Tosa Inaka Sushi (土佐田舎寿司)

At Kochi’s Sunday Market, packs of local sushi may look nothing like the nigiri you know. Pink buds, green stalks, and dark mushrooms replace the seafood that many visitors expect. This is Tosa Inaka Sushi (土佐田舎寿司), the mountain-vegetable sushi of Kochi Prefecture. Japan’s agriculture ministry spells the name Tosa Inakazushi. Cooks season the rice with yuzu and top it with vegetables from the hills. So what are those toppings, and is the dish really vegan? This guide covers the ingredients, taste, history, and where to buy it. TOCWhat Is Tosa Inaka Sushi? Tosa Inaka Sushi is a regional sushi tradition from Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku. It uses seasoned mountain vegetables and wild plants instead of raw fish. Typical toppings include myoga, bamboo shoots, shiitake, konnyaku, and ryukyu. In addition, yuzu juice flavors the rice, so each piece tastes bright and citrusy. Quick Facts Japanese name土佐田舎寿司 (Tosa inaka-zushi) Official English spellingTosa Inakazushi (MAFF) RegionKochi Prefecture, Shikoku, especially mountain areas Main toppingsMyoga, ryukyu, shiitake, konnyaku, bamboo shoots Rice seasoningRice vinegar, yuzu juice, sugar, salt, ginger, sesame ShapesNigiri, stuffed, and presse...