February 2rd is the day of Setsubun, and the traditional confectionery "Garagara" is eaten as a lucky charm in the central Kofu area.
Advance reservations have started at Shorinken Teshimaya in Kunitama, Kofu City, and sales will begin at stores from mid-January without reservations.

Established in 1832, Shorinken Toyoshimaya is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop that has been loved by people of all ages, especially locals.
In addition to traditional Japanese confectionery, free-thinking sweets that incorporate trends such as sweet potato and summer-only shaved ice are popular.

Shorinken is always busy making rattles at the beginning of the year.
Garagara are lucky charms that are lined up in the open air at the Daijingu Festival held on Setsubun in the center of Kofu. They are triangular baked sweets about 20 cm on a side with bells and toys inside.
When shaken, it makes a rattling sound, and it is said that the demons are frightened by the sound and run away, so it is an indispensable item at the Daijingu Festival.

Only flour, sugar, starch syrup, and baking soda are used for Shorinken Garagara.
Poppy seeds are sprinkled on top to accentuate the flavor and texture, and then grilled on a copper plate until golden brown.

``I can't take my eyes off him while he's making the garagara,'' says Suzuki, the 7th owner of the shop.
This is because the rattles at Shorinken are all handmade by Mr. Suzuki!
While checking the baked marks one by one, you have to take it out at the right time and carefully shape it while wrapping the toy inside before it cools down.
About 900 of these are silently made every year.

When you open the finished product boldly, you find a parcel full of toys inside!
I also like that you can choose between boys and girls.
The details of the toy will be fun after you actually break it ♪

When you eat the baked confectionery part, it has a crispy and light texture!The ingredients are simple, but the deep flavor and gentle sweetness are somewhat nostalgic.
It's fragrant and has an addictive taste, so you'll be able to eat it all the time♪
It does not contain any additives or excessive sugar, so it is a great point that children can eat it without worry.

“The appeal of Garagara is that it brings smiles to the faces of both children and adults,” says Mr. Suzuki, the shop owner.

“For me, Garagara is the starting point for me as a Japanese confectionery craftsman. Ever since I was a child, I have been eating Garagara with my family every year, and I have always wondered, ‘What kind of toys are inside?’ .Delicious, fun and memorable sweets.That's the rattle.I would be happy if everyone in the family laughs a lot and attracts good fortune through Garagara! "

Shorinken's rattles will be on sale from mid-January 2024 (reservations recommended).
Reservations can be made by phone or LINE, and shipping is also available nationwide, so it is recommended as a gift for family and friends far away.
* Sales period is until February 2024, 2