🍱 Mossou Zushi

In Nakatsu city, located on the northwestern edge of Oita Prefecture, and the neighboring city of Usa, “Mossou Zushi” has been eaten since ancient times. “Mossou” is a square wooden mold measuring 15 cm on each side and 15 cm in height. Pressed sushi made with this mold is called “Mossou Zushi”. Some believe that this recipe has been around for several hundred years. It is said that the “Mossou Zushi” was introduced during a time when rice was considered a delicacy, and the boxes were used to equally divide the rice among a group of people. Men were assigned to press down the sushi with the lid as they are stronger than women. “Mossou” ordinarily refers to a cylindrical bent object used in temples, but in this region, the term refers to a wooden, square box. The boxes come in various sizes and the size of the boxes were selected depending on the number of people being served. In Oita Prefecture, various sushi dishes have been passed down through generations, such as “Kachi Ebi Chirashizushi” of the Nagasu district of Usa city and “Chadai Zushi” of Usuki city. These two dishes are served on special occasions such as celebrations and festivals.