Izumo Zenzai: Sweet Azuki Soup with Mochi

Izumo zenzai is sweet azuki soup with grilled or simmered mochi or shiratama; texture, salt and red-white mochi vary by shop. Izumo preserves the theory that Jinzai-mochi served at the...

Izumo Zenzai: Sweet Azuki Soup with Mochi
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameIzumo Zenzai: Sweet Azuki Soup with Mochi (Izumo Zenzai)
PrefectureShimane
RegionChugoku
TypeIzumo sweet bean soup linked to Kamiari Festival rice cakes

What is it?

Izumo zenzai is sweet azuki soup with grilled or simmered mochi or shiratama; texture, salt and red-white mochi vary by shop.

Izumo preserves the theory that Jinzai-mochi served at the Kamiari Festival shifted in speech to zenzai.

History and local context

Official tourism and city sources present this as a strong local origin tradition, not proof that every Japanese zenzai descends from one recipe.

Mochi is a choking hazard and the bean soup remains hot.

How to enjoy it

Taste beans and broth first, cut mochi small, cool it and chew carefully.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Izumo Zenzai: Sweet Azuki Soup with Mochi from?

It is associated with Shimane, in the Chugoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Izumo Zenzai: Sweet Azuki Soup with Mochi?

This guide classifies it as izumo sweet bean soup linked to kamiari festival rice cakes. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Izumo Zenzai: Sweet Azuki Soup with Mochi online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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