Japanese people float stars in their tea?! Talking about Ukihoshi

Do you know the “Ukihoshi”?

A traditional Japanese candy, which was originally called ‘Yukari’.

They are a wonderful example of the craftsmanship that characterizes traditional Japanese sweets.

The creation of this candy was created by craftsmen of Niiagata, during the long winter periods, more than 115 years ago.

Yukari is actually a grain of glutinous rice slowly heated and coated in honey powder.

Originally, “Yukari” was drunk by pouring hot water over the seeds.

The sweet honey around it melted and the grain rose to the surface, which must have amused the children, drinking, eating their sweet drinks.

Famous and loved 100 years ago by the citizens of Niigata as “Yukari”, it lost its popularity year by year.

A certain Mr. Kobayashi, a resident and souvenir trader in Niiagata, contacted one of the last families to make Yukari and sold it mainly in this city.

He suggested that they relaunch production and distribution throughout Japan around 2014.

Unable to use the name Yukari, they thought of Ukihoshi, which means “Floating Stars” and adapted the product with several flavors (and colors)

You should know that the working time for a color is one day. (+- 9 hou

New colorful packaging with different pattern, reminiscent of Niiagata, was presented.

In February 2015, the “Floating star” was presented at the Tokyo trade fair.

The success was quick, the media talked about it, the representatives ordered it and since then the Yukari (Ukihochi) has come back to life throughout Japan.

Children can once again drink and eat while having fun…