🍡 Sasamaki (Mochi rapped in Bamboo Leaves)

It is made by rolling kneaded rice flour with kumazasa (bamboo grass) and then boiling it. It is a traditional food for the lunar calendar's Children's Day (Tango no Sekku). Additionally, it is eaten during other events such as a break during rice planting, celebrations after rice planting (Taiman), and the event known as Hange on July 2nd. Kumazasa is believed to have sterilizing and preservative effects. In the past, it was used as a bandage for cuts and wounds. Reflecting its beneficial properties, it is consumed with the wish for the health of children. In the eastern region, it is called chimaki, while in the Oki region, it is referred to as maki. In Oki, not only bamboo grass leaves but also kaya leaves are often used, and this variation is called kayamaki. Moreover, the proportions of glutinous rice flour and non-glutinous rice flour, the amount of water added, the kneading time, and the method of rolling and tying with bamboo grass can vary between households and regions.