The Feelings Behind Each Rice Ball
For me, onigiri holds a special place in my heart. One reason lies in memories of my late grandmother. Whenever I visited her, she would use her large hands to firmly pack onigiri and send them with me for the journey home. On the bullet train back to Tokyo, I would devour those generously sized rice balls in big bites. I believe they carried my grandmother’s vow—shaped by her experiences living through wartime—to never let her grandchildren go hungry, and to feed us until we were completely satisfied.
In those large onigiri, there was so much of her kindness and affection that I could feel her warmth with every bite.
Precious Moments Shared Through Meals
In my family home, it was normal for relatives, friends, and neighbors—sometimes more than twenty people—to gather and eat together. I loved the lively atmosphere, filled with cheerful conversations and smiling faces. Those moments remain priceless, irreplaceable memories.
There’s a Japanese proverb that speaks of “eating rice from the same pot,” meaning that by sharing a meal, people forge deeper bonds and share both joys and struggles. A dining table isn’t merely for consuming food; it’s a place where we nurture warmth, laughter, and genuine connections.
Through onigiri-making, I hope to share with you the simple joy of eating something delicious together, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll treasure.
A Special Experience Born from One Onigiri
Eating is essential for life. It’s a fundamental human act that hasn’t changed since ancient times. At the same time, it’s an everyday routine. Yet when I remember my grandmother’s hearty onigiri, I can’t help but feel grateful for the simple daily act of sharing a meal.
“Let’s make onigiri together and eat them together!”
From this straightforward idea—just part of my everyday life—I saw the potential for something new and exciting: a chance to bring people together, sparking a fresh, fun experience.
Onigiri is also called “omusubi,” a word rooted in musubu, which means “to tie or connect.” It symbolizes bonding people and forging relationships—a lucky charm of sorts.
How about joining me in Sakuho Town, Nagano Prefecture, to create a special experience through onigiri-making? I’d love for you to savor the magic of that one extraordinary bite right alongside me.