Characterized by their soft and light texture, mushi pan are Japanese steamed buns that come in a variety of flavors. They are prepared with a simple base that employs flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs, and are traditionally steamed in small-sized molds, reminiscent those used to prepare muffins.

The buns became popular after the Second World War when what flour became more common in Japanese households. Sweet potato (satsumaimo) was originally used as a sweetener instead of sugar, and this is still one of the most popular varieties of mushi pan, along with chocolate, banana, mango, matcha, azuki and many more.