The origin of the current day Onigiri, also known as Rice Balls, dates back to Japan during the Heian Period, “Ton-jiki”. Ton-jiki was made with brown rice packed firmly into an egg shape. It used to be distributed to domestic servants as a token of appreciation during events held at imperial or noble households, thus, symbolising compassion to this very day. 

In our present times however, Onigiri is a easy, portable, and compact food item often made and given to loved ones to send them off safely on a trip.