Putting rice on the outside started in China long before the modern day, they used to just toss it though as it was the disgusting fishy garbage that was there to absorb fish juice while it sat

Here’s an article on the history of sushi:

https://sushiincorporated.com/a-brief-history-of-sushi/#:~:text=Hanaya Yohei invented the first,slices over vinegared rice balls