Sushi roll (Makimono)
Dried gourd strip roll (Kanpyo maki)
【Makimono】
Kanpyo is a preserved food made by peeling the flesh of a bottle gourd into long, thin strips and drying them. Before use, the dried strips are rehydrated in water and then simmered in a sweet-and-savory sauce. Kanpyo maki are thin sushi rolls with this simmered kanpyo as the filling. The gentle sweetness of the simmered kanpyo complements the tartness of the vinegared rice, and the addition of wasabi’s refreshing spiciness sharpens the flavor, creating a refined taste that appeals to mature palates.
Sushi made by wrapping vinegared rice and fillings in nori is sometimes called "makizushi" in the Kansai region and "nori-maki" in Tokyo. Furthermore, while the Kansai style traditionally uses unroasted nori, the Edomae style is characterized by the use of roasted nori. Roasting the nori enhances its luster and imparts a rich aroma and crisp texture. However, since roasted nori tends to shrink when it absorbs moisture, it must be rolled quickly.
Just like with nigiri sushi, the key to the deliciousness of kanpyo rolls lies in the balance between the kanpyo and the vinegared rice. Simmered kanpyo must be prepared with an exquisite balance of flavors so that the toasty aroma of the nori, the mild acidity of the vinegared rice, and the gentle sweetness of the kanpyo blend harmoniously.
While other thin rolls are often cut into six equal pieces, kanpyo rolls are generally cut into four equal pieces. They are also sometimes called "Kizu-maki," named after the Kizu area of Osaka, which was once famous for its kanpyo. In Edomae sushi, it is traditional for the term "nori-maki" to refer specifically to kanpyo rolls.
Finally, since kanpyo is already well-seasoned, it is usually enjoyed as is, without soy sauce. Adding soy sauce would disrupt the balance of flavors, so it is traditionally enjoyed without soy sauce in the Edomae style.
【Related contents】
Nori (Dried laver seaweed)
KANPYO
What is Futomaki?
List of Seaweed roll (Makimono)
(Revision date: July 27, 2026)