Nestled in the heart of Osaka's bustling Karahori Shopping Street, "Obimusu" is a unique onigiri specialty shop that has quickly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and tourists alike. Opened in Aug 2024, this charming eatery offers a delightful twist on Japan's oldest fast food, the onigiri, by using the finest ingredients and collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs.

A Culinary Journey

At "Obimusu," the focus is on perfecting the three essential components of onigiri: rice, nori (seaweed), and salt. The shop's dedication to quality is evident in every bite, making it a standout in Osaka's gourmet scene.

The Rice

The rice used at "Obimusu" is a custom blend created by "Guts! Umai Rice Hashimoto," a supplier renowned for providing rice to Michelin-starred chefs. This special blend is carefully crafted to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the year, regardless of changing weather conditions. The result is rice that is perfectly suited for onigiri, offering a delightful balance of taste and texture.

The Nori

The nori at "Obimusu" is sourced from the esteemed "Suzuyoshi Nori Shop," established in the first year of the Meiji era. This high-quality seaweed is selected for its rich umami flavor, soft texture, and robust bite. Even after some time, the nori retains its crispness, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender rice.

The Salt

To enhance the natural flavors of the rice and nori, "Obimusu" uses a carefully chosen salt from Aguni Island in Okinawa. This mineral-rich salt is harvested from the emerald coral reefs and undergoes a meticulous process of evaporation and crystallization over 40 days. The result is a salt that perfectly complements the onigiri, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

Michelin-Starred Collaborations

One of the most exciting aspects of "Obimusu" is its collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs from across the Kansai region. Starting in August 2024, the shop began offering onigiri featuring ingredients prepared by these culinary masters. Each month, a different chef's creation is showcased, providing a unique and ever-changing menu for visitors to enjoy.

A Taste of Excellence

Among the chefs who have contributed to "Obimusu" are Chef Oya from "Nihonryori Midori Oya," Chef Kitagawa from "Oimatsu Kitagawa," and Chef Maekawa from "Ryoriya Maekawa" in Kyoto. These chefs bring their expertise in Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines, creating onigiri fillings that are both innovative and delicious. The limited availability of these special onigiri adds to their allure, making each visit to "Obimusu" a new culinary adventure.

A Vision for the Future

The founder of "Obimusu" envisions the shop as more than just a place to enjoy delicious onigiri. They aim to create a space that connects people, hearts, and even the past and future. By offering high-quality onigiri made with passion and precision, "Obimusu" hopes to become a beloved fixture in Osaka's culinary landscape for years to come.

Address

Obimusu
1F Collection Karahori, 14-17 Tanimachi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu, Japan