A day for Strawberry Daifuku

Today, and April 15th annually, is Strawberry Daifuku Day in Japan. It honors one of Japan's most charming seasonal sweets; the soft, stretchy mochi wrapped around bean paste and a fresh, juicy strawberry.

The anniversary was established by the Waseda University Strawberry Daifuku Research Society, a group devoted to sharing the appeal of this confection worldwide. Their choice of date comes from how 4/15 can be read as "good strawberry"; "yo (4) iichi (1) go (5)". But also because strawberries are in season right now, although they are past prime, which is usually January and February.

Strawberry Daifuku itself is a relatively modern wagashi (Japanese sweet), created in the late Showa period, yet it quickly became a symbol of springtime indulgence. The question of who invented the strawberry daifuku remains surprisingly contested. Regardless of not knowing who we have to thank for its existence, it has become a cultural and culinary icon in Japan.