Okiagari Monaka

Lovely "monaka" in the shape of a traditional local toy

“Okiagari Monaka” made by Urada Kanyodoh, a confectionery locates in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a wafer filled with pasted red beans, mimicking a shape of “Kaga Hachiman Okiagari”, a traditional Kanazawa toy doll. I was fascinated with its cuteness when I saw it in the store.

The story of the birth of Kaga Hachiman Okiagari (Dolls)” a traditional local toy, is said that it was originated at Yasue Hachiman Shrine in Kanazawa City.  An old man lived nearby made the dolls and dedicated them to the shrine. It is said that the doll was orininally made to pray for healthy and happiness of children. The package of Okiagari monaka represents a scene of the birth of  “Emperor Oujin”, who is enshrined at the Hachiman Shrine.

The Okiagari Monaka is made to mimicking the doll , and is now often chosen for a gift to celebrate childlen’s births and other occasions.

Inside is a generous amount of pasted azuki, red beans. The heaver bottom part keeps the balance so  it rises up even if it is tipped to the left or right.

The pasted red beans is of high quality, as you would expect from a Japanese confectionery in Kanazawa. Although the appearance of the monaka is cute and round, the taste is traditional and powerful.