Akumaki

Akumaki is a traditional dessert made by soaking mochigome rice wrapped in bamboo leaves in lye overnight. Similar to mochi, but less sticky, akumaki is not everyone’s cup of tea - if eaten on its own, it has a slightly bitter flavor, so it is usually enjoyed soaked in honey or enriched with sweet toppings such as blended sugar and toasted soybean flour called kinako.

Akumaki is traditionally served on Children’s Day (formerly known as Boy's Day), a Japanese National holiday which takes place annually on May 5, with a goal of celebrating children’s personalities and praising their happiness.