HISTORY
What's Japanese spam & egg rice ball? Japanese rice ball
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The 27-year period of American rule in Okinawa from 1945 to 1972 brought about major changes in dietary habits. Suffering from the devastation caused by the war and food shortages, the people of Okinawa relied on U.S. military food rations to adopt new ingredients and food cultures.
The U.S. military’s food rations also included ingredients that were not available in Okinawa at the time, such as spam, cheese, and ice cream. These ingredients were a novelty to the Okinawan people and gradually began to be incorporated into their diet.
In addition, near the US military base, a restaurant has opened that serves American food such as hamburgers and pizza. These restaurants instilled a longing for foreign cultures among Okinawans and at the same time became gateways to a new food culture
Okinawa's History and American Influence
After World War II, Okinawa came under the rule of the United States (1945-1972). During this period, Okinawans had more opportunities to come into direct contact with American culture. As a result, American ingredients and food culture permeated Okinawa, with Spam (pork luncheon meat) playing an important role in particular. Spam was brought to Okinawa as food for American soldiers, and because it is easy to preserve and prepare, it became widely accepted in Okinawan homes.
The birth of pork and egg rice balls
The origins of pork and egg onigiri are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a result of the fusion of American and Japanese culture in postwar Okinawa. The combination of traditional Japanese onigiri rice balls, Spam, brought over from the United States, and eggs created a hearty, convenient meal. This simple combination has become popular with many Okinawans as a quick and nutritious meal.
Current pork and eggs Onigiri
Nowadays, pork and egg onigiri is widely sold in convenience stores and bento shops in Okinawa and is a popular menu item among locals and tourists alike. The taste varies from household to household, and there are many variations. For example, cheese and vegetables may be added, and local ingredients may be used instead of Spam.
For those who can’t get enough of traditional pork egg rice balls, gourmet rice balls with a variety of sauces and spices are also available. There is a wide variety of flavors, such as sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce, special sauce with spicy flavors, and rice balls made with aromatic herbs and spices.
The significance of pork and egg rice balls in Okinawa culture
Pork and egg onigiri is a symbol of Okinawa’s food culture, reflecting its postwar history and ties with America. For Okinawans, this onigiri is more than just food; it is a part of their home-style taste and regional identity. It is also easy to prepare, making it a valuable dish in today’s busy society, and it continues to play a role as a home-cooked dish.
The existence of pork and egg onigiri demonstrates the diversity and flexibility of Okinawa’s food culture, and gives a sense of Okinawa’s history of unique development while being influenced by other cultures. If you visit Okinawa, be sure to try pork and egg onigiri and enjoy its taste and history.