The story behind Japan’s beloved fish-shaped snack

The first cold days of autumn bring back fond memories of our childhood. Anyone who grew up in Japan clearly remembers that on a particularly cold afternoon, we were walking home hand in hand with our mother when we happened to meet a Taiyaki stand. act carelessly prince mountain The skillful pouring of the batter into the fish-shaped molds was as magical to us as the first piping hot bite.

Known for its unique fish shape, taiyaki is a classic Japanese street snack that warms the hearts of many during the colder months. While all locals and most tourists are familiar with taiyaki due to its ubiquity and global popularity, there’s more to this 100-year-old snack than meets the eye.

What is Taiyaki?

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake, most commonly Adzuki beans (red bean paste), sometimes written as adzuki. Its name translates to “grilled sea bream” because the snack mimics the appearance of sea bream. this fish. Taiyaki can be found at street stalls, festivals and shopping malls across Japan, and its delicious aroma attracts visitors of all ages.

For those who want to recreate them at home, the ingredients are also readily available: flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, sugar, and whatever fillings you want. While they’re usually flavored with sweet fillings like red beans, custard, or chocolate, there are some savory versions as well.

head or tail

Due to the popularity of taiyaki over the years, Japanese people have been debating whether to eat fish first or the tail first. There’s no clear answer, but it’s often said that people who bite the head first are optimistic and carefree, while people who bite the tail first are anxious, cautious, and sensitive.

Bungeoppan: Korean carp bread

Many people are also familiar with the Korean version of taiyaki, called elastic cord (carp bread). Bungeoppang was introduced to the country during the Japanese colonial period in the 1930s and became popular in the 1960s because it was one of the only snacks that could be produced and purchased affordably. Like taiyaki in Japan, bungeoppang remains an icon of winter in Korea.

Taiyaki in Japanese Culture

So why is taiyaki shaped like sea bream? First, Taiyu is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Japan. Fish often appear in Japanese mythology and folklore as a symbol of determination. It is also often used as Burn something (a baking pan) part of Osechi (Traditional Japanese New Year food) for good luck.

Taiyaki is a crispy and fluffy interpretation of this auspicious fish that brings great comfort to the Japanese people. While food trends change every year, the appeal of taiyaki remains the same: it’s familiar, simple, and affordable. Most importantly, it’s a healthy reminder to appreciate the small, spontaneous joys in life with friends and loved ones.

Naniwaya Sohonten Azabu Juban, courtesy of Tokyo Shimbun

Where it all began: Naniwaya Sohonten

This beloved treat was born with a humble mission in mind: to provide a little source of happiness to the neighborhood. Taiyaki was invented during the Meiji period in Japan by Seijiro Kobe, the first owner of the Taiyaki specialty store Naniwaya Main Store. Born in Osaka, he moved to Tokyo to attend university and opened a Imagawa ware Shopping with his brother in 1909.

Imagawa-yaki, a thick round pancake filled with red bean paste, was a well-known snack at the time. Bryant tried to recreate the pancakes into different shapes, such as turtles and airships, but had zero luck selling them in stores. Then he decided to make fish-shaped molds.

Azabu Juban Avenue in the early Showa era, courtesy of Makoto Ikuta

Luxurious form

In the early 1900s, snapper was an expensive delicacy that working-class people could only afford on special occasions. By reinterpreting this meaningful luxury into an accessible dessert, Kobe filled the lives of ordinary people with joy and good fortune.

Sales skyrocketed and the rest is history; Naniwaya Sohonten was founded in Tokyo’s Azabu-juban neighborhood in 1948 and remains popular today. Since then, about 150 stores have opened across Tokyo.

Naniwaya Sohonten owner Masamori kobe, courtesy of Azabu Juban Shopping Street

The evolution and modern identity of Taiyaki

Unexpected musical connections

In 1975, Naniwaya Sohonten’s Taiyaki reached new heights with hit children’s song “Ono-yaki-kun” (Swim! Taiyaki-kun). Singer Masato Shimon mentioned the “old shopkeeper” in the song, referring to Kobe Shouichi, the third-generation shopkeeper of Naniwaya. This is Japan’s best-selling single 1970s.

Masamori, the current owner of Naniwa House and son of Kobe Bryant, is working with Follow the door Taiyaki is now internationally renowned. Apparently, the members of Aerosmith were so obsessed with the snack that they asked the Naniwa Osaka branch to bake it fresh at the concert venue.

Provided by Taiyaki New York

Instagram fame and more

2016, New York Taiyaki took New York by storm with its Taiyaki soft-serve ice cream cone. Although it’s impractical to put cold ice cream into a hot pancake cone, the dessert’s worldwide success proves that the appeal of taiyaki transcends time and space.

Today, companies continue to experiment with recipes and create modern interpretations of taiyaki. At the same time, the time-honored original maintains its humble roots and simple charm.

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