Japan Rankings
If you’ve ever traveled to Japan or explored Japanese cuisine, you may have encountered colorful sprinkles on rice known as furikake (ふりかけ).
This iconic seasoning blend is a staple in many Japanese households and is gaining popularity worldwide for its convenience, flavor, and nutritional value.
In this article, we’ll introduce the Top 10 Best-Selling Furikake in Japan (2024), based on data from Urecon.jp.
We’ll also explore what makes furikake so beloved in Japan, share a brief history, and offer tips for buying furikake when you visit Japan.
A classic blend of seaweed (nori), egg granules (tamago), and seasoning. Loved for its sweet-savory balance and kid-friendly taste.
A purple shiso (perilla) leaf-based seasoning. Its tangy, herbaceous flavor adds a refreshing kick to plain rice.
A mix-in type furikake with wakame seaweed and salmon flakes.
Soft texture with dried baby sardines and aromatic Japanese pepper.
A simple but classic combo of toasted sesame seeds and salt. Ideal for rice balls (onigiri).
A moist and savory topping featuring soft salmon flakes. Its delicate umami and gentle texture make it especially appealing to children and adults alike.
A refreshing, slightly bitter green veggie blend mixed with seaweed.
Same as #1, but in a smaller portion size.
A flavorful mix with seaweed, bonito flakes, and egg. Slightly stronger taste than Noritama.
A tangy blend of pickled plum and shiso.
Furikake is loved for its versatility. It instantly adds flavor, texture, and visual appeal to plain white rice, making it ideal for:
It’s also affordable, shelf-stable, and comes in dozens of flavors.
Many Japanese people grow up with furikake, and brands like Marumiya and Mishima are household names.
Furikake originated in the Taisho period (1910s) as a nutritious supplement to address calcium deficiencies. A pharmacist named Suekichi Yoshimaru created "Gohan no Tomo (御飯の友)" using ground fish bones and sesame seeds.
Later, companies like Marumiya popularized furikake in the post-war era. Their "Noritama" product, launched in 1959, became a national hit. Since then, furikake has evolved into a cultural staple.
Did you know that furikake is now popular outside Japan too? In places like Hawaii and California, furikake is often used on popcorn, fries, or even poke bowls!
Whether you're a seasoned Japanophile or planning your first trip, trying furikake is an easy and delicious way to experience Japanese culture through food.
