Gokabou facts for kids

Gokabou is a special Japanese sweet called wagashi. It is mainly made and sold in Saitama prefecture, Japan. This sweet is made from a sweetened rice cake called Okoshi. It is mixed with sugar and shaped into a small, thumb-sized cylinder.

Each Gokabou is wrapped in a thin sheet made from starch syrup and soybean powder. Then, it is coated with more soybean powder. Gokabou is very famous as a souvenir from Kumagaya city in Saitama prefecture. Sometimes, it is even served as a dessert in local elementary and middle schools.

Gokabou is one of the three most famous sweets from Saitama. The other two are Soka Senbei (rice crackers) from Kazo city and Imogashi (sweets made from sweet potatoes) from Kawagoe city. Gokabou is also recognized as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Saitama." This means it has a unique sound or feeling connected to the region.

The name "Gokabou" has a special meaning. It means "five grains are a family's treasure." This sweet is also a special product of Kazo city. People have been enjoying Gokabou for over 150 years! It is a sweet that can be stored for a long time. This made it very popular as a souvenir across Japan. Making Gokabou uses a unique and old-fashioned method. It is also a natural sweet with no added chemicals. It is easy to digest, making it a healthy and tasty treat.

History of Gokabou

Gokabou was first made as a food that could last a long time. This meant people could store it and eat it later. Over time, it became a popular sweet that families made at home.

Gokabou became even more famous after 1883. This was when a railroad line opened from Ueno to Kumagaya. With the new train line, people started selling Gokabou at the train station. This helped the sweet become known to many more people.