Food

Mastering the Art of Onigiri: Nori Secrets Unraveled

TOKYO, Feb 25 (News On Japan) - Rice and nori are a perfect match. Whether it's in onigiri or sushi rolls, the aroma of seaweed is irresistible.

Nori, which plays a key role in the appearance of onigiri, has both a front and a back. But what exactly is the difference? To explain, we turn to the president of major nori maker "Yamamoto Noriten," Mr. Yamamoto.

"When you mince nori and pour it into a frame called a 'norimushi,' which is made in the same way as Japanese paper, the side that sticks to the frame is rough. The top surface is smooth, creating the front and back."

When making nori, it is dried on a bamboo screen. The smooth side that does not touch the screen is the front, while the side that touches the screen and becomes rough is the back. The characteristics of the back surface...

"Because the surface area is large, when you apply soy sauce, it only adheres to a small area."

It is said that the back side easily absorbs flavors. As for the front side...

"I think the good thing about the front is its beauty, so when placing ingredients, if you place the rice on the back and roll it, the outside will become the front, making it look more appealing."

To make delicious onigiri, it is recommended to place the smooth side on the outside.

Flavored nori sometimes has sauce applied only to the absorbent back side.

Source: ANN

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

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