Published on October 28, 2025
Written by SUSCOM
About a 5 minute read
When it comes to living well in this aging modern world, one major challenge is dysphagia, a condition where swallowing becomes difficult due to illness or old age. In Japan, where glutinous rice pounded into a sticky dough called mochi is traditionally eaten in various forms at New Years, choking accidents happen among older people every January. While many would likely accept that they can’t eat mochi because of the dangers, being able to eat what you want is an essential part of living happily. For older people and caregivers confronted with this dilemma, the okayu daifuku made by Kikyoya Orii are major news. Daifuku are confections made of soft mochi, and while they are beloved by young and old, their elastic texture can make them difficult to swallow. Named after okayu rice porridge, this new creation is easy to eat—even for those who have trouble swallowing—and boasts an elegant sweetness that could only be crafted by a time-honored traditional wagashi confectionary maker. How was this delicacy developed? To find out, we spoke with Yoshihide Nakamura, the 18th-generation head of wagashi maker Kikyoya Orii.
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