You may have seen Kagami Mochi, the decorative rice cakes displayed in Japanese homes during the New Year. But have you heard of Kagami Biraki?
Kagami Mochi literally means “mirror rice cakes” and is offered to the gods at the start of the year as a symbol of prosperity and good health. Then, on Kagami Biraki Day (usually in mid-January), the mochi is broken into smaller pieces — symbolising the opening of good fortune for the year ahead — and enjoyed as food.
My favourite way to enjoy it is isobe-mochi — toasted mochi wrapped in nori (seaweed) and dipped in dashi soy sauce. This time, I’m sharing a healthier version of isobe-mochi made with tofu and dashi soy sauce — perfect for this season. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Japanese New Year at home!
