LUNCH MEETUP [極海 Akashi Nori 〜 The ULTIMATE ONIGIRI]
In late November, The DECK hosted the “Ultimate Onigiri-Making with Akashi Nori（NORIYA）” event— a lively international gathering that was almost unbelievable for a weekday afternoon.
Participants from the United States, Poland, France, and other countries joined in, creating a wonderfully global atmosphere.
The star of the event was Japan’s beloved soul food: The onigiri.
Although still not widely known overseas, onigiri has been gaining attention in recent years, with a quiet onigiri boom spreading across the U.S. and Europe.
Naturally, many of the international participants were eager to experience making one for the very first time.
For this workshop, we used Japan’s premium first-harvest Akashi Nori, aromatic rice from Kochi Prefecture, and a special wooden hinoki (Japanese cypress) onigiri mold to craft the ultimate rice ball.
Unlike the traditional hand-shaping method, this session used the hinoki mold: participants gently pressed warm rice into the cypress frame, releasing a soft, soothing aroma with every motion.
Wrapping the finished rice ball with Akashi Nori instantly amplified its rich fragrance.
Akashi Nori is known not only for its exceptional aroma, but also for its delicate texture that melts on the tongue the moment you bite into it.
Reactions from participants—especially those from abroad—were full of excitement:
“I’ve never had seaweed like this!”
“The aroma just floats up to your nose!”
“It practically dissolves when you bite it!”
The seaweed became such a standout element that it almost stole the show.
One of the most entertaining moments of the day was the creation of giant onigiri. With two mold sizes to choose from, participants quickly gravitated toward the BIG version, filling it with rice until an oversized triangular shape emerged.
Each time a giant onigiri was lifted from the mold, laughter echoed through the room.
“It’s huge!”
“Can I even finish this!?”
People compared sizes, posed for photos, and shared reactions with those around them—creating a sense of unity that transcended nationalities.
For many who had only ever seen the small convenience-store onigiri, this handmade jumbo version was an exciting and memorable surprise.
Participants joked while using the hinoki molds, shared impressions of the Akashi Nori, and proudly showcased their completed creations.
Because this group consisted of existing members who already knew one another, there was a sense of comfort, closeness, and genuine warmth throughout the event—allowing the experience to deepen their connections even further.
It was a day filled with delicious ingredients, Japanese tradition, and heartfelt cross-cultural exchange.
