A few years back, while Mike and I were residing in Tokyo, we noticed a fascinating trend emerging around late January: the rise of giant sushi rolls. It felt like everywhere we turned, there were advertisements showcasing these uncut sushi creations. Shortly after spotting the ads, we began to see these massive rolls available in convenience stores and food halls across the city. Intrigued by this phenomenon, we set out to discover what they were all about. However, searching for “giant sushi roll” online didn’t yield much information regarding their significance—though it did provide us with some captivating images.
Eventually, through our research, we uncovered that these oversized sushi rolls are called ehomaki—lucky direction sushi rolls traditionally consumed during Setsubun, which marks the eve of spring in Japan. Eating ehomaki on February 3rd while facing a specific lucky direction (which changes each year) is believed to bring good fortune. Naturally, we wanted to partake in this delightful tradition ourselves! I vividly recall spending ages deciding which type of ehomaki to purchase; there was an overwhelming selection ranging from classic varieties featuring seven traditional ingredients to extravagant options wrapped in luxurious wagyu beef.
This year marks my first absence from Japan during Setsubun for three consecutive years—a fact that has me longing for my time there even more than usual. To attract some luck into my life this season despite being away from Japan’s vibrant culture, I’ve decided to celebrate Setsubun with some delicious ehomaki! Admittedly, I’m not exactly a pro at rolling sushi; there’s a reason why skilled chefs train extensively before mastering this art form! To avoid any mishaps that could jeopardize our luck gathering ritual due to my less-than-stellar rolling skills, I opted instead to buy ready-made ehomaki.
Unlike Japan where you can easily grab them at your local convenience store like 7-11s do during Setsubun season; here it’s not as straightforward. So Mike and I headed over to our favorite neighborhood sushi spot where they know us well enough by now! We decided on takeout since sitting quietly while facing South Southeast might raise eyebrows among other diners.
As our meal concluded and just before settling the bill, we informed our server about wanting two uncut rolls for Setsubun celebrations—I was feeling shy so Mike took charge of ordering! To my surprise (and relief), once she heard “Setsubun,” her expression lit up with recognition! She asked if we knew which direction was lucky this year—I confidently replied “South Southeast,” prompting her cheerful response: “Sugoi!”
Typically known for making inside-out style rolls at this restaurant; she kindly requested that the chefs prepare ours as traditional ehomaki with nori on the outside instead. The chefs exchanged smiles upon hearing our order while several waitresses joined in conversation about Setsubun festivities—one even jokingly asked if Mike would dress up as Oni so I could throw soybeans at him! Truth be told—I had considered printing out an Oni mask but alas he drew his line there!
I truly miss Japan deeply—it feels wonderful bringing a piece of its culture back home today as I enjoy my takeout ehomaki silently facing South Southeast hoping it brings me good fortune!
Tips for Celebrating Setsubun:
- Mark Your Calendar: Don’t forget February 3rd is Setsubun!
- Enjoy Ehomaki: These uncut maki-style sushi rolls are typically thick and have become increasingly elaborate over time.
- Face The Lucky Direction: This year’s auspicious direction is South Southeast based on zodiac signs.
- Eat In Silence: Consume your entire roll quietly while contemplating your wishes for the upcoming year.
- Embrace Good Fortune!
Bonus Tip: Have someone (usually male members) dress up as Oni (you can find printable masks online) and toss soybeans at them shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” meaning “Demons out; happiness in!”
P.S.—Mike and I recently launched an exciting new theme that I’m absolutely thrilled about—hope you love it too!
Dynamite California Roll Ehomaki Recipe
Serves 1 | Total Time: 15 Minutes
This recipe combines elements from both dynamite roll and California roll—the crunchiness of tempura pairs beautifully with creamy avocado mixed crab salad dressed lightly with kewpie mayo.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet nori
- ½ cup cooked sushi rice
- 1 tablespoon tobiko
- 1 green lettuce leaf
- Half an avocado sliced thinly
- A quarter cup shredded crab mixed lightly with kewpie mayo
- Julienned cucumbers
- Two pieces prawn tempura or grilled shrimp
Instructions:
1) Place nori shiny side down onto rolling mat. 2) Wet hands slightly then spread rice evenly leaving one inch free at top edge. 3) Add tobiko closest edge followed by lettuce leaf topped off by avocado slices along crab mixture & cucumber strips plus shrimp. 4) Roll tightly using mat until reaching bare part without rice then shape gently into desired form without cutting if preparing specifically for setsuban celebration!
Note: Feel free cut into pieces when enjoying casually any other day!
Sushi Rice Recipe Adapted From Food & Wine
Makes About 2½ Cups | Total Time: One Hour
This simplified version draws inspiration from Morimoto’s original recipe utilizing only rice vinegar instead sake-mash vinegar alongside reduced salt content recommended cooking method via rice cooker—which yields perfect results every time!
Ingredients:
- One cup short-grain Japanese rice
- Quarter cup rice vinegar
- Two tablespoons sugar
- One teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Rinse thoroughly draining excess moisture before letting dry briefly (~15 minutes). Cook according instructions provided within respective appliance meanwhile combine remaining ingredients heating gently until dissolved completely stirring occasionally throughout process ensuring no burning occurs whilst waiting patiently till finished product emerges fluffy yet flavorful enough satisfy cravings ahead covering warm towel keeping fresh longer post-preparation stage completed successfully thereafter fanning helps cool down quicker too allowing flavors meld together nicely enhancing overall experience enjoyed later down road ahead…