It literally means “month without water,” yet it refers to June, which falls right in the middle of Japan’s rainy season.
In classical Japanese, however, the “na” in Minazuki is not a negative but a grammatical particle meaning “of,” so the true meaning is “month of water.”
Still, it is a name that makes many people raise an eyebrow during the wettest season of the year.
In Kyoto, though, Minazuki means something more. For many people who grew up there, the word immediately brings to mind a special traditional sweet that appears each June, especially on the 30th day of the month.
Even one of our Japanese team members from outside Kyoto had never heard of this confection until she moved to Kyoto. But here, Minazuki(みなづき/みな月) is a seasonal classic. It is made from uirou, a soft and slightly chewy cake made with rice flour, cut into a triangle and topped with sweet red azuki beans. Its cool, translucent appearance makes it feel just right for early summer.
The sweet was actually created as a substitute for ice. In ancient times, blocks of natural ice were stored in cellars called himuro, and on June 30th, they were offered to the imperial court as part of a ritual to drive away the summer heat. Of course, in the days before freezers or refrigerators, ordinary people could not eat ice. So instead, they made this sweet to resemble it. The triangle shape represents a shard of ice, and the red beans are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.
This connection to purification and protection is also reflected in the traditional Shinto ceremony held on the same day: Nagoshi no Harae(夏越の祓え), or the “Great Summer Purification.” At shrines across Japan, large rings made of chigaya grass are set up. People walk through these rings to cleanse themselves of misfortune and pray for good health for the rest of the year. Eating Minazuki on this day is also believed to help ward off illness and bring about mubyōsokusai(無病息災), a state of being free from sickness and disaster.
Some confectionery shops in Kyoto sell the sweet only on June 30th, and people begin lining up early in the morning. It is not unusual for locals to get excited about which wagashi shop’s Minazuki they will choose that year.
This sweet is also a favorite at tea ceremony gatherings during the month of June. Its delicate flavor and refreshing texture make it an ideal companion for a bowl of freshly prepared matcha.
If you happen to be in Kyoto in June, be sure to look for Minazuki. Enjoy it slowly with a cup of Japanese tea, and take in the quiet beauty of a long-cherished summer tradition.
