Wishing upon 'Minazuki' on June 30th: Okamedo launches traditional Japanese sweets for 'Nagoshi no Harae'

Okamedo, a long-established confectionery with over 70 years of history in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, is releasing 'Minazuki' (brown sugar and matcha flavors) for a limited time to celebrate the traditional 'Nagoshi no Harae' ritual on June 30th. Minazuki is a traditional Japanese sweet originating from Kyoto, eaten to pray for health for the remaining half of the year. Okamedo has revived this product after 30 years, using premium ingredients like Hateruma brown sugar and Uji matcha. The development reflects a desire to help people feel the seasons through Japanese sweets. June 30th marks the halfway point of the year. In Japan, the 'Nagoshi no Harae' ritual has been used to purify impurities and pray for good health. Minazuki is eaten on this day to wish for a safe summer. The red beans represent warding off evil, and the triangular shape represents ice for cooling down. Okamedo has crafted a chewy texture that fits modern sensibilities while respecting tradition. The 'Brown Sugar Minazuki' uses luxurious Hateruma brown sugar and Hokkaido Erimo red beans, offering a rich, nostalgic flavor. The 'Matcha Minazuki' blends Hamakita-Kawane tea and Uji matcha, providing a refreshing summer taste that remains soft even when chilled. Okamedo believes sweets are a way to taste the seasons and culture. They hope to provide a moment of peace in busy daily lives. The product is priced at 280 yen each and will be sold from mid-June to June 30, 2026, at various direct stores including Iwata and Kalmia. Okamedo continues to pursue the possibilities of Japanese confectionery culture for the next 100 years through innovation and collaboration.