Shohei Ohtani’s Top Onigiri Picks – Japan’s Baseball King Meets Rice Ball RoyaltyPublished in 2025

When he's not blasting home runs or striking out MLB's best, Shohei Ohtani knows how to pick a good onigiri. The Japanese two-way superstar recently shared his favorite rice balls — and we couldn’t resist ranking them ourselves!

Whether you're a die-hard Ohtani fan or just love Japanese food, here’s a tasty look into the snacks that power baseball’s most electrifying player.

🥇 1st Place: Salmon (Sake 鮭)

A classic. Juicy grilled salmon wrapped in perfectly seasoned rice, all hugged by crispy nori (seaweed). Ohtani’s top pick shows he's a man of tradition. Rich in protein and omega-3s — maybe this explains his MVP-level focus!

"Simple, salty, satisfying." – Probably Ohtani (or any Japanese grandma)

🥈 2nd Place: Tuna Mayo (ツナマヨ)

Tuna mixed with creamy Japanese mayonnaise is a national favorite — and apparently a dugout favorite, too. It's the comfort food of convenience stores across Japan.

Soft, savory, and nostalgic, this pick proves Ohtani is still in touch with his roots.

🥉 3rd Place: Umeboshi (梅干し)

The sour plum center might be a surprise for non-Japanese fans, but Ohtani’s choice of umeboshi shows his refined palate. It’s tart, salty, and believed to have health benefits — like fighting fatigue. Coincidence? We think not.

Honorable Mentions:

• Kombu (昆布) – simmered kelp for a subtle umami punch

• Mentai Mayo (明太マヨ) – spicy cod roe with mayo = flavor explosion

• Okaka (おかか) – bonito flakes with soy sauce, a favorite for purists

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Final Thoughts

Ohtani’s onigiri choices might seem simple, but like his pitching and hitting — they’re all about precision and power. Next time you’re in Japan (or at a 7-Eleven), grab one of these and eat like a legend.

Who knew rice balls could be so inspiring?