恵方巻き – Ehōmaki

Ehōmaki means “lucky direction sushi roll” and is a relatively new tradition for Setsubun in Japan.  7-Eleven in Japan introduced this practice for the Setsubun in 1998, and it became popular during the 00s.  Ehōmaki is simply a sushi roll with seven ingredients inside one for each of the seven lucky gods.  You are supposed to eat the entire roll without cutting it up with a knife.  It is said that if you look towards the Ehō or lucky direction, think of your wish, and eat the entire Ehōmaki without talking, then your wish will come true.  Some people say that this is nothing but a money making idea by sushi industry and I agree, but it is still a fun and delicious event, right?