Sasa Sushi(sasa zushi)

Sasa Sushi is a regional sushi specialty from the prefectures of Nagano and Niigata. It is a traditional dish where sushi rice is placed on bamboo leaves (笹, sasa) and topped with various ingredients. Sasa sushi has a long tradition in the prefectures of Nagano and Niigata and was originally developed as a durable food for long journeys. The bamboo leaves serve not only as a decorative wrapping, but also as a natural preservative that keeps the sushi fresh and imparts a light aroma.

For the preparation of sasa sushi, seasoned rice is placed on a bamboo leaf and topped with various ingredients such as vegetables, fish, and mushrooms. Typical ingredients include warabi, bamboo shoots, and hijiki. Regional and familial variations may include ingredients such as salmon and thinly sliced egg (錦糸卵, usuyaki tamago).

In the prefecture of Niigata, July 7th is celebrated as “Sasa Sushi Day” to honor the local cuisine. Sasa sushi is sold both in households and in restaurants and stores, and it is a symbol of the cultural identity of the region. Additionally, attention is drawn to sasa sushi from the prefecture of Ishikawa, which is also a significant regional variant.