Hyōroku mochi facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | Confectionery |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Region or state | Kyushu |
| Created by | Seika Foods |
| Main ingredients | Gyūhi (starch syrup, nori, powdered green tea, soybean flour, and whitebean paste) |
Hyōrokumochi (兵六餅) is a special candy from Japan. It is made and sold by a company called Seika Foods in Kagoshima. This sweet treat is a bit like a rice cake. It's made from ingredients like starch syrup, nori (seaweed), powdered green tea, soybean flour, and white bean paste.
Each Hyōrokumochi candy is shaped like a small cube. It's wrapped in a thin, edible film, which means you can eat the wrapper too! You can find Hyōrokumochi candies in many stores across the Kyushu region of Japan.
Contents
The Sweet Story of Hyōrokumochi
How Hyōrokumochi Began
The history of Hyōrokumochi candy goes back a long way. In 1931, a company called Kagoshima Seika started selling these candies. This company later became known as Seika Foods, the same company that makes them today.
The Name's Origin
The name Hyōrokumochi comes from a famous Japanese book. The book is called Ōishi Hyōroku Yumemonogatari. It was written by a Japanese writer named Mōri Masanao. The candy was named after this popular story from Kagoshima.
The Unique Packaging Story
The box for Hyōrokumochi has a very interesting picture. It shows a young soldier from Kagoshima. He is wearing a fundoshi, which is a traditional Japanese undergarment.
When the company first wanted to use this picture, they had a small problem. Some people thought the drawing might be too revealing. However, Seika Foods explained that the fundoshi was a traditional garment and that the picture was appropriate. Because of their explanation, they were allowed to use the unique design.
Where to Find Hyōrokumochi Today
Today, Hyōrokumochi is not just sold in Japan. It is also imported to North America. A company called JFC International helps bring these delicious Japanese candies to other parts of the world.
