Asian Persuasion at Pike Place Market's Japon Dog

Gourmet Dog Japon founder Shinsuke Nikaido

​For centuries, the Japanese have been creating their own interpretations of Western cuisine, commonly referred to as yōshoku, including deep-fried hamburger patties, ketchup rice, and mayonnaise spaghetti.

Since opening last month in the former Wonder Freeze space in Pike Place Market, Gourmet Dog Japon (the French spelling of Japan) has been slinging hot dogs customized to meet Asian -and adventurous American - palate standards. (You can also find a street cart a couple blocks away at Pike Street and Second Avenue.)

Wacky wieners have lost almost all their novelty in this city, but these are some damn good dogs. For $5, you get meat (or tofu) doused in Japanese topping staples, including fish flakes, seaweed, katsu and teriyaki sauces.

The no. 1 seller is the Samurai Dog, a chicken-apple sausage loaded with onions, grated radish, soy sauce, and wasabi mayonnaise. It's worth noting that the vendors use Japanese mayo, which is sweet, subtly tangy, and has a smoother consistency than its American counterpart. It's awesome. Ask for an extra squirt.

Ask for extra wasabi mayo.

​Gourmet Dog Japon is operated by Tokyo native Shinsuke Nikaido, 61, a former businessman who grew bored of retirement and decided to embark on a new venture.

"I have a typical Japanese mindset," he admits with a half laugh - half sigh. "I cannot enjoy not working."

Unfortunate for Nikaido, perhaps. Fortunate for everyone else.