[2025] This year's lucky direction is "southwest"! Introducing the best seaweed for ehomaki

Introduction

When it comes to Setsubun, bean throwing is common, but in recent years, eating Ehomaki has also become a well-established custom.

Setsubun in 2025 is on Sunday, February 2. This year's lucky direction is southwest.

It is a custom to pray for good health and safety for the year by facing in this direction and biting into a whole thick sushi roll.

If you order an ehomaki wrapped in fragrant seaweed from Yamamotoyama, a long-established store that was founded 335 years ago, you may be able to bring even more good fortune.

Setsubun in 2025 will be on Sunday, February 2nd

Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll that is traditionally eaten every year on Setsubun.

Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring and marks the change of seasons. In 2025, Setsubun will fall on Sunday, February 2nd.

Many people may remember it as being on February 3rd, but the date is not always February 3rd, so be careful.

The meaning and origin of Ehomaki

The origin of Ehomaki is unclear, but since ancient times, events such as bean throwing have been held on Setsubun to ward off evil spirits and safely welcome the new season.

It is believed that the custom of eating Ehomaki became established as one of these customs.

In particular, in the past few years, thick sushi rolls filled with a variety of ingredients have begun to be sold in supermarkets and other stores, and have gradually spread throughout the country.

This year's direction for ehomaki is "southwest"

The lucky direction is said to be the direction in which the God of Toshitoku, who is in charge of the year's good fortune, resides, and it is said that if you eat thick sushi rolls while facing that direction and making a wish, you will be able to bring good clothes for the year.

This year's lucky direction is southwest.

On February 2nd, why not face the southwest direction with your family and munch on some ehomaki while praying for good health and safety for your family and family in the year to come?

Recommended seaweed for ehomaki

Ariake nori, which has a pleasant sea scent and rich flavor, is widely used in ehomaki.

The thickness of the seaweed is also important; if it is too thin it will tear easily, and if it is too thick it will have a bad texture.

When it comes to the seaweed to use for ehomaki, it is better to choose medium-grade seaweed (my personal recommendation is Ariake Nori Roasted Seaweed) rather than soft new seaweed or high-grade seaweed (ours is Asakusa or Nihonbashi, etc.), as this will have a certain degree of strength and will be easier to roll.

Not only will you be able to enjoy the crispy texture the moment you put it in your mouth, but it will also help prevent the shape from falling apart, allowing you to create a beautiful ehomaki.

When rolling nori, it will look better if you roll it with the smooth side facing outwards, giving it a glossy appearance.

It has a nice texture and is said to taste better with the surface facing outwards.

Also, by wrapping the rice against the rough reverse side, the seaweed will adhere more firmly to the rice, making it easier to eat, so be sure to keep this in mind.

Below we will introduce Yamamotoyama's nori seaweed that goes well with ehomaki. Please enjoy the aroma of the seashore that spreads the moment you put it in your mouth.