Discover the mystery of Japan's popular sushi

Sushi comes in all different shapes and sizes, and one of the most easily recognizable forms is that of makizushi. Made with vinegared rice and select fillings wrapped in a sheet of nori, makizushi is rolled with a bamboo mat to create a perfectly cylindrical shape that is then cut into bite-size pieces. This rolled style of sushi is so popular in Japan that it can be found everywhere—from high-end sushi shops to convenience store shelves.

Hosomaki (Single-ingredient Roll)

Hosomaki is a category of sushi rolls that comes from the Kanto region of eastern Japan, centered around modern-day Tokyo, and typically features only one ingredient plus rice, rolled together tightly to create a thin roll.

Kappa-maki

Kappamaki (cucumber sushi roll) is one of the most classic types of makizushi. Some people believe it’s named for the fictional water sprite called a “kappa” whose head resembles the top of a cucumber.

Tekka-maki

Tekkamaki (tuna sushi roll) is made using the lean cut of tuna called “maguro.” The name means “forged iron roll” and comes from the image of a hot iron rod glowing bright red. Along with kappamaki, this is another essential hosomaki roll.

Oshinko-maki 

Oshinkomaki (pickled daikon radish roll) is a type of hosomaki made with a filling of crisp Japanese pickles, chopped finely. It’s often filled with a bright yellow variety of pickles known as “takuan” that is made with daikon radish.

Salmon-maki

Salmon-maki is a type of sushi roll that has become popular in recent decades. That’s because raw salmon previously wasn’t eaten in Japan. The “Philadelphia roll” made with salmon and cream cheese found outside of Japan was inspired by this hosomaki.

Uramaki(Inside-out Roll)

Uramaki is makizushi that’s inverted with rice on the outside of the roll, rather than nori. Usually, when making makizushi, a sheet of nori is placed first on the bamboo mat, followed by sushi rice and then the fillings. But for uramaki, rice is the layer closest to the bamboo mat, followed by nori, and then the fillings. The finished roll can be sprinkled with white or black sesame seeds or tobiko (flying fish roe) before slicing.

Ehomaki (Lucky Sushi Roll)

Ehomaki is a special-occasion makizushi that’s popular to eat during Setsubun, a Japanese holiday that takes place in February to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring. Unlike other types of sushi rolls, ehomaki is served as one long piece and is stuffed with numerous ingredients. The roll is eaten while facing in the designated “lucky” compass direction for the year, and is meant to be consumed in one go without stopping.

It’s considered lucky to eat ehomaki that contains seven ingredients, including items like tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), cucumber, shiitake mushrooms simmered in soy sauce, dried kanpyo gourd, and carrot. More elaborate ingredients like conger eel and roast beef may also be used.

Temakizushi (Sushi Hand Roll)

Temakizushi, or “hand roll,” is a type of makizushi made with a single small sheet of nori. Sushi rice and the desired fillings are added, and then the nori is rolled into a cone shape. Pretty much any sushi filling can be used for temaki rolls, so it’s very easy to customize to individual tastes. The cone also makes it very easy to hold and keep the filling from falling out while eating, even for people who don’t use chopsticks.

Read more: Regional dishes you need to try in Japan

Source gurunavi