Temaki Sushi(temakizushi)

Temaki sushi, also known as “hand roll sushi,” is a popular type of sushi where rice and various ingredients are rolled into a sheet of nori seaweed. The term temaki means “hand-rolled”, reflecting the method used to prepare this sushi. This form of sushi is especially popular at social gatherings and family celebrations, as it is easy to prepare and customizable.

The preparation of temaki sushi begins with cutting nori sheets into rectangular pieces. A thin layer of sushi rice is spread onto each nori piece, followed by the desired ingredients such as fish, avocado, cucumbers, tamago (Japanese omelet), and more. The ingredients are rolled into the nori sheet to form a conical or cylindrical shape.

Popular fillings for temaki sushi include tuna, salmon, crab meat, shrimp, and various vegetables. This type of sushi is often served with soy sauce and wasabi to complement the flavor. Due to its simplicity, temaki sushi is particularly suited for consumption in a social setting, as guests can create their own rolls according to their tastes.

In the 1980s, the vinegar manufacturer Mizkan initiated an advertising campaign aimed at popularizing the preparation of temaki. The campaign was promoted with the slogan “saturday is temaki day” 土曜日は手巻きの日 and led to a significant increase in the popularity of this form of sushi.