The Omusubi Exhibition

Onigiri (aka omusubi) are ubiquitous in Melbourne. You’ll find them everywhere from small grocers to specialty shops such as 279 and Norissong. And from Friday September 19 to Monday September 22, there’ll be an exhibition dedicated solely to the Japanese rice balls.

The Omusubi Exhibition started in Tokyo last year. It was started by graphic designer Aya “Mon” Maeda, who is working with local barista Mariya Higashi on the Melbourne edition – the exhibit’s first run in a new city. The exhibition will showcase omusubi from all 47 prefectures in Japan through photography, panel discussions and displays.

“Many people may be more familiar with the word ‘onigiri’, but we intentionally use the word ‘omusubi’. The term ‘musubi’ carries the meaning of ‘to connect’ and ‘to create,’ symbolising the act of bringing people together. Through the cultural tradition of omusubi, we hope people in Melbourne will feel a meaningful connection to Japanese food culture,” Higashi tells Broadsheet.

There are also bookable hands-on workshops where you can learn to make traditional omusubi from different prefectures, including Yamanashi and Nagano. Plus, workshops dedicated to calligraphy and ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).