Onigiri are traditional Japanese rice balls which were originally homemade products. Wrapped in bamboo leaves they have been, already for centuries, a convenient take-away food.
Today, onigiri are being sold by millions daily. While being easy to make yourself, their industrial manufactured version became the preferred choice, by the majority of the population, due to their sophisticated plastic packaging.
The packaging for triangular onigiri is highly elaborated. It includes an outer plastic layer and an inner one designed to separate the nori (seaweed) from the rice, keeping it dry and crackling. The transparent plastic film enables the visibility of the food to appreciate their aesthetic and freshness. A three-stage unwrapping procedure, for pulling the plastic apart, fulfils perfectly its functional role and the multilayered protection satisfies Japanese desire for hygiene.
If you buy an Onigeri in a store, it will be automatically put in a plastic bag together with plastic sealed towel.
