Of the many food trends in Japan comes one specific one which is on Onigiri or rice balls. Young chefs are breaking traditions by choosing an untraditional approach to their craft. Instead of the traditional hand-shaping method, the Internet quickly became enamored by the armpit-made Onigiri that gradually became viral in social media culture.
As the SCMP reports, firstly the guarantee of sanitary precautions is confirmed by the disinfection of each food ingredient and body part, then they replace their palms with their armpits, and start kneading the rice in a sweating process.
The rice balls created by armpits are being sold at a very high price,almost ten times more expensive than the traditional Onigiri at some restaurants. Responses varying from moments of grossing people out to those of admiration has been a diversity of opinions pertaining to these armpit-crafted and sweat-coated desserts among food lovers.
Some customers claim no taste differentiation between the actual product and the vegan counterparts, while others can’t seem to wrap their minds around the innovative yet potentially creepy idea of meat being created from plants. As a reaction to this mixture of opinion, one can find some eateries showcasing how their rice balls are cooked for their curious diners.
Scholars have contributed insights regarding the cultural and physiological implications of this phenomenon as well. A study dating back to 2013 delves into the distinct importance of armpits, proposing that sweat from this region carries pheromones capable of influencing human emotions upon being sensed or tasted, as per the SCMP report.
While this trend has gained popularity, it hasn’t won over everyone. It has triggered debates on social media, where supporters contend that as long as hygiene standards are upheld, there’s no harm in embracing innovative culinary methods. On the other hand, skeptics raise concerns about potential health risks linked to this unconventional preparation approach.
One person shared on Japanese social media saying “These rice balls can satisfy the taboo desires of a few people, as long as they are hygienic, there is no harm.” Another one called it “unacceptable,” and mentioned that “what if the chef has a hidden illness? I’d rather eat regular rice balls.”
Although arguments still hold online, you should not forget that Japanese cuisine is and will be always unrestrained and unconventional offering dishes such as the Raw Horse Meat known as Basashi, the Fermented Soybeans called Natto and the Whale meat called Kujira (just to name a few) to the world.
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