Onigiri Gorichan
The Story of
Onigiri Gorichan
Onigiri Gorichan began with a deceptively simple idea. Izumi Tanigawa and his younger brother Tsubasa spent years working in Japanese cuisine, sushi, and yakiniku before asking a fundamental question about their craft. They wondered what would happen if rice itself became the star, rather than the toppings or protein that usually define a dish.
That idea led them to open Onigiri Gorichan, an onigiri specialty shop in Osaka’s Nakazaki-cho neighborhood. Every step of preparation centers on the rice. They use premium Koshihikari, known for its natural sweetness and firm aromatic grains. The rice is washed gently to preserve its character, soaked with precision, then cooked over high heat and rested carefully so air moves between each grain.
Their shaping method reflects a background in sushi. Each rice ball is pressed only twice, creating a balance that holds its shape while remaining soft and delicate. Wrapped in fragrant seaweed, the onigiri maintains a light structure that releases subtle umami and sweetness with every bite.
For U.S. guests, the menu features signature flavors such as Meat Soboro Onigiri, Karaage Onigiri, Spam & Egg Onigiri, Honey Plum Onigiri, and Grilled Salmon Onigiri, combining classic Japanese profiles with options designed for American diners.
Now part of YUU Japanese Food Hall, Onigiri Gorichan introduces a carefully crafted rice ball experience to American audiences. Guests can discover the depth of Japanese rice culture without leaving the country.
“Welcome. We started with one simple question: what if rice could be the star? Every onigiri here begins with Koshihikari, handled with the same care a sushi chef gives to each piece. We hope you taste the difference.”