Chinkoro, a lucky charm for the koshogatsu (New Year’s Day)Sold at a confectionery store in Yoshikawa Ward!(Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)

2023.1.11

ChinkoroJoetsu CityYoshikawa KoshogatsuNiigata Prefecture

Sales of “chinkoro,” a lucky charm for the koshogatsu season, began at Obamaya Confectionery in Yoshikawa Ward, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.

This year’s event is named after the Chinese zodiac sign “Rabbit” with a wish for a great leap forward.

At Obamaya Confectionery, we make and sell chinkoro every year during the koshogatsu season.This year, there are five types: the Chinese zodiac sign for the rabbit, the amabie (to ward off disease), a bird, a dog, an octopus.

Takashi Nakamura, owner of the store
Year of the Rabbit. We are making each one with a wish that it will be a year of leaps and bounds. If you can move forward even a little, please visit ……”

Chinkoro has long been popular as a good luck charm for the New Year to wish for a good harvest and safe delivery.

A “chinkoro” is a puppy.It is made by kneading leaped rice flour, shaping it with a mixture of red food coloring, and steaming it.The size is about 3 cm.After steaming, it is cooled in an uchiwa (Japanese fan) to bring out its luster.

Until the 1950s, a winter Sekki Ichi market was held in Yoshikawa Ward, where straw and bamboo crafts made by farmers were sold.Chinkoro was also made by farmers and lined up together with them.Chinkoro was also made by farmers and lined up together with them.

Takashi Nakamura, owner of the store
The shape of the Chinese zodiac (zodiac signs) has remained unchanged in the tradition. I hope people will enjoy displaying them for as long as possible.”

Each set of chinkoros contains 5 pieces and costs 1,400 yen including tax.The product will be on sale throughout the month and delivery is available.Please contact Obamaya Confectionery for reservations, etc.

Obamaya Confectionery
■Telephone: TEL 025-548-2020