"Gunkan" is a Japanese term that translates to "warship" in English. The name "gunkan" for this type of sushi originates from its appearance – the small, hand-formed rice mound wrapped in nori resembles a warship with its "hull." This unique shape was designed to hold loose or delicate toppings like fish roe that might not stay on traditional nigiri sushi. The name reflects the creative and practical nature of this sushi style, as it serves as a vessel to hold a variety of flavorful toppings.