Japanese Mom’s Homemade Onigirazu Wins Hearts in Alabama
A Japanese mother living in Alabama is gaining popularity online after her homemade onigirazu – a Japanese rice ball sandwich – became a hit with her sons’ wrestling teammates. Myu Yamashita, who shares her life in the U.S. On her YouTube channel “GUYLOG,” initially made the snack for her twin sons, Kion and Dion, during a wrestling match.
From Fukuoka to Alabama
Myu Yamashita married an American, Boo, in Japan and previously lived in Fukuoka Prefecture. The family relocated to Alabama in 2020. Yamashita is too a professional wrestler signed to Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, where she is a four-time Princess of Princess Champion and a two-time Princess Tag Team Champion. She also makes appearances for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH).
The Onigirazu Phenomenon
Yamashita prepared “Yakiniku Onigirazu” (grilled beef rice balls) for Kion and Dion’s wrestling club. When Dion shared his lunchbox with friends, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Teammates enthusiastically praised the snack, with some reportedly lining up for more. Even female club members requested to try the onigirazu, expressing their delight with exclamations of enjoyment.
What is Onigirazu?
Onigirazu is a popular Japanese home-cooked dish. It’s essentially a rice ball sandwich, but instead of using bread, it’s wrapped in nori seaweed. Its appeal lies in its simplicity – it requires no baking or dough-making – and its versatility, allowing for a wide range of fillings. Yamashita’s yakiniku version, featuring grilled beef, has clearly resonated with American palates.
Online Buzz
The heartwarming scene, captured in a video on the “GUYLOG” YouTube channel, has garnered positive comments. Viewers have praised the family’s generosity and the children’s enthusiastic reaction to the homemade treat. Comments highlight the joy of seeing the children enjoy the food and appreciate their mother’s efforts.
Yamashita was trained by DDT Pro Wrestling’s Kyohei Mikami, and made her debut in August 2013 as one of the first members of DDT’s all female Tokyo Joshi Pro sister promotion.