Definition & Meaning of "onigiri"

What is "onigiri"?

Onigiri is a popular Japanese snack food that consists of a rice ball that is typically stuffed with a savory filling such as umeboshi (pickled plum), salmon, or tuna, and then wrapped in a sheet of nori (dried seaweed). The rice is often seasoned with salt and sometimes mixed with other ingredients such as sesame seeds or furikake, which is a seasoning made from dried fish, vegetables, and other ingredients. Onigiri is a convenient and portable snack that is often eaten on-the-go in Japan, and is commonly found in convenience stores and train stations. It is also a popular dish in Japanese bento boxes, which are meals packed in a box for lunch or picnics.