Japanese 7 spice, also known as shichimi togarashi, is a blend of seven different spices. The most common spices used in shichimi togarashi are chili pepper, Sichuan pepper, orange peel, ginger, seaweed, and sansho. While the exact ratios of each spice vary depending on the brand or chef, the overall flavor profile is typically spicy and slightly citrusy. Shichimi togarashi is often used as a finishing spice for noodle dishes, grilled meats, and soups. It can also be used as a rub for roasted vegetables or added to marinades. While Japanese 7 spice and shichimi togarashi are similar, they are different. Shichimi togarashi usually contains a higher proportion of chili pepper than Japanese 7 spice, giving it a bit more heat. In addition, shichimi togarashi typically contains seaweed, which imparts a slightly salty flavor. Japanese 7 spice typically does not contain seaweed. As a result, while both spices share some common flavor profiles, they are not interchangeable.