The Shimada Taisai Festival has been held in Shimada City in Shizuoka Prefecture since 1695. In modern times it is known as the “Obi Festival”. This festival is one of the strangest festivals in Japan. The festival originates from the custom that women who married in Shimada-juku post-town prayed to Ōi-jinja Shrine for childbirth, and then showed their Obi sashes around the town. However, the custom was shifted to males called Ō-yakko who, instead of brides, parade across town with Obi sashes made of golden threads hung on their swords.

Shimizuya, a maker of Japanese sweets, has been in business since the Kyoho period in the Edo era (1716-1736). They are the originator of the “Kuro Yakko”, a small bun named after the Ō-yakko who appear in the festival. The black and shiny Kuro Yakko has become a famous sweet loved not only by the locals, but also by people all over Japan.

The smooth sweet paste is made from only red beans produced in Japan and hand-rolled into small balls. The shiny outer is made of Yokan (bean jelly) with Kombu (kelp) mixed into it. As the Yokan is kneaded by the skillful artisan, it becomes shinier and mellower. While the Yokan is still hot, it is wrapped around the bean paste balls. Garnish with poppy seeds on top for the final touch, and you have a shiny black Kuro Yakko.

The texture is soft and chewy. It is not too sweet, and the red bean paste has a hint of Kombu. The size is perfect to be eaten in one bite. With Kuro Yakko, it is hard to resist having more.
We hope you enjoy Kuro Yakko with a cup of green tea and a memory of Shimada’s Obi Festival.