Karakara Sempei" - Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture

You'll be transported back to your childhood! Let us introduce "Karakara Sembei," a specialty of Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture.

This traditional snack is said to have originated in the Edo period (1603-1867), when a round rice cracker was folded and a lucky charm was placed inside. It is called "karakara sembe" because it makes a "karakara" sound when shaken.

Usami Sempeiten's "Maruyama Karakara Sempei

Usami Sempeiten's "Maruyama Karakara Sempei" is richly flavored with brown sugar produced in Yonaguni, Okinawa. The dough made from flour and brown sugar is baked thickly, and before it becomes tough, the craftsman folds it into a triangular shape with small pieces by hand. No coloring or flavoring is used.


The rice cracker is thick with a beautiful triangle shape. It is broken by hand and the small items inside are taken out before eating. It is recommended to break the rice crackers inside the individually wrapped bags so that the rice crackers do not scatter.


When force is applied, it cracks open and the small items wrapped in Japanese paper appear. There are said to be about 150 variations, and it is exciting to wonder what will come out. The first one I had to commemorate was a pair of Japanese patterned footwear. Miniature and so cute!



This time, in addition to the footwear, we found a four-leaf clover, a mouse, a hat with the word "karakara senbei" on it, a dice, and a honey pot. Once you have tasted this fun, you will want to break the rice crackers one after another... I bought a package of 6, but regretted that I should have bought a package of 20.


The crackers are crispy and light to the touch. The more you chew, the more the mild sweetness and aroma of brown sugar spreads. It has a nostalgic taste that you would like to enjoy with green tea.


Karakara Sembei" is sure to be a hit with both adults and children. It is a snack that will make you smile again and again when you excitedly crack open the rice cracker, take out the small item, or eat the rice cracker.