NCT WISH Also Craves It! Hiroshima's Famous 'Momiji Manju' Becomes a Nationwide Sensation, Captivating Fans with Its Diverse Appeal

Hiroshima's iconic confection, 'Momiji Manju,' is garnering significant attention on social media, sparked by K-Pop idol group NCT WISH's concert in Hiroshima.

NCT WISH member Ryo posted on his official X account, "Czennies, I'm looking forward to our Hiroshima concert after a long time! 😊 Let's have a blast!!! 😁😁😁 I want to eat Momiji Manju~ Czennies, make sure you eat before coming!" This post led to numerous joyous and hopeful comments from fans, such as "Eat lots of Momiji Manju!" and "Please tell us what flavor you like." Ryo's relaxed pre-concert remarks seemed to put many fans at ease.

Furthermore, 'Age-Momiji' (fried Momiji Manju), which has been gaining popularity in recent years, is also attracting attention. Comments like "Definitely try Age-Momiji, not just the regular Momiji Manju!" and news that Seven-Eleven would hold a "Hiroshima Fair" offering Age-Momiji in stores were met with surprised and delighted reactions such as "I can easily eat Age-Momiji! 😂💕" By adding a new appeal to the traditional Momiji Manju, Age-Momiji has particularly garnered support from younger generations.

The popularity of Momiji Manju is not limited to Hiroshima. Nishikido, a renowned Momiji Manju maker, opened a limited-time pop-up store at Tokyo Station, leading to reports like "I ended up buying so many Momiji Manju" and "This might be my first time trying it. I'm looking forward to it 😌😌😌." With increased opportunities to easily purchase it even in distant locations, its deliciousness is spreading nationwide. Regarding flavors, diverse ways of enjoying it are emerging, from trying new options like "I tried the black sesame one, and it was delicious ♪" to sticking with classics like "The smooth red bean paste (koshian) normal one is the best." Warm encouragement from fans, such as "There are so many kinds of Momiji Manju, so try to conquer them all, lol," has also been received.

Momiji Manju is not only enjoyed as a companion during autumn leaf viewing but has also deeply permeated people's lives and culture as a travel souvenir, a casual everyday snack, and even becoming a topic of discussion with "Momiji Manju coordination" on radio programs. Just as those away from home recall the "taste of the forest" with nostalgia, it is cherished as a taste of the heart that transcends regions.

From a K-Pop idol's noteworthy comment to the proposal of new ways to eat it and the expansion of its nationwide sales network, Momiji Manju continues to evolve while preserving its tradition. Its diverse appeal will undoubtedly continue to captivate many people and brighten dining tables across Japan for years to come.

The Context

Momiji Manju is a quintessential Japanese confection originating from Hiroshima Prefecture. Shaped like a maple leaf (momiji), these small cakes typically consist of a castella-like sponge cake exterior wrapped around a sweet filling, most commonly red bean paste (anko). While the traditional anko filling (both smooth koshian and chunky tsubuan) remains popular, modern variations now include a wide array of fillings such as custard, chocolate, cheese, matcha, and even local fruit flavors. It is a highly popular souvenir for visitors to Hiroshima and a beloved snack across Japan. The article also mentions 'Age-Momiji,' which is a deep-fried version of Momiji Manju, offering a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior, appealing especially to younger generations looking for a fresh take on the classic treat.