“that’s rice” Hiroshima-Style Onigiri Pop-Up – June 18 at THE LIVELY OSAKA
THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI will host a pop-up event featuring the street cart rice ball stand “that’s rice” on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
One-Day-Only Pop-Up: Hiroshima’s Beloved Rice Ball Cart “that’s rice” Comes to Osaka!
Get ready for a special one-day-only pop-up featuring “that’s rice”, a popular Hiroshima-based street cart that’s been making waves with its handmade rice balls.
This charming food cart, pulled by hand and run by a passionate young entrepreneur, has been capturing hearts (and stomachs) across Japan with its fresh ingredients, nostalgic vibes, and heartfelt flavors. With growing buzz on social media and in the press, it’s become a symbol of creative street food and local revival.
Since April 2025, “that’s rice” has been on a cross-country journey, visiting eight cities by cart in the lead-up to their first permanent store. Osaka is the final stop—making this pop-up event at THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI a truly memorable one!
Only here for the day, the menu includes three of their most-loved rice balls: spicy cod roe with Japanese omelet, grilled salmon, and dried baby sardines with green onion. To make it even better, THE LIVELY KITCHEN will offer a special set menu curated by our chef, featuring soup and sides made with ingredients from Hiroshima and the Setouchi region—all with a modern French twist.
You can enjoy everything in our stylish restaurant or out on the terrace. Whether you’re a rice ball fan or just curious to try something new, come take part in this delicious cultural collaboration!
<Pop-Up Event Details>
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM
Location: Near the entrance of THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI
Prices (tax included):
Rice balls – Spicy cod roe with omelet: ¥380 / Grilled salmon: ¥330 / Dried baby sardines with green onions: ¥400
Side dish and soup set: ¥500 (includes lemon-flavored fried chicken, eggplant tartar with truffle and pistachio flavor, and ocean soup)
Please note that quantities are limited. Sales will end once items are sold out.
What’s “that’s rice”? The Street Cart Rice Ball Stand Winning Hearts Across Japan
Based in Hiroshima, “that’s rice” is a one-woman show—literally. Run by a solo female vendor, this charming rice ball stand is operated from a hand-pulled cart stocked with freshly made onigiri. Her friendly smile, the care she puts into every rice ball, and the nostalgic, eye-catching cart have made her a viral hit on social media.
What makes “that’s rice” truly special is that it has no physical store. Instead, the vendor pulls her cart through the streets of Hiroshima, popping up in unexpected places. Sometimes hauling over 100kg, her determined presence has become a symbol of dedication and grit. When locals spot her rolling by, they shout, “That’s Luck!” and quickly form a line.
Each rice ball is handmade using premium Japanese rice, allowing its natural sweetness and umami to shine. With minimal seasoning and carefully chosen fillings, the simplicity of the dish lets the quality of the ingredients—and the heart behind the cart—take center stage.
THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI is a lifestyle hotel known for its sophisticated design. With a restaurant, bar, and working space, it fits a variety of guest needs.
Hotel Information
THE LIVELY OSAKA HONMACHI
1-5-11 Minami-Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0054
1-minute walk from Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station (Chuo Line, Sakaisuji Line)
10-minute walk from Honmachi Station (Chuo Line, Midosuji Line, Yotsubashi Line)
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