"Goshiki-Namagashi" – Five-Colored Confectionery

Traditional Japanese sweets reflecting nature often served special occasions.

These sweets are served on special occasions; both happy ones and sad ones. They are often served at weddings or when a house is built. These sweets come in a set of 5; each with a different color. They are also a popular gift that newlyweds present to their guests at both Japanese style and Western style weddings.

These sweets were first made for the wedding of the daughter of the second shogun Hidetada, Princess Nochino Tentokuin (née Tamahime), with the third lord of the Kaga domain. A pastry chef of the court,Katada Kichizo created this type of confectionery for the first time.

The sun – A white round piece with red accents representing the rising sun.
The moon – A white piece representing the full moon.
The mountain – A yellow piece representing the mountains.
The ocean – A piece shaped like a diamond representing the ocean waves.
The land – A piece of steamed red-bean jelly representing the countryside.