Onigiri Shaped By Sweaty Armpits Of Cute Girls Are A Hit In Japan

Onigiri are a staple in convenient Japanese cuisine, but a relatively recent preparation technique is raising eyebrows. Or should we say arms.

Traditionally, the snack is shaped into balls or triangles by hand before being wrapped in seaweed.

There are now places selling onigiri prepared by young and attractive women. The catch? The snack is not shaped by their skillful hands but their armpits that have been, um, scented by their perspiration.

Sorry… what?

Before you mention hygiene, sellers promise that all ingredients that meet any body parts are sanitised.

As someone who doesn’t mind an onigiri as a mid-day snack, the idea is revolting even with their promise of sanitation.

These rice balls also don’t come cheap and have been retailing more than 10 times that of regular onigiri.

Onigiri in Japan typically sell for just 100 yen to 200 yen (S$0.90 to S$1.70) a ball.

According to reports, the onigiri is even said to be made onsite which allows would-be buyers to watch the process of the rice balls being shaped.

Back in 2016, a male Japanese reporter decided to try one made by his female colleague and gave an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“It’s so good! I didn’t know that it could be this good just because a beautiful woman made it,” he said before adding that he also wished to display his unfinished snack on an altar.

We hope this doesn’t give ex-Mediacorp artistes-turned-live streamers Terence Cao and Dawn Yeoh any ideas.

Since news of these special rice balls made their rounds on social media, most netizens have baulked at the preparation technique.

“This is unacceptable! What if the chef has a hidden illness?” wrote a netizen.

Photos: Sirabee