Shingen Mochi
Okashi
One of the unique things about traveling around Japan is
definitely the various shapes, colors and tastes of traditional
okashi (sweets or biscuits) which are sold at every train
station kiosk or candy store all over the country. Some
okashi have historical roots and are unique to a particular
region, while others have typical fruits or vegetables
of the area as their main ingredients. They are usually
bought and given to workmates and family when people are
traveling either for business or sightseeing. It is a great
way to sample the taste and essence of each part of Japan.
Shingen Mochi
One of the most renowned okashi in Yamanashi prefecture
is Shingen-mochi, named after the famous warlord Takeda
Shingen, ruler of Yamanashi and contemporary of Tokugawa
Ieyasu, the first shogun in Japan. It is a kind of rice
cake, covered with ground soybean powder and kuromitsu
(black honey), which is similar to molasses. It has
its roots
in another mochi, Abekawa mochi, which used to be offered
to the spirits enshrined in altars since ancient times
during Obon festivals in Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.
Before the sixties, Yamanashi's main local souvenirs
were grapes and peaches covered with sugar, given Yamanashi's
renown as a paradise of fruits. However, producers had
to deal with the major problem of sustaining production
throughout the year, as fruits are seasonal. Meanwhile,
a company in Yamanashi perfected the miniaturization
of Abekawa mochi so that they could be produced and consumed
at any time of year (or, in any season). In order to
make
a more appealing product, they took to wrapping them
individually in small pieces of plastic, imitating the
traditional furoshiki
wrapping style, and also including a stick of wood to
facilitate consumption.
Eating Shingen mochi
When you eat in Japan, you must first savor with your eyes
both the display of the food and its appearance. Unwrapping
and laying the Shingen mochi on a tray, sprinkling on the
ground soybean powder and covering it all with kuromitsu
is a unique rite. With the small stick of wood which accompanies
each individual package, you can delight in the genuine
taste of Yamanashi Shingen mochi.
The joy of trying Shingen mochi lead to its selection as
the second most popular gift bought in Haneda and Narita
airports, not to mention its place among the 30 most popular
gifts sold in Japan.
On your next trip to Japan, make sure you enjoy this traditional
Yamanashi okashi
