Ice manjū is a traditional Japanese frozen dessert made by shaping an azuki red bean ice pop to resemble a Japanese sweet called a manjū. Served on a stick for easy eating, this distinctive treat has become a summertime favorite in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, and is gradually gaining recognition beyond the region.
Despite its name, ice manjū is not a steamed bun but an ice pop with the familiar shape of a traditional Japanese confection. Its combination of sweet red beans and creamy milk creates a satisfying balance between the richness of a Japanese sweet and the refreshing simplicity of an ice-cold dessert.
When first taken from the freezer, ice manjū is quite hard and crunchy to bite into. As it gradually melts, however, it becomes softer and easier to enjoy. This changing texture is part of its appeal, evoking the nostalgic feel of old-fashioned ice pops popular in Japan during the Shōwa era (1926–1989).
The red bean portion delivers a familiar Japanese sweetness, while the milk adds a smooth, creamy contrast. Together, they create a treat that feels both like a traditional wagashi confection and a refreshing summer ice pop.
Nakano Seimochi-ten, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in Suzuka City in 1868, began selling ice pops in Mie Prefecture in 1936. The shop also launched its ice manjū in the early Shōwa period, helping establish the treat as a beloved local specialty.
Today, ice manjū remains closely associated with summer in Kuwana and the surrounding area. For visitors exploring northern Mie Prefecture, trying this nostalgic frozen sweet offers a simple and delicious way to experience a local food tradition that has endured for generations.