In Japan, what are spring rolls known as?

In Japan, spring rolls are known as harumaki. The Japanese name is written 春巻き, literally combining characters associated with “spring” and “巻き,” or roll.

Japanese harumaki are generally fried rolls filled with ingredients such as vegetables, pork, shrimp, or glass noodles, depending on the recipe. They are commonly served as an appetizer or side dish and may be accompanied by karashi mustard or soy sauce.

The name reflects the dish’s Chinese origin and its adaptation into Japanese cuisine. Spring rolls are not exclusive to one country: related versions appear across China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and elsewhere, with different wrappers, fillings, and cooking methods.

The alternatives are distinct Japanese foods. Okonomiyaki is a savory griddled pancake, takoyaki are batter balls usually containing octopus, and gyoza are dumplings typically pan-fried or steamed. Harumaki is the specifically Japanese name for spring rolls.