Okoshi

Kaminari-okoshi, often simply called okoshi, is a popular Japanese confectionery. The main ingredient in Okoshi is expanded rice, created by roasting rice grains until they burst. A mixture of sugar and butter or corn syrup is used to hold the rice together, and after additional ingredients are added, the mixture is shaped or pressed in trays, allowed to dry, then cut into squares.

This crunchy Japanese dessert first appeared in Japan during the mid-Edo period and was primarily sold by street vendors around Buddhist temples in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's boroughs. Initially, peanuts were added to enrich the okoshi, but modern versions include other exotic and interesting flavors such as matcha green tea or caramel alongside other nuts, dried fruit, chocolate or sesame seeds.

Most okoshi today are factory-made, created in an array of unusual flavors and color combinations, and sold in decorative, colorful boxes. In the Asakusa area, there are still traditional street vendors who prepare this crunchy snack and demonstrate the whole procedure.

Okoshi is still the most famous heritage of the Asakusa region.