In Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, the main shopping street known as Mizuki Shigeru Road celebrates the world of GeGeGe no Kitarō, the famous Japanese manga and anime series featuring supernatural creatures known as yokai. Bronze statues of the series’ characters line the street, and shops offer a wide variety of themed sweets and souvenirs.
Among the most memorable treats is Yōka Medama Oyaji, sold exclusively at the Yokai Shokuhin Kenkyujo (Yokai Food Laboratory). Inspired by Medama Oyaji, the iconic eyeball-shaped father character from GeGeGe no Kitarō, this unusual Japanese confection makes a distinctive souvenir for visitors exploring Sakaiminato.
Measuring approximately 4 centimeters in diameter, the sweet faithfully recreates Medama Oyaji at his original size. Its remarkably lifelike appearance makes it instantly recognizable and a popular subject for photographs. However, this confection is much more than a novelty designed to surprise people with its appearance.
Each sweet is carefully handcrafted by experienced artisans from Saiundo, a long-established Japanese confectionery maker renowned for its traditional craftsmanship. The center combines finely chopped chestnuts with smooth red bean paste, which is wrapped in nerikiri, a traditional Japanese confection made from a refined bean paste and sugar mixture.
The distinctive red, black, and white details of the eyeball are created using yōkan, a firm Japanese sweet made primarily from bean paste and agar. Finally, the entire confection is coated with agar jelly to give it a smooth, glossy finish and enhance its realistic appearance.
Despite its striking, almost lifelike design, Yōka Medama Oyaji is a refined traditional Japanese sweet made with carefully selected ingredients and considerable skill. The combination of chestnuts, smooth red bean paste, and nerikiri offers a taste experience rooted in Japanese confectionery traditions.
Its elaborate appearance makes it especially appealing to fans of GeGeGe no Kitarō, collectors of unusual Japanese souvenirs, and travelers looking for something distinctive to take home from Tottori. Picking one up while strolling along Mizuki Shigeru Road is a memorable way to experience the region’s playful yokai culture.
Yōka Medama Oyaji is a fresh Japanese confection made without preservatives. As a result, it has a short shelf life of only a few days. If you plan to purchase it as a souvenir, check the freshness and storage instructions and enjoy it soon after buying it.
For visitors to Sakaiminato, this carefully handcrafted sweet offers a fascinating meeting of Japanese confectionery artistry and the imaginative world of yokai.