🍡 Jubako-iri-botamochi / Ohagi (Boxed Sweet Red Bean Mochi)

“Jubako-iri Botamochi” is not made by rolling each botamochi individually. Instead, it consists of layers of glutinous rice and sweet bean paste arranged in a tiered box, and people can take as much as they like. This tradition originated from the custom of making and distributing “Jubako-iri Botamochi” as a celebration three days after the birth of the first child. In times when obtaining sufficient food was challenging, this large botamochi, made with nutrient-rich glutinous rice and azuki beans, was given to mothers shortly after childbirth to provide essential nutrients for child-rearing. Glutinous rice and azuki beans were believed to enhance breast milk production. Additionally, there is a belief that azuki beans ward off evil spirits. Referred to as “Mitsume no Botamochi” due to the celebration on the third day, this tradition is still practiced in some regions, including Ibaraki Prefecture (Kashima City, Kamisu City, Mito City, etc.), Chiba Prefecture (Choshi City, Ichihara City, etc.), Kanagawa Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, and others.