【Reading】こだいすずめずし

【English Name】Kodaisuzume sushi

Kodai suzume-zushi is a type of oshizushi (pressed sushi) representative of Wakayama Prefecture, and a regional delicacy long enjoyed as an ekiben (station boxed lunch).

It is made by vinegar-curing chariko (small sea bream) landed in the Kitan Strait, combining them with sushi rice, and shaping them into form; the name is said to come from its appearance resembling a sparrow (suzume). It is offered in several lineups differing in presentation and number of pieces.

The maker, Wakayama Suiryoken Co., Ltd., began with the opening of a stall within Wakayama Kitaguchi Station of the Nankai Railway in October 1898 (Meiji 31). It was formally founded in front of Nankai Wakayamashi Station in 1903, and from 1932 it also began operating a stall within the national railway's Wakayama Station. Today it can be obtained at the head office at the east exit of JR Wakayama Station, at the shop inside the Suiryoken Building at the west exit, and at the stall inside Wakayama MIO, among other locations.

Note that although its corporate name resembles that of "Kodai Suzumezushi Sushiman," headquartered in Osaka, the two are entirely unrelated and independent companies. Wakayama Suiryoken also makes wasabi-zushi, sanma-zushi, mehari-zushi, and others.