The Unstoppable Rise of Onigiri: A Culinary Trend Reshaping Japan’s Food Landscape

Japan is a country famed for its culinary delights, from sushi to ramen, but currently, a humble dish is taking the nation by storm: Onigiri, or rice balls. The popularity of this simple meal tells a fascinating story about Japanese culture, culinary innovation, and the response to modern economic and global challenges.

A Staple Revived

Onigiri has long been a staple in Japanese homes. Since the Edo period, it has been considered a convenient meal for on-the-go eating, packed with pickles, miso, and other condiments. However, in modern times, the initial introduction of onigiri in convenience stores faced opposition. Critics questioned, “Who would buy something so easily made at home?” Surprisingly, onigiri has become a major profit generator for convenience stores across Japan.

A Pandemic Favorite

The COVID-19 pandemic further propelled the onigiri trend, as its portable nature and ease of consumption with one hand breathed new life into this long-standing common food. Approximately two or three years ago, specialized onigiri stores began popping up, with some even receiving Michelin recognition, like the Asakusa Shukuro shop founded in 1954, or Bongo, a famed shop known for its fluffy texture, where…