Onigiri Taro

A Japanese Chef Bringing the Charm of Rice to the World

Onigiri Taro is a self-proclaimed “chef bringing the charm of rice to the world” who has recently gained attention on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. His specialty lies in the ultimate shio onigiri, the rice ball seasoned with just salt. He uses carefully selected rice and water to cook piping hot rice, which he then molds into salt onigiri with nothing inside, enduring the heat as he shapes the rice with his hands. This process, shared on his TikTok and Instagram, has become a hot topic, drawing considerable attention. Recently, he collaborated with actor Takuya Kimura, a famous Japanese actor, on his YouTube channel and was featured on the TV Asahi show “Kaji Yaro!!!” broadcast on August 20, 2024 in Japan.

YouTube: The Collaboration with Takuya Kimura, a Famous Japanese Actor

Onigiri Taro’s Background

Onigiri Taro, whose real name is Taro Kiso, was born in 1997 in Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture. After graduating from high school, he spent three years training at a sushi restaurant, then moved on to a traditional Japanese restaurant in Kyoto to further his knowledge of Japanese cuisine. Later, in October 2022, he studied French cuisine at La Mer Shima Kanko Bay Suite in Shima City, Mie Prefecture. His current focus on social media activities centered around onigiri began in September 2023. In 2024, a video capturing that Onigiri Taro molded an onigiri went viral on TikTok and he became famous in Japan.

The Video that Made Onigiri Taro Famous

Onigiri Taro’s Philosophy

Onigiri Taro started his current activities centered around onigiri to convey the message that Japanese rice is not only affordable but also delicious. Thus, he identifies himself as a “chef bringing the charm of rice to the world.”

Onigiri Taro’s Commitment

Water

Since rice absorbs a lot of water at first, Onigiri Taro uses carefully selected water such as soft water and odorless natural water for the first wash. The water used for cooking rice is also carefully chosen, as it greatly affects the flavor of the cooked rice. Therefore, instead of tap water, he uses soft water that meets his standards.

Donabe (Earthenware Pot)

Onigiri Taro uses a specialized donabe instead of a regular rice cooker. Since donabe easily absorbs odors, it requires a process where rice is cooked in it once just to remove any unwanted smells, especially if a towel has been placed inside during transportation, as it can absorb the towel’s scent..

Rice and Water Temperature

When Cooking It is said that using well-chilled water and rice at the beginning enhances the sweetness of the cooked rice. Additionally, soaking the rice before cooking helps make the rice fluffier. Therefore, Onigiri Taro chills the soaked rice in the refrigerator before starting the cooking process.

Salt

Onigiri Taro is particular about the salt he uses. For example, he uses sun-dried salt from Amakusa, sun-dried salt from Awaji Island, and rock salt from Sicily, Italy. These are salts that Onigiri Taro has found through his daily research to make the best-tasting onigiri.

Where Can You Meet Onigiri Taro?

Onigiri Taro doesn’t work at a specific store; instead, he collaborates with existing restaurants. Therefore, there isn’t a specific place where you can always find him. Moreover, he actively collaborates not only in Japan but also in the United States, Vietnam, and Taiwan. If you want to meet Onigiri Taro, it’s best to check his Instagram for updates. As of August 2024, Onigiri Taro is collaborating with a local Japanese restaurant on the West Coast in Los Angeles.

Onigiri Taro’s Social Media

Onigiri Taro currently shares his information mainly on Instagram. He has three Instagram accounts. The videos that have gone viral on YouTube and TikTok were posted by his collaboration partners or customers who visited those venues. Below are some of the viral videos.

Onigiri Taro’s Instagram

Conclusion

Onigiri Taro, whose real name is Taro Kiso, is 27 years old. He graduated from a culinary high school and holds a chef’s license. He is a legitimate chef with experience in sushi, Japanese cuisine, and French cuisine. Onigiri Taro doesn’t work at a specific location, so to taste his onigiri, you need to make a reservation at one of his collaboration venues. His onigiri are made with carefully selected rice and water, cooked in a donabe, and shaped while still piping hot right in front of you. Recently, he has been appearing on television more frequently, and his future activities are highly anticipated.