Hello everyone! This is Saori from Japanese Snacks Republic!

This time, I’m introducing a food that you can display and eat for New Year’s in Japan! Plus, it comes with a cute lucky mascot! It’s a great deal!

First, what is Kagamimochi...... It’s a mochi decoration displayed during New Year’s in Japan! Kagamimochi is an offering to welcome the New Year deity, 'Toshigami-sama.' By cooking and eating the mochi imbued with Toshigami-sama’s power, it’s believed you can take in that energy for health and good luck!

(This is a photo of a Kagamimochi from another year) Here’s what it looks like! The accompanying mascot represents the zodiac animal of the year, a lucky charm! So after displaying it, eat the mochi, and keep the snake mascot as a good luck decoration!

By the way, the displayed mochi tends to be a bit firm, so it’s best to bake or boil it before eating! Try searching for recipes like 'Oshiruko' or 'Ozoni' for easy ways to enjoy it at home! Simply grilling it with soy sauce is also recommended! It pairs perfectly with cheese, too! In Japan, mochi-cheese-bacon was even a trend for a while!