Ancient Beginnings (Before 700 AD): Onigiri is a yummy Japanese snack that started a long, long time ago. People in Japan, back then, didn't have plastic containers or lunchboxes. So, they came up with a clever idea. They took rice, shaped it into little balls or triangles, and wrapped them in leaves. These rice balls were easy to carry and stayed fresh for a while. People used to season them with salt to keep them tasty.
Heian Period (794-1185 AD): As time passed, in a period called the Heian period, Japanese aristocrats began using bamboo leaves to wrap their onigiri. The wrapping got fancier, but the idea stayed the same - delicious rice inside.
Edo Period (1603-1868 AD): When samurai warriors ruled during the Edo period, they made triangular onigiri called "musubi." These are like the ones we have today. Samurai loved onigiri because they could eat them easily during battles or on long journeys.
Modern Times (20th Century): In modern times, onigiri got even more exciting. People started putting different fillings inside, like grilled salmon, pickled plums, or seaweed. You can find onigiri in stores all over Japan, and they are super popular. They are like quick and tasty snacks for everyone.
Today (21st Century): Onigiri is not just famous in Japan anymore; people all around the world love them. You can find onigiri with all kinds of fillings, and they are still a delicious and handy snack. So, onigiri has a long history, from ancient times to now, and it's still a yummy treat enjoyed by many people.