Hosomaki

Hosomaki is a type of makizushi, a rolled sushi, distinguished by its slender form and a single filling. It consists of a sheet of nori wrapped around seasoned sushi rice with one filling placed along the center. The roll is formed using a bamboo mat (makisu) and sliced into evenly sized pieces. In the finished roll, the nori is on the outside, with the rice and filling inside.

Common fillings include cucumber (kappa maki), tuna (tekka maki), or pickled radish (oshinko), as well as other vegetables or fish. Because hosomaki uses a single filling, it is typically lighter and simpler than futomaki, which contains multiple fillings. In Japanese menus, the different fillings often have distinct names, such as kappa maki for cucumber or tekkamaki for tuna.

Hosomaki contrasts with uramaki, where the rice is on the outside or the nori is inside-out, and with futomaki, which is a thicker roll with several fillings. Its narrower diameter and straightforward assembly make hosomaki a common choice in casual sushi venues and home preparation.

Serving and consumption: hosomaki is usually served with soy sauce, wasabi, and gari (pickled ginger), and is commonly included in sushi assortments or bento boxes. The term derives from hoso, meaning slender, and makizushi, meaning rolled sushi, reflecting its characteristic shape.