Usagi's Daifuku: Sailor Moon Sweets at Home

Usagi Tsukino — Sailor Moon — loves mochi and sweets. Strawberry daifuku (ichigo daifuku) became her signature treat and one of the most popular Japanese desserts among anime fans.

History and origin

Ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi) was invented in 1980s Japan. The combination of sweet-tart strawberry, soft anko paste and silky mochi skin became a hit and is now exported worldwide.

Key ingredients

For daifuku you need mochiko, sugar, water and food colouring (pink or red for festivity). The filling: anko paste with a whole strawberry tucked inside.

How to cook at home

Mochi dough is very hot after cooking — let it cool for 10 minutes before shaping. Dust your hands with starch, and pat the strawberries dry with kitchen paper so the juice doesn't soften the anko.

Try this recipe at home — it's much easier than it looks and will make you feel part of your favourite universe.