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Blog Post: Tonight’s Dinner Challenge (Ehomaki)

Tonight’s Dinner Challenge: The "Silent Sushi Roll" (Ehomaki) 

If you visit a supermarket or convenience store today (Feb 3rd), you will see piles of long, thick sushi rolls. These are called "Ehomaki" (Lucky Direction Rolls).

Eating them is a special ritual for Setsubun, but did you know the interesting history behind it?

■ Fun Fact: East vs. West Japan Actually, Ehomaki originated in the Kansai region (West Japan, like Osaka), not here in the Kanto region (Yokohama/Tokyo). Historically, people in Kanto didn't eat them as much. It’s similar to how the tradition of drinking Otoso (special spiced sake) on New Year's is still much stronger in the Kansai region. However, Ehomaki has now spread across the country as a fun event!

■ My Recommendation Nowadays, there are many varieties—from roast beef to salad rolls. Personally, my absolute favorite is the Seafood Ehomaki filled with plenty of fresh raw fish (Sashimi). It is like a thick Futomaki and is incredibly delicious. I highly recommend trying the seafood one!

■ How to Eat (The 3 Rules) To unlock the good luck, you must follow these rules:

1. Face South-South-East (南南東): This is the lucky direction for 2026.

2. Don't Cut It: Eat the whole roll to keep your luck "connected."

3. Silence: Eat it without speaking a single word while making a wish.

■ A "New Year" in February? For many Westerners, celebrating a "New Year" in February might feel surprising. But Setsubun marks the "Lunar New Year" or the beginning of Spring in the old calendar. It is a food to pray for good luck for the whole coming year.

Please give it a try! It’s a wonderful way to taste a unique part of exotic Japanese culture.

P.S. If you get a stiff neck from looking South-South-East for too long... please come to our Acupuncture clinic in Yokohama! We can fix that for you. ;)