Kaku Sushi(kakuzushi)

Kaku Sushi is a sushi dish from Tokushima Prefecture. It is a form of oshi sushi (pressed sushi), where seasoned rice and various ingredients are pressed into rectangular shapes. This sushi has a long tradition in Tokushima and is often prepared at local festivals and special occasions. The name kaku means “corner” or “edge” and refers to the rectangular shape of the sushi. There are various theories about its origin; one suggests that it was developed to preserve fish for long journeys, similar to other types of oshi sushi.

To prepare kaku-zushi, the sushi rice is seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This seasoned rice is then layered and pressed with various ingredients such as salted fish, eggs, vegetables, and mushrooms into a rectangular mold. After pressing, the sushi is cut into small, rectangular pieces and served.