Movie & Bites | “Solitary Gourmet” The Art of the Rice Ball

Onigiri (rice balls) have grown increasingly popular among West Coast audiences in recent years, yet their deeper cultural meaning often remains unfamiliar. In Japan, onigiri are a soulful, everyday comfort food—simple, nourishing, and something most people learn to make at home. For many in the U.S., however, the craft, care, and cultural significance behind onigiri are still largely unknown.

This program marks the first Movie & Bites event of 2026, launching the popular series with a focus on this uniquely Japanese food culture. The event highlights the cultural meaning, diversity, and craftsmanship of onigiri through two episodes from the beloved drama series The Solitary Gourmet.

The Solitary Gourmet follows Goro Inogashira, a middle-aged soft-furnishings salesman who travels across Japan for work, letting hunger guide him to modest, often overlooked local eateries such as ramen shops, izakayas, and small food stalls. The series frequently showcases real restaurants and highlights regional dishes specific to each area, grounding the story in Japan’s diverse food culture. Goro eats alone, and the heart of the show lies in his rich internal monologues as he savors each meal, lingering on the textures, flavors, and quiet satisfaction of every bite. Intentionally low-key in tone, the series celebrates the mundane yet profound joy of a good meal, offering viewers a gentle escape into simple pleasures.

After the screening, join Onigiri by Hyuga for a live demonstration, tasting, and Q&A. Experience the care, craft, and cultural richness behind each rice ball, and leave inspired to bring a taste of Japan’s comforting simplicity into your own kitchen.

* The menu will include one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian onigiri. Vegetarian options are available; vegan accommodations cannot be made.

Courtesy of Onigiri by Hyuga

*Subject to change

Screening | Two Episodes

• Season 4 | Episode 12
  Goro Inogashira visits Ebisu, encounters an elderly man who owns izakaya “Saiki,” and enjoys a warm, comforting meal including a trio of appetizers, fried horse mackerel, shrimp shinjo, and turnip soup.
• Season 9 | Episode 8
  In Takasaki City, Goro discovers onigiri restaurant “Enmusubi,” enjoying multiple rounds of handcrafted rice balls with various fillings such as sea urchin, salmon, cod roe, and sansho pepper, appreciating the care behind each onigiri.

Presentation | Onigiri in Japanese Food Culture

Participants will explore what onigiri represent in daily Japanese life, the distinctive appeal of Japanese rice, the variety of shapes—from triangular and round to tawara—and both classic and creative fillings, along with essential points on rice preparation and ingredients.

Live Demonstration & Tastings | How to Make Onigiri

In partnership with Onigiri by Hyuga, known for crafting authentic Japanese rice balls using rice sourced from Japan, the program offers an approachable introduction to making onigiri at home, with practical tips on shaping, seasoning, and selecting ingredients. The event concludes with a tasting and Q&A session, inviting guests to savor the flavors firsthand while gaining a deeper appreciation of onigiri as both a beloved comfort food and a meaningful expression of Japanese culinary culture.

Courtesy of Onigiri by Hyuga

ONIGIRI BY HYUGA is a Los Angeles–based onigiri brand dedicated to sharing the essence of Japanese rice culture. Each onigiri is handcrafted using premium Japanese rice cooked in a traditional hagama pot, wrapped in Ariake nori, renowned as Japan’s finest seaweed.

Founded with the vision of introducing authentic Japanese craftsmanship to the diverse and dynamic food scene of Los Angeles, ONIGIRI BY HYUGA has become known for its balance of simplicity, quality, and heart.

Through pop-ups, festivals, and catering events across Southern California, the brand continues to bring the warmth of handmade Japanese comfort food to a global audience.

Header Image Credit: ©2021 Masayuki Qusumi, Jiro Taniguchi, fusosha / TV TOKYO

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