Oshogatu (Japanese New Year) is the biggest celebration in Japan, and even everyday food like Kamaboko gets a total make-over for this happy occasion! Kamaboko (かまぼこ or 蒲鉾) is a Japanese fish cake, a type of cured surimi. It is made by forming various white fish paste steamed into a semicylindrical log shape on a wooden block. Kamaboko is usually sliced and served chilled or unheated, sometimes with some type of dipping sauce. You can also find kamaboko in hot soups, rice dishes, and fried noodles. Red (Pink)-skinned and white kamaboko are typically served at celebratory and holiday meals, as red and white are considered to bring good luck. Kamaboko is flexible in texture so it is often cut into different decorative shapes and designs. I’ll show you how to make seven beautiful kamaboko decorations, from easy to slightly difficult. Each design has a special meaning that is appropriately auspicious for the New Year.

Watch 7 Beautiful Designs to Cut Japanese Fish Cake

Two Japanese fish cakes (Kamaboko), seven beautiful designs! Make ordinary fish cake into decorative designs on this Oshogatu (Japanese New Year)!