Onigiri (rice balls) are a very familiar and quintessential food for Japanese people.

It is said that the origins of onigiri can be traced back to "kowameshi," which appears in the ancient Manyoshu anthology of poetry, and it has been a staple food for people throughout their lives. Sports days, school trips, lunch breaks at work—if you think back, many people will likely recall events related to onigiri.

You can enjoy these timeless rice balls, loved across generations, in the heart of the city, along with a comforting feeling like you're back home, at "mitoho," a specialty rice ball shop in Kitahama, Osaka.

These rice balls are made with "Kenmai," a special blend created for this shop by a rice expert, and are gently formed to fall apart. As you bite into them, enveloped in the aroma of freshly cooked rice, a warmth spreads through you, gently unraveling the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A story that began with one woman's determination.

The story of "mitoho" began with a small decision made by Miho Nakamura, who had spent many years protecting her family's kitchen and raising her children.

One day, after seeing an acquaintance eating convenience store rice balls for lunch every day, she began to think about "the way we eat." "I want to provide healthier, more comforting, and authentically Japanese meals." That desire became the impetus for opening the shop.

The chosen location is a historic building that once served as a pharmacy for four generations. This Kitahama area was also a trading center for rice transported from various regions during the early Edo period. It was this combination of coincidences that led to the opening of this "rice ball specialty shop that brings comfort to everyday life."

A comforting place reminiscent of the dinner table at home.

Soft light streams into the restaurant, creating a tranquil atmosphere. At the counter seats, conversations naturally begin between those sitting next to each other, allowing you to relax and perhaps even express feelings you wouldn't normally put into words. It's as if you're gathered around the dinner table at home, with food and conversation seamlessly intertwined.

The thoughts behind Kenmai

At the heart of this shop is its unwavering commitment to carefully selected rice. Working with a rice wholesaler in Osaka City, they spent over six months testing rice from all over Japan before finally settling on "Niko-maru" from Fukui Prefecture. It retains its flavor even when cooled, and its chewy texture pairs well with seaweed and salt, firmly supporting the appeal of their onigiri (rice balls).

With the desire to let more people enjoy the highly nutritious brown rice, we cook it using a method developed through years of experience as a housewife, resulting in perfectly chewy brown rice. And to ensure that those who prefer white rice can also enjoy it, we offer both brown and white rice.

The act of gently unraveling

"I hardly squeeze the rice at all so as not to crush it."

As Mr. Nakamura speaks, his delicate movements reveal the culmination of his daily practice. By finishing the dish with almost no force, he creates a texture that melts softly in your mouth the moment you put it in, and remains soft even after some time has passed.

Mitoho offers 26 different ingredients, ranging from classic favorites to unique creations. Their motto is "We only serve what we truly find delicious," and their menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients. All vegetables are sourced from markets within Osaka Prefecture, ensuring freshness and a rich, flavorful taste.

Furthermore, having experienced the difficulties of feeding her own children due to allergies, Ms. Nakamura uses only gluten-free ingredients so that "even those who need dietary restrictions can enjoy their meals." Creating menus that everyone can eat with peace of mind is another core principle of "mitoho."

The restaurant values using simple, familiar flavors that have been enjoyed at home cooking. It seems that Nakamura's wish for customers to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and take a moment to relax is conveyed through the taste of each dish.

Small rewards you find in the city

The comforting feeling of gathering around the dinner table at home, the warmth of rice you feel with every bite—there you'll find the very essence of eating that we busy people may have forgotten.

When you stop in the hustle and bustle of the city, a rice ball from "mitoho" will warm your heart and body. It will surely be a small reward you encounter on your journey, and a reminder of your own "healthy time."

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mitoho 
電話： 090-4301-7688
住所：大阪府大阪市中央区北浜2-3-13 武田グリーンビル
アクセス： Osaka Metro堺筋線 北浜駅 から徒歩1分                                                                                   
SNS： https://www.instagram.com/mitoho.onigiri/ 
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