Now Out: Essay 999 on 握 (to hold) and 4 New-Monics

This kanji plays a role in terms ranging from handshakes to bribes, from grasping the gist to seizing power. Above all, 握 has deep connections to sushi. See how sushi relates to gripping—and what sweaty hands have to do with suspense. Learn to say “just a handful,” “I was behind the wheel,” “He took over as leader of the party,” and “He crumpled the sheet of paper into a ball.”