“Otsukimi Manju” by Shioya Sohonke – Cute Rabbit & Moon Sweets for the Mid-Autumn Festival
In Japan, the arrival of autumn is marked by Otsukimi (the Moon-Viewing Festival), also known as the night of the Mid-Autumn Moon.
To celebrate this seasonal tradition, I picked up a limited-edition box of “Otsukimi Manju” from the long-established confectionery brand Shioya Sohonke.
Small, fluffy, and designed with a rabbit and the full moon, these bite-sized sweets perfectly capture the spirit of Japan’s autumn tradition.
🏯 A Brief History of Shioya Sohonke (Since 1804)
Founded in 1804 (Edo period), Shioya Sohonke has been making Japanese sweets for over 200 years.
Through samurai times, the Meiji Restoration, and modern Japan, the brand has continued to preserve the craft of wagashi with a focus on simplicity and natural flavor.
🔗 Official history page: https://www.shiose.co.jp/pages/about-history
🌕 What Is “Otsukimi”?
The Meaning of the Mid-Autumn Moon & the 15th Night
In Japan, the full moon of the 15th night of the 8th lunar month is called “Jūgoya (十五夜)”.
This night is also known as “Chūshū no Meigetsu (中秋の名月)”, the “Beautiful Moon of Mid-Autumn.”
Unlike Western moon festivals, Otsukimi is not only about admiring the moon—it is also a harvest celebration where people express gratitude for nature’s blessings.
That’s why traditional symbols include:
| Symbol | Meaning |
| 剣 Round moon | Abundance & completion |
| 今 Rice dumplings (dango) | Offering to the moon |
| 睡 Rabbit | Based on a Japanese folklore where a rabbit lives on the moon, pounding rice cakes |
🛍 Purchased at Daimaru Tokyo (Tokyo Station)
I bought this seasonal box at Daimaru Tokyo, a department store directly connected to Tokyo Station.
Super convenient if you’re traveling or passing through the city.
🔗 Store site: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/tokyo/
🐇 Two Designs: Moon & Rabbit
Inside the package, you’ll find two types of steamed buns:
| Color | Design | Meaning |
| White | Rabbit face | Moon rabbit folklore |
| Pale yellow | Pampas grass (susuki) | Traditional Otsukimi decoration |
They’re cute, soft, and photogenic—perfect for tea time or as a seasonal gift.
🍵 Taste Review – Especially Good When Warm
Here’s what I noticed after tasting:
| Category | Review |
| Filling | Sweet but surprisingly light red bean paste |
| Texture | Soft, moist, and fluffy |
| Best tip | Microwave 10窶15 sec 竊 becomes freshly steamed and extra delicious |
Wagashi is not usually eaten warm, but this one becomes even better with a little heat.
📏 Bite-Size & Easy to Eat
・About 4 cm wide
・Perfect single-bite size
・Pairs well with green tea, roasted tea, or even milk
It’s one of those sweets where “you eat one… and suddenly you’re reaching for a second.”
🎑 Final Thoughts – The Perfect Sweet for a Japanese Autumn Night
✅ Long-established wagashi maker
✅ Cute seasonal design (moon + rabbit)
✅ Light, smooth red bean paste
✅ Only available for a limited time
✅ Easy to buy at Tokyo Station
If you want to experience Japanese seasonality through food, this is a perfect way to do it.
Not just a dessert—a small edible piece of Japanese culture.