Confections in Celebration of Children’s Day (Tango no Sekku)

While May 5 in Japan is now most commonly known as Boy’s Day or Children’s Day, its origin dates back to the traditional celebration of Tango no sekku. On this day, people eat auspicious sweets to ward away evil and pray for children’s good health and wellbeing.

 At Toraya, we offer a selection of seasonal confections based on the traditions and motifs surrounding this celebration.

 

Seasonal Yokan 『Ayame Awase/Brimming with Irises』

This seasonal yokan’s design is evocative of vibrant purple and white irises which are in full bloom around Children’s Day every year.

【Sales Period】Early April – Early May  ※ Or while stocks last
【Sales Location】All stores
【Price】1944 yen (including tax)
 

『Kashiwa Mochi』Oak-wrapped dumplings

Nested in kashiwa or Japanese emperor oak’s leaf, the confection signifies permanence and prosperity as its leaves only fall from the tree when new shoots emerge. 

The confection comes with two filling options: smooth azuki bean paste and miso-flavored white azuki bean paste.

【Price】346 yen/piece (including tax)
【Sales Period and Location】Late April to Early May. Date and variety varies according to location. Please click here for more information (※ Japanese only)
 

『Chimaki』Bamboo-wrapped dumplings

Chimaki has long been associated with warding off evil since the Heian period (794 - 1185). At Toraya, we offer a selection of this seasonal sweet treat, all wrapped in aromatic bamboo grass.

• Yokan Chimaki: dough made from smooth azuki bean paste and kuzu starch.
• Kuzu Chimaki: simple kuzu starch dough with a light sweetness.
• Uiro Chimaki: the dough made from rice flour has a firm, springy texture.  (※ Only available in Nagoya and Kansai area)
• Uiro with unrefined cane sugar Chimaki: using a different type of sugar, it stands out from its uiro chimaki counterpart by its rich sweetness. ( ※ Only available in Kanto and Gotemba area)

【Price】465 yen/piece (including tax)
【Sales Period and Location】Early May. Date and variety varies according to location. Please click here (Kanto, Gotemba) or here (Nagoya, Kansai) for more information (※ Japanese only)