🍱 Hage Dango

In Kagawa Prefecture, the farming season begins in May, when wheat is harvested, and ends in June, when rice planting takes place. Around July 2, which is called "Han-ge-sho," is a milestone, and farmers rush to finish rice planting by "Han-ge" or "Han-ge-han-tsukkuri," to avoid being behind schedule. It is also known as "Hange-no-hageagari" and is the time when the continuous rain stops and the rainy season ends. On this sunny day, people make and eat "hage dango" to relieve their fatigue for about half a day. The dumplings made from freshly harvested flour are smooth, shiny, and fragrant. The name "hage dango" comes from the fact that the dumplings are eaten at "Han-ge" and the way the bean paste is speckled on the surface of the dumplings.