On February 7, 2025, the Onigiri Summit 2025 kicked off in Tokyo, showcasing the beloved Japanese rice dish, onigiri. This year, the event distinguished itself by featuring the comedy duo Yarurenzu, who received accolades for their unique contribution to promoting onigiri through their performance.
The duo, consisting of Narahara Maki and Idei Shun’yosuke, was honored by the Onigiri Association for their comedy skit titled "Onigiri Shop," presented at the M-1 Grand Prix 2024. The association expressed its gratitude by presenting Yarurenzu with a formal letter of appreciation, acknowledging their role in bringing wider attention to onigiri.
Narahara started the event on a light-hearted note, joking, "Some fans said they discovered onigiri because of us..." to which Idei quickly quipped, "That’s unlikely!" Their banter set the tone for the gathering, which focused not just on the food but also on humor and community.
The Onigiri Summit, organized by the Onigiri Association, aims to spread the word about onigiri and its cultural significance. One of the key highlights of the event was the engaging interaction between Yarurenzu and Nakamura Yusuke, the president of the Onigiri Association. Nakamura displayed genuine interest, delighting in the quirks and creativity inherent to the duo's skits.
"I’m still puzzled as to why you didn’t win the competition!" Nakamura mused, reflecting on Yarurenzu's performance. Idei nodded, reflecting on the uncertain pathways of comedy and competition.
Throughout the event, the duo shared amusing anecdotes about their skit development. Narahara explained, "Initially, our idea was just two lines about the 'Onigiri Shop.' It evolved much more than we anticipated!" Idei added, "We crafted it for the final performance of the M-1 Grand Prix, and it turned out to be quite the adventure!"
Attendees were treated to not just laughter but also glimpses of creativity. The event saw interactive segments where the duo discussed various onigiri fillings, drawing laughter from the crowd as they shared personal favorites. "My favorite is teriyaki hamburger with mayonnaise!" Narahara exclaimed, which prompted Idei to tease him, "That’s not traditional, my friend!"
The light-hearted conversation continued as both performers showcased their playful camaraderie, promoting not only the versatility of onigiri’s fillings but also the joy of sharing meals.
Beyond the entertainment, the event worked to spark interest and awareness about onigiri’s rich recipes ranging from classic to inventive. With this summit, the Onigiri Association hopes to boost local interest and exports of this Japanese staple.
Fans attending the event highlighted the depth of onigiri’s appeal, with many recipes available for experimentation at home, from traditional fillings such as umeboshi (pickled plum) to modern takes featuring unique ingredients.
Morale was high, not least because the event coincided with planning for the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, where several types of onigiri were featured. Narahara humorously noted, "Tickets for the Expo are still available if you’re interested!" Idei quickly reminded him, "But today’s focus is on onigiri!" sparking another round of laughter.
Both comedians left the stage on the note of anticipating growth for onigiri's fanbase, emphasizing how interchangeably cultural and humorous the celebrations of food could be. They thanked the audience for embracing their humorous approach to traditional dishes, fostering not just culinary appreciation but community spirit.
With the Onigiri Summit 2025, both Yarurenzu and the Onigiri Association aim to bring people together over delicious rice balls, each one holding the potential to spark joy, conversation, and perhaps, laughter.