The Year of the Snake

VOL.20

January 2025

The Year of the Snake

The Year of the Snake

This month’s theme is Japan’s Year of the Snake, or as it’s called in Japanese, “Midoshi”. It may sound unfamiliar, but to put it simply, it refers to the year associated with the snake in the traditional zodiac system. Through this month’s snake-themed treats and cultural highlights, we hope you can experience a unique aspect of Japanese tradition. In Japan, the zodiac not only influences beliefs about fortune but also provides a way to reflect on the themes of the year.

The Year of the Snake

On New Year’s Eve, temples across Japan hold a special ceremony known as Joya no Kane. In this Buddhist tradition, the temple bell is struck 108 times. The number represents the human desires that cause suffering. By ringing the bell, it is believed these desires are purified, allowing people to start the new year with a clear mind and renewed spirit. The resonant sound of the bell echoes in the quiet of the night, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. For many Japanese, this is a time to let go of past regrets and prepare for the year ahead. Visitors are often welcome to participate, with some temples allowing individuals to strike the bell themselves, offering a memorable cultural experience.

What's in this box

  • Fluffy Snow Tofu Dessert

    Fluffy Snow Tofu Dessert

    This smooth and creamy tofu dessert is made from pure soy milk sourced from organically grown soybeans. The soy milk pudding is served with a rich red bean sauce made from Hokkaido-grown azuki beans.

  • Fortune Crackers

    Fortune Crackers

    "Tsujiura" is a traditional New Year’s wagashi from Kanazawa, featuring a fortune-telling message hidden inside. Each treat is shaped like flowers or battledores, with small messages wrapped within. To enjoy, take three pieces, break them open, and retrieve the tiny papers inside. It’s customary to connect the three messages and interpret them as a playful form of word fortune-telling.

  • Zodiac Marshmallows

    Zodiac Marshmallows

    The zodiac sign for 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Celebrate the New Year with these adorable snake-themed marshmallows. Peeking out from the zodiac-themed bag, these charming marshmallows are a lovely way to add a festive touch to your New Year celebrations.

  • Black Sesame Sweet Bean Jelly

    Black Sesame Sweet Bean Jelly

    This Black Sesame Yokan is made with a generous amount of sesame, creating a delightful flavor. Even in Japan, sesame yokan is quite unique, and its deep, nutty taste with a refined sweetness makes it truly special.

  • Rice Cracker Assortment

    Rice Cracker Assortment

    An assortment of six flavors, Rokka, includes small packets of perilla seeds, shredded seaweed, dried shrimp, fried whitebait, plum-flavored rice crackers, and young sardine crackers. Enjoy them as is, or pair them with tea for a delightful treat.

  • Brown Rice Crackers

    Brown Rice Crackers

    These rice crackers are made from Hiyokumochi glutinous rice grown in Saga Prefecture, a region renowned for its high-quality rice production. Carefully crafted to preserve the natural sweetness and aroma of the rice, no chemical seasonings or preservatives are used.

  • Hojo Brown Rice Tea

    Hojo Brown Rice Tea

    Genmaicha is a blend of Japanese green tea and roasted brown rice, celebrated for its distinctive toasted aroma and smooth, mellow flavor, loved by people of all generations. This product features Hojo Rice, a specially cultivated variety once presented to the Imperial Family during the early Showa era

  • Cut-Out Baumkuchen

    Cut-Out Baumkuchen

    This charming dog-shaped baumkuchen features a delightful Shiba Inu design with expressive eyes that bring a sense of comfort and joy. Perfect as a small gift, a treat for dog lovers, or even as a novelty item for events.

  • Milk Honey Karinto

    Milk Honey Karinto

    This exceptional snack was awarded the "Merit Gold Prize" and the "Minister's Award" at Japan's National Confectionery Exposition. It features the gentle sweetness of Hokkaido-grown beet sugar and powdered milk, complemented by a delightfully light and crispy texture.

  • Plum and Peanut Snack

    Plum and Peanut Snack

    These bean snacks feature a light and refreshing salty taste, flavored with plum and shiso. Their soft pink color adds a charming touch, making them an ideal gift.

  • Green Tea in Tea Bags

    Green Tea in Tea Bags

    This Sencha is crafted with premium-quality tea leaves, they deliver an exceptional flavor for a delightful tea experience.

  • Roasted Honey Butter Peanuts

    Roasted Honey Butter Peanuts

    Peanuts are roasted to enhance their rich, nutty flavor, then generously coated with honey. A touch of domestic butter adds a rich aroma, while a sprinkle of salt creates a delightful contrast. The sweet and savory combination is irresistibly addictive. Each batch is carefully handmade.

  • Almond and Honey Confectionery

    Almond and Honey Confectionery

    Roasted almonds enveloped in the smooth and mellow sweetness of honey. Each almond is carefully roasted to enhance its natural nutty aroma and then gently coated with honey for a delightful flavor.

  • Coffee Agar Jelly

    Coffee Agar Jelly

    Crafted into bite-sized agar jelly, this treat preserves the rich aroma of coffee. It's a delightful way to enjoy the full-bodied flavor of coffee in a convenient and refreshing form.

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