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During the first week of February, Japanese people will celebrate a special festival day called "Setsubun" (節分).  It is a day to recognize the transition from winter to spring.  Based on the old/traditional lunar calendar, February 3, 2025, will be the first day of spring.  For more information about Setsubun see the link below.  During Setsubun, Japanese people will eat a special sushi roll called "Eho-maki" (恵方巻).  The best way to explain a "sushi roll" -- rice wrapped in seaweed -- is to start with the "wrapping", which is called "nori" (海苔).  Nori is edible seaweed which has been dried and flattened into paper-like sheets.  It is sold in supermarkets in various sizes.  A simple way to make a sushi roll is to lay down a square or rectangular piece of nori, then spoon some rice onto to it, add some type of filling on top of the rice, and finally roll the nori over the rice & filling.  Nori holds the ingredients together in a cylindrical shape -- it is similar to bread holding together a sandwich.  Sushi rolls are also called "Nori maki" or "Maki Rolls" (巻き/maki means "to roll up").  So, returning to the Eho-maki, it is a large/thick sushi roll filled with seven delicious ingredients such as pickles, cucumbers, shiitake mushrooms, sliced egg omelet, shrimp, salmon roe, tuna, etc. -- there are many varieties and combinations.  According to Japanese tradition, eating Eho-maki is believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.  During January large photos and posters of Eho-maki can be seen in supermarkets -- and many people will place advance orders for specially made Eho-maki rolls.  We hope you will have a chance to enjoy this special Japanese food.

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Setsubun

"節分 SETSUBUN"｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

What is Eho-maki?

Ehomaki: What They Are, How To Eat Them, And Enjoying This Unique Japanese Tradition In 2025

Onigiri Rice Cakes

Onigiri, a very popular comfort food in Japan｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency