Tososan
A traditional Tososan blend prepared by an herbal medicine wholesaler established in the Edo period and offered to historic shrines in Nara. Bring the aroma of Japanese herbs and spices into an everyday cup.
Otoso is often understood simply as New Year's spiced sake. Tososan offers a wider possibility. This aromatic Japanese herbal spice blend combines ingredients such as sansho and cinnamon bark. It can be infused in sake, but also enjoyed in everyday drinks and cooking.
Origin
The origins of otoso are traced to China's Three Kingdoms period. Tradition attributes its creation to the celebrated physician Hua Tuo, and the custom is said to have reached Japan during the Heian period. Its name has long been associated with the wish to dispel harmful influences and restore the spirit, expressing hopes for good health through the coming year.
In the traditional custom, family members cleanse their hands with wakamizu, the first water drawn in the new year, and face east together on New Year's morning. Unlike the usual order at a banquet, the youngest drinks first and the eldest last, reflecting a wish to pass the vitality of youth to older family members. A traditional saying wishes that if one person drinks, the household will be free from illness, and if one household drinks, the surrounding community will be free from illness. Formally, otoso is taken in three rounds from a set of three stacked cups.
From the Heian through the Edo period, there was also a custom of placing Tososan in a triangular red silk sachet called a kotai. The sachet was suspended in a well overnight on New Year's Eve, then removed on New Year's morning and infused in sake. The practice was said to carry the meaning of purifying the well water.
This custom has been carried forward for more than a thousand years. Today, it can also become a moment to share wishes for one another's wellbeing over chai or tea.
How to Make
Prepare it on New Year's Eve and enjoy it on New Year's morning. With Tososan, traditional otoso can be made at home.
Steep one sachet of Tososan in 300ml of sake or hon mirin. Placing it in a tea bag or empty dashi pouch makes handling easier.
Begin steeping on New Year's Eve and leave it overnight for approximately 7 to 10 hours.
Remove the sachet on New Year's morning. Serve at room temperature, or warm gently in cold weather.
Choosing the base: sake produces a clear finish that highlights the spices. Hon mirin gives a softer mouthfeel and mellows the herbal character. A half-and-half blend is another option.
Always use hon mirin. Do not use mirin-style seasoning.
How to Enjoy
Each box contains three 1.8g sachets, an approachable amount for trying three different preparations and finding your preferred cup.
01
Simmer one sachet in warm milk or soy milk for a rich, spiced drink filled with the aromas of sansho and cinnamon bark. Add a little honey if desired.
02
Pour hot water over one sachet and steep for several minutes. The result is a clear, aromatic tea for a cold morning or a quiet evening pause.
03
Infuse one sachet in hon mirin and reduce gently over low heat. Use the Japanese herbal syrup over shaved ice, yogurt, or ice cream. Mirin contains alcohol; heat it sufficiently before use.
A small idea: after use, the sachet can also be floated in the bath to enjoy its remaining aroma.
Story
Fukuda Shoten is a long-established herbal medicine wholesaler in Sakurai, Nara. Dedicated to cultivating and producing Japanese-grown herbal ingredients, it has earned the trust of medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Its Tososan is blended from ingredients selected with this experience and care. Long offered to historic shrines in Nara, it is presented here as a Japanese herbal spice blend for everyday use.
Product
Available in limited quantities.
¥1,000 (tax included)
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