.

Conclusion

Daisu Tsashimi is one of the most memorable secondary comedic characters in Cars 2. His Japanese design, his cult wasabi scene, and his connection to culinary culture make him a short but iconic figure in the Pixar universe.

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