From Offering to Delight: The Tradition of Zenzai
Written by Team MUSUBI
Kagami biraki is a meaningful Japanese custom that brings the New Year celebrations to a close. On January 11, people gather to break open kagami mochi, and stacked mochi cakes, marking a fresh start and sharing its blessings. This moment is often enjoyed with zenzai—an azuki bean soup with soft, chewy mochi that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth during the winter season.
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A Table Ready for Kagami Biraki
Even a small table can capture the spirit of kagami biraki. Kagami mochi—a sacred offering to Toshigami, the Shinto deity of the New Year—symbolizes blessings of prosperity and health. After the offering period ends, the mochi is broken into small pieces and transformed into dishes like zenzai.
Begin with a bright red table runner—a color that symbolizes the festive energy of the occasion. As a centerpiece, we placed a Kutani ware kagami mochi decoration with a sprig of berries in an earthy Bizen vase.
Of course, the focal point of the table is the zenzai, served in the stunning Aizu lacquerware soup bowl. The deep red lacquer and golden gourd motifs embody prosperity and celebration. Set the bowl on a Japanese ash wood tray with some salted kombu to refresh your palate.
Alongside, freshly fried okaki—small pieces of mochi fried to a crunchy golden crisp—add texture and a roasted aroma.
Lacquerware Bowls to Mark the Occasion
Enjoy your zenzai with the Golden Gourd Soup Bowl, a piece that makes every dish feel special. Its deep red lacquer finish is beautifully adorned with golden gourds, intertwined with vines and leaves. Crafted with precision using the maki-e technique, the design strikes a balance between bold and detailed.
The bowl’s rounded shape fits comfortably in your hands, while the lid, perfectly aligned in both form and design, keeps your food warm. There’s something thoughtful about lifting the lid as gentle steam escapes.
From the vibrant red table setting to the delightful flavor of zenzai, every element on the table quietly brings the tradition to life. Embrace a new Japanese New Year ritual that is both hearty and sweet, all wrapped in the elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.
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YAMAKYU
Founded in 1930 in the Echizen lacquerware region, YAMAKYU Japanware Co. is dedicated to preserving traditional lacquerware techniques while adapting them to modern lifestyles. The company collaborates with diverse experts, embracing new technologies and materials, and revitalizes local culture and economy through community projects and nurturing young craftspeople. Expanding globally, YAMAKYU focuses on overseas markets with workshops and pop-up events in Europe and the USA.
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