Meharizushi, a cherished specialty from Wakayama Prefecture’s Kumano region, is a rustic yet flavorful type of sushi that captures the heart of Japan’s countryside cuisine. This traditional dish consists of sushi rice balls wrapped in pickled takana (mustard greens), offering a tangy
Okayama Barazushi, also known as Matsuri-zushi (festival sushi), is a colorful and flavorful sushi dish hailing from Japan’s Okayama Prefecture, often called the “Land of Sunshine.” This traditional dish, born during the Edo period (1603-1868), emerged as a clever response to a frugality
Inarizushi, a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, is a delightful type of sushi where seasoned sushi rice is nestled inside sweet and savory tofu pouches, known as inari age. Named after Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity, this dish is as flavorful as it is symbolic
Oshizushi, or pressed sushi, is a traditional Japanese dish that stands out for its striking presentation and harmonious flavors. Unlike rolled sushi (maki) or hand-formed nigiri, oshizushi is created using a wooden mold called an oshizushi hako to press layers of sushi rice
Chirashi sushi, often called “scattered sushi,” is a vibrant and effortless Japanese dish that brings together the essence of sushi in a bowl. Unlike rolled sushi, chirashi features a bed of seasoned sushi rice topped with an artful arrangement of fresh, colorful ingredients like sashimi-grade fish
Temaki sushi, often called a “hand roll,” is a casual and interactive style of sushi that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick meal. This Japanese dish consists of a cone-shaped piece of nori (dried seaweed) wrapped around sushi rice and a variety of fresh fillings
Maki sushi, one of the most recognizable forms of sushi, is a Japanese dish featuring sushi rice and various fillings—like raw or cooked fish, vegetables, and avocado—wrapped in a sheet of nori (dried seaweed) and rolled into a tight cylinder.
When I first stepped off the Shinkansen into the soft snow of Sendai five months ago, I was twenty-five, underprepared, and completely unaware of what would come to define my relationship with food.