Yokan (羊羹) is a wagashi 和菓子(traditional Japanese confection) made from red bean paste, sugar, and agar, which gives it a firm, jelly-like consistency. It is usually shaped into rectangular blocks and cut into slices for serving.
This is a yokan made with fermented azuki beans using a unique fermentation process. The sugar content is about half that of traditional yokan, resulting in a more subdued sweetness. Additionally, the natural glucose from the fermented azuki beans gives it a refreshingly light sweetness in the aftertaste.
Koshiyama Shoten Co., Ltd. was founded in Kanazawa City in 1888, initially producing and selling ama-natto (sugar-glazed adzuki beans). After WWII, the company shifted focus to making manju and mochi due to ingredient shortages. Over time, they expanded their offerings to include traditional Japanese confections and creative sweets using local and Western ingredients. The company also began producing Japanese-style ice cream (Kanazawa Ice Cream) and now operates seven shops and a showroom in Kanazawa.
