2026 NO.39
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Celebrating with Food in Japan
Seasonal Calendar of Food and Celebration
Spring in Japan reaches its peak with the arrival of cherry blossoms in April. The custom among commoners of enjoying food, drink, and entertainment under blooming cherry trees is said to have started around the 18th century, with everyone sharing hanami bento — picnic lunches in bento boxes packed with rice and an array of side dishes.
This event, dedicated to prayers for boys to grow up healthy, is held on May 5. Traditional displays feature koinobori streamers shaped like carp and kabuto helmets believed to protect children from harm. The day is marked by eating kashiwa mochi rice cakes, which are wrapped in oak leaves, as oak trees do not shed old leaves until new ones sprout and so symbolize a prayer for the prosperity of one’s descendants, as well as chimaki (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves), which has long been believed to ward off evil spirits.
On June 30, people visit shrines in Kyoto and other areas for the summer purification ritual, passing through chinowa, a large ring made of cogon grass to cleanse themselves of impurities accumulated over the past six months and pray for good health and safety for the coming six months. The triangular white minazuki cakes served on the day are made from rice or wheat flour and are designed to resemble ice chips for warding off the summer heat. The cakes are topped with adzuki beans, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and demons.
