maki

Maki is a term in Japanese that appears in several distinct contexts. In cuisine, maki refers to a type of rolled sushi, also called makizushi. It is made by wrapping vinegared rice and filling ingredients in a sheet of nori seaweed and then slicing the roll. Common subtypes include hosomaki (thin rolls), futomaki (thicker, multi-ingredient rolls), and uramaki (inside-out rolls).

In onomastics, Maki is used as a given name and as a surname in Japan. As a given name, it is primarily feminine and can be written with various kanji characters, so the intended meaning depends on the chosen characters. As a surname, it can be rendered with different kanji spellings, including forms such as 槇 and 真木, among others.

Beyond food and names, Maki also appears in popular culture as a name for fictional characters in anime, manga, and video games, reflecting its status as a common Japanese given name. The usage and interpretation of Maki can vary with context, especially in names where kanji choices convey different nuances.

See also the broader category of sushi terminology and Japanese given names, where maki is one example among other roll types and name elements.