In Japan, some dishes are more than food — they carry meanings, memories, and quiet emotions. Few capture this better than sekihan (赤飯), literally “red rice.” ⛤ A Sacred Hue: From Ancient Red Rice Long before modern sekihan, ancient Japan offered aka-mai (red rice) to deities. From there, red came to symbolize joy, vitality, and protection — a sacred color for special days. 🍚 What Exactly Is Sekihan? Sekihan is made by steaming glutinous rice (mochi-gome) with azuki beans (or sasage). As the beans cook, they tint the rice a gentle red — not bright, but warmly celebratory. ...
