HISTORY
Karukan
Karukan is a moist, steamed cake made from wild Japanese yam, white sugar, and rice flour. Karukan is served cut into blocks like yokan, a traditional Japanese confection. It is said that the name karukan comes from “karui yokan”, meaning “light yokan.” Although karukan today is made in several regions of Kyushu, it is most popular in Kagoshima, where it was first created.
History of Karukan
Karukan has a 300+ year history. The oldest known record of karukan being served is from 1699 at the 50th birthday celebration of Shimadzu Tsunetaka, Lord of Satsuma. Karukan was served at formal receptions, such as when a daughter of the Tokugawa clan married into the Shimadzu family, and when the lord received a visit from the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Karukan was a very prestigious dish that was eaten during special occasions such as weddings, celebrations, and at the New Year.
The Beginning of Akashiya
In 1851, Shimadzu Nariakira, the 28th head of the Shimadzu family and 11th Lord of Satsuma, invited famed confectioner Yashima Rokubei to Satsuma from Edo. Rokubei was originally from the Akashi Domain in Banshu (Harima) Province, which is in present-day Hyogo Prefecture. He founded a store called Akashiya in 1854 and perfected his recipe for karukan using high-quality local ingredients including Japanese yam and rice, a practice that has continued to this day.
OUR TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SWEETS
KARUKAN
Karukan was created in 1854 according to the wishes of Lord Shimadzu Nariakira. It features a unique aroma and the delicious flavor of Japanese wild yam. Feel the heart of Satsuma through its subtle sweetness and simple flavor.
KARUKAN MANJU
This delicacy explores the harmony of traditional karukan wrapped around azuki red bean paste, with a touch of elegance and a sense of familiarity. Along with its beloved history, this home-grown confection stands the test of time.
HARUKOMA
Harukoma is a traditional Satsuma wagashi that is simple in taste, color, and shape. Harukoma has been loved by Satsuma’s people since long ago. It makes the best of the rich flavor of azuki beans and is presented wrapped in bamboo bark. You can experience its old-fashioned, rustic flavor along with its distinct texture.
ICHIMOKU
Ichimoku is a new steamed sweet. Created with the finest brown sugar, it is filled with azuki bean paste and has a distinctively fluffy taste.
DORAYAKI
A generous serving of premium Dainagon azuki beans wrapped between two fluffy pancakes. The carefully slow-cooked filling tastes of its naturally sweet and wholesome ingredients.
DAIKOKU MOCHI
This confection is made by wrapping a Japanese brown kokuto sugar rice cake around premium large Dainagon azuki beans. Possessing a tropical taste, this delicious sweet shares the name of “Daikoku” with one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Daikoku Mochi has been loved for generations.
KOREMOCHI
With roots in Korea, this steamed confection blends hometown ingredients with foreign heritage. Its color comes from azuki beans and can be enjoyed with green tea.
IKOMOCHI
Exhibiting the rustic flavor of Satsuma, this simple delicacy is made from roasted sticky rice flour kneaded with sugar water and shaped in a wooden box. Ikomochi will fill you with the Satsuma spirit.
KIMOKUKAN
The beautiful pattern naturally appears after steaming azuki bean paste mixed with white bean paste. It’s like a painting that you never grow tired of seeing.
SAKURA SAKURA
A moist rice cake wrapped around red sakura (cherry blossom) bean paste (white bean paste with sakura leaves mixed in), and topped with a salt-pickled sakura blossom. The faint red color of the bean paste visible through the white rice cake evokes a sense of gorgeousness.
Store Locations
AKASHIYA SWEETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THESE KAGOSHIMA LOCATIONS
JR Kagoshima Central Station
Phone 099-297-5411
Hours 8AM to 9PM
Address 鹿児島市中央町1-1（えきマチ1丁目内）
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