このかなは何々？

[Infidel]

Went to a rotary sushi bar today. It was good, but when I was looking at this sign, I couldn't figure out the encircled kana. I asked around, and the owner couldn't figure it out either . At first he said, "Mo?" but then looked closer and gave me that puzzled look. Anyone have an idea? Thanks.

[Ongakuka]

明らかに「し」ではないですか

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%81%97% ... B%E3%81%8D

[Infidel]

Heh, go and solve it by context. Still, is this a form that turns up often? This is the first time I've seen し this way, even with the brush.

[Ongakuka]

I guess it's not a common font, but it crops up when people want to give a traditional/old feel to... something When I googled し it didn't come up at all though.

[JaySee]

Hiragana し comes from 之. The し in your picture is basically just an alternative, somewhat less cursive form of 之 with the dot on top still visible as a (semi-)separate stroke.