Inoko Mochi

Traditionally, Inoko Mochi is eaten on the Day of the Boar during the Month of the Boar (the 10th month of the lunar calendar) at the Hour of the Boar, as it is believed to bring good health, safety, and prosperity for descendants.

Additionally, since it is thought to ward off fire-related disasters, there is a custom of lighting the hearth or setting up the kotatsu (a warming table) on this day.

In tea ceremonies, Inoko Mochi is also served as a tea sweet on ‘Hearth Opening Day,’ when the hearth is first used for winter. This seasonal sweet embodies a wish for well-being as winter approaches.

Shaped to resemble a baby boar, smooth azuki bean paste is wrapped in soft gyuhi (type of mochi made from glutinous rice flour) mixed with walnuts and cinnamon, then finished with a decorative branded mark.