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Which Japanese Convenience Store Has the Best Onigiri Rice Balls?

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Japan’s “onigiri” rice balls are a staple of the local diet, often eaten as a quick breakfast or lunch, or an easy snack in between meals. The rice balls can be as simple as a triangle of white rice with a light sprinkling of salt, or they can be stuffed with all the meat and vegetables of a full meal, making them a uniquely versatile part of Japanese cuisine. And the fact that they are so easily available at any convenience store in Japan makes the rice balls all the more popular. But which convenience store do Japanese people prefer for onigiri?

A survey conducted by the women’s magazine Shufufu revealed the best-tasting onigiri available from Japan’s most common convenience stores, as chosen by Japanese consumers. According to the survey results, Daily Yamazaki (usually known for its bread) ranked 5th, Ministop took 4th place, and FamilyMart secured 3rd. In the end, the top three convenience stores for onigiri are also the top three convenience stores in Japan.

Second place went to Lawson, where hungry shoppers can choose from a variety of onigiri series. Survey participants praised the excellent quality of the rice and noted that Lawson’s onigiri has a cleaner, more delicate flavor compared to those from other convenience stores.

The great honor of first place – the very best convenience store rice balls in Japan – went to Seven-Eleven. Seven-Eleven’s onigiri are particularly well-loved for the soft, moist texture of the rice, which is complemented perfectly by crispy seaweed to enhance the experience.

So, next time you’re in Japan, you know where to grab a convenient rice ball or two when you need a snack in a hurry. At the same time, each Japanese convenience store had its own supporters, who truly believed their favorite onigiri to be the best, whatever the reason. If you love a good onigiri as much as the Japankuru team, it might be worth trying each shop’s rice balls for yourself!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!

Japankuru Korean Editorial Team

Japankuru Korean Editorial Team

Stories from Japankuru's Korean staff.

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