National Hand Roll Day celebrates the beloved Japanese temaki – a cone-shaped sushi roll filled with rice, fish, and vegetables wrapped in crispy nori seaweed. This culinary celebration honors both the artistry and deliciousness of hand-rolled sushi.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 6th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Beverage Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalHandRollDay #HandRollDay
- When was it founded?: 2019
- Who founded it?: Sushi Nozawa Group
History
The hand roll tradition began in mid-20th century Japan before making its way to America through Chef Nozawa over 40 years ago. In 2014, the Sushi Nozawa Group opened Kazunori: The Original Hand Roll Bar in Los Angeles, dedicated exclusively to hand rolls. They established this national day in 2019, choosing July 6th to honor Chef Nozawa’s birthday.
Timeline
- 1950s: Hand rolls (temaki) introduced in Japan
- 1980s: Chef Nozawa brings cylindrical hand rolls to the US
- 2014: First Kazunori Hand Roll Bar opens in Los Angeles
- 2019: National Hand Roll Day established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 6 | Friday |
Observed
The day is celebrated at sushi restaurants nationwide, with special events and promotions particularly at Sushi Nozawa Group locations in Los Angeles and New York.
Fun Facts About Hand Rolls
- Hand rolls must be eaten immediately to maintain nori crispiness
- The cone shape makes them perfect for eating by hand
- Traditional temaki uses raw fish, but modern versions include cooked ingredients
- The nori should be positioned rough side up when making rolls
- Warm rice is essential for authentic hand rolls
Quiz
- When was National Hand Roll Day established?
- What is the Japanese name for hand rolls?
- Who brought hand rolls to America?
(Answers: 2019, Temaki, Chef Nozawa)
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between hand rolls and regular sushi rolls?
A: Hand rolls are cone-shaped and eaten by hand, while regular rolls are cylindrical and cut into pieces.
Q: Can vegetarians eat hand rolls?
A: Yes, hand rolls can be made with vegetables, egg, or tofu fillings.
Importance of Hand Rolls
Hand rolls represent the perfect fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern casual dining. They offer a unique, interactive dining experience where freshness and immediacy are key to enjoyment.
Related
- International Sushi Day
- National Rice Ball Day
- Japanese Food Day
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- World Food Day