Amabie sweets by かおる堂 in Akita prefecture.

Amidst the regular pandemic news over the last weeks, there have been numerous reports related to Japan centered on amabie アマビエ, a supernatural, mermaid-like creature from Japanese folklore. Although amabie only appears in one text from 1846 (and thus was probably not widely known), the legend that drawing a picture of amabie will ward off illness has captured the imaginations of people living through the time of COVID-19. As a result, makers of traditional Japanese sweets have shifted to making cute amabie of their own.

Here are just a few varieties that have popped up:

By 和創菓ひとひら in Hakodate.

By くらづくり in Kawagoe.

By 金蝶園総本家 in Gifu.

By 紅谷三宅 in Tochigi.

There are many more out there, but this is just a sample of tasty amabie trends emerging. Have a favorite? Let us know! Stay safe and have a happy Friday!