Sasa leaves are spread across the base of a round container and covered with a layer of vinegared rice. On top of this are placed slices of trout that have been salt-pickled and seasoned. The sasa leaves are folded over the top and then a weight is placed on top to press the sushi into a firm "cake." During the Edo Period, the local feudal lord, Maeda Toshioki, presented masu-zushi to the 8th Tokugawa shogun, Yoshimune. It is reported that Yoshimune, a connoisseur of rare delicacies, was highly impressed.