Japan's onigiri shops get a makeover with innovative offerings

Artistic rice balls with lavish toppings attract locals, visitors alike

20240123ONIGIRI-KONGA

Onigiri Konga, a rice ball specialty shop at Haneda Airport, is popular with international travelers. (Photo by Hayato Sawa)

HAYATO SAWA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan's soul food, onigiri, the humble rice ball, is getting a makeover in Japan. Specialty shops are offering a variety of savory toppings and innovative fillings, such as seared meat and even carbonara.

Instagram-worthy rice balls can be had from specialty shops like Onigiri Konga at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The shop bustles with both Japanese customers and travelers from Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

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