Hina-arare (ひなあられ) - Food in Japan

Hinamatsuri in Japan is celebrated with chirashizushi, clam soup, rice cakes, and Hina-arare. The festival, popular since the Edo period, celebrates girls' growth. Hina-arare is a Japanese sweet with Hina dolls and arare, a soy sauce-flavored rice cracker. This article explains the origin, ingredients, and preparation of Hina-arare. It is associated with the Edo period event "Hina no Kuni Show". Hina-arare varies by region, like Kyoto and Kanto, in size and flavor. The sweet symbolizes wishing for daughters' health and happiness. It comes in four colors representing the seasons or three colors symbolizing snow, sprouts, and life. Though pricey due to handmade craftsmanship, it is a popular item often sold out. Different types of Hina-arare are made across Japan—Kanto-style being sweet and Kansai-style being savory. You can even make it at home, whether frying or baking.