There are only a few days left in 2022.
And the zodiac sign for the coming year 2023 is "癸卯" (癸卯).
When we think of the Chinese zodiac, most people think of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, such as the rat, ox, and tiger.
Although the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac are sometimes used to refer to the Chinese zodiac, the zodiac is originally a combination of the ten signs of the zodiac and the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac.
As is well known, the "twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac" are the twelve animals of the year: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Tatsu, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
The "10 signs of the zodiac" have 10 elements: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Boshi, K, Geng, Kato, K, Mizu-no-e, and Gye, and were originally used to count things from 1 to 10.
There are 60 different zodiac signs, combining the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac and the 10 signs of the zodiac, which are used to represent months, days and years. A typical example is the kanreki, which is derived from the fact that in 60 years the zodiac signs come full circle and return to the zodiac sign of the year of birth.
癸" means the end of things and the beginning of things, and as a character connected to "揆 (hakaru)", it represents the seed in a plant that is growing and preparing to sprout.
In the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, "卯" originally represents the cycle of plants, and "卯", the fourth of the zodiac, represents the growth of stems and leaves, which also means "plant growth", making it the best year to try something new.
The rabbit is also said to symbolize "family safety" and "reflection of offspring" because of its gentle and mild nature and fertility. Furthermore, its leaping, bounding form has also been a symbol of "leap forward" and "improvement.
Therefore, the year of "癸卯" is the year in which what you have prepared for your future growth and advancement will begin to sprout.
So, how about celebrating the New Year with wagashi themed on the Chinese zodiac signs, hoping that the year 2023 will be a year in which all your past accomplishments will blossom?
Let us introduce you to Japanese sweets with zodiac motifs available in Kyoto!
Table of Contents
■Toraya's Oriental Zodiac Yokan "Running Rabbit
■Kameya Ryouchou's "Zodiac Confectionery Manzoku
■UCHU wagashi's "ochobo mini zodiac sign".
■Tawaraya Yoshitomi's zodiac manju "Rabbit
Toraya's Oriental Zodiac Yokan "Running Rabbit
The top performer is Toraya's "Running Rabbit". The adorable image of a rabbit running around quickly and joyfully to celebrate the coming of the New Year is expressed in the form of a paste of yokan (thick bean jelly). The colors are red and white, perfect for celebrating the New Year in the Year of the Rabbit.
In addition to the full size wrapped in bamboo skin, half sizes are available, making them easy to buy.
Also available is a limited time only "5-pack rabbit pattern boxed set" featuring a cheerful, spontaneous rabbit on a peach-colored background reminiscent of spring. The set includes two each of the standard "Yoru no Ume" and "Omokage" and one "Shinryoku" small yokan in a cute rabbit package, making it a useful gift.
There are also fresh confections with a rabbit motif! The "Dream Rabbit" is made of rice cake dough, wrapped in a sweet bean paste and branded with ears and eyes to represent a plump, curled-up rabbit asleep. The appearance of a sleeping rabbit is soothing, as if it is peacefully dreaming.
Store Name:Toraya Ichijo
HP:https://www.toraya-group.co.jp/
Address: 415 Hirohashidono-cho, Ichijo-kaku, Karasuma-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-441-3111
Kameya Ryouchou's "Zodiac Confectionery Manzoku
The next confectionary is Kameya Ryouchou's "Zodiac Sign Confectionery, Manchurian Zodiac.
The surface of this moist baked cake is decorated with the Chinese zodiac sign for the year 2023, "Rabbit.
The homemade puree and dried peel are made from organic and naturally farmed yuzu citrus fruits, combined with cream cheese, and baked into Momoyama dough.
The richness of the cheese, the nourishment of the white bean paste, and the fruity sourness of the yuzu are well matched.
Also available is "Geishun Laughing Good Luck," whose packaging features a pattern for the year of the rabbit by the Kyoto textile brand SOU・SOU. It is topped with black soybeans, chestnuts, walnuts, and other good luck charms, reminiscent of Osechi cuisine. The sour taste of cranberries, which resemble plums, accentuates the flavor of this gorgeous new type of yokan.
Store Name:KAMEYA RYOCHO Head Office
HP:https://kameya-yoshinaga.com/
Address: 17-19 Kashiwayacho, Shijo-dori, Aburaokoji Nishiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-221-2005
UCHU wagashi's "ochobo mini zodiac sign".
Next up is UCHU wagashi sweets.
UCHU wagashi is a specialty store of dried confections with its main store in Kamigyo-ku.
While the brand releases modern products with innovative designs, a wide variety of flavors, and unique textures, the taste of its handmade rakugan and wasanbon (a type of sweet bean paste) made by hand with carefully selected ingredients is first class.
Typical items include "drawing," colorful rakugan geese that can be designed by combining pieces as if you were drawing a picture; "animal," eight cute animal rakugan geese in cocoa and vanilla flavors; and "ochobo," bite-size Japanese sansbon candies flavored with jasmine tea, hojicha tea, and matcha green tea. These are the most popular items and are often used as gifts for friends and relatives who live outside of the prefecture.
The "ochobo mini zodiac sign" is a set of three different flavors of wasanbon (Japanese sweets): hojicha (roasted green tea), kinako (soybean flour), and plain. The bright red box with a cute rabbit motif is perfect for the New Year with its festive atmosphere.
The casual yet authentic flavor will be appreciated by people of all ages.
Store Name:UCHU wagashi Teramachi main store
HP: http://uchu-wagashi.jp/
Address: 307 Nobutomi-cho, Teramachi-Dori Marutamachi Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-754-8538
Tawaraya Yoshitomi's zodiac manju "Rabbit
The next snack is Tawaraya Yoshitomi's zodiac manju, which I buy every year.
Last year's tiger was very three-dimensional and cute, and this year's rabbit is also a bete noire! The baked sweets are made of Momoyama dough with white bean paste, baked to an auspicious golden color, and have a moist and mild taste. It is a simple yet deeply delicious and comforting confectionery.
Store Name:Tawaraya Yoshitomi Head Office
HP: https://kyogashi.co.jp/
Address: Kamidachiuri-agaru, Muromachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-432-2211 (switchboard)
Please enjoy the New Year with Japanese sweets that are fun to look at and delicious to eat.
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