Do you know this? The golf ball-shaped monaka was created in 1926! [entabe.com]

The third item in our series of articles introducing "secret masterpieces" hidden behind the scenes of well-known specialties is the "Golf Monaka Hole-in-One" from the Japanese confectionery store Toraya. Toraya is a long-established Japanese confectionery founded in Kyoto in the late Muromachi period (1336-1573). Especially its yokan (sweet bean curd) is famous as "Toraya's yokan" and is popular as a gift.

Toraya's "Hole-in-One in the Middle of Golf

In this third in our series of articles introducing "secret masterpieces" hidden behind well-known items, we present the "Golf Monaka Hole-in-One" from Japanese confectionery store Toraya.

Toraya is a long-established Japanese confectionery founded in Kyoto in the late Muromachi period (1336-1573). In particular, its yokan (sweet bean curd) is famous as "Toraya's yokan" and is popular as a gift.

The Golf Monaka Hole-in-One introduced here is a golf ball-shaped monaka filled with Koshian (sweetened red bean paste). It was created in 1926. At a time when golf was still a sport for a limited number of people, this novel Japanese confectionary was very popular. The current price is 454 yen (tax included) for a package of two.

Toraya "Hole-in-One in the midst of golf

On the front of the package, the words "Hole in one" appear in flowing letters. The illustration on the back shows gentlemen playing golf in a spacious green setting reminiscent of an exotic country.

Good atmosphere on the side

When you open the box, you will find two white spherical midgets.

Two pieces fit together in a well-mannered manner.

On the surface of the dumplings, you can observe dimples similar to those of a golf ball.

It even has the "tiger" logo on it!

The diameter is approximately 4.4 cm, which meets the golf ball standard of 1.68 inches (= 4.267 cm) or more in diameter. In other words, it could be used as an actual golf ball...maybe? (The ball weighs about 34g (1.2oz), which meets the same standard of 45.93g (3.28oz) or less.)

I think it would shatter the moment you hit it.

The weight of the ball is very heavy for its size. No wonder, for inside the cut is a dense filling of sweetened bean paste.

Koshi-an (sweet red bean paste) stuffed into every crevice

The filling crackles and melts with a light sound. The bean paste inside is rich and sticky. It slowly melts on the tongue, spreading a refined sweetness and azuki bean flavor.

The appearance may be humorous, but the taste is authentic and orthodox. The price is reasonable, so it will come in handy as a thoughtful item for a small thank-you or gift.

And to golf lovers.

The seven stores that carry the product are Tokyo Midtown, Ginza, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Shinjuku Isetan, Shibuya Tokyu Toyoko Noren-gai, Kyoto Ichijo, and Kyoto Shijo. If you wish to purchase the product at other stores, please contact the nearest store.
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