The Story of Sekihan: Why Japanese People Eat Red Rice on Special Days

What is Sekihan? A Dish Rich in Symbolism

Sekihan (literally “red rice”) is a traditional Japanese dish made by steaming glutinous rice with azuki beans or Sasage. The result is a slightly reddish hue that gives the dish its name. In Japanese culture, the color red has long been considered a powerful symbol of protection, purification, vitality, and celebration. Because of this, sekihan is more than just food—it is a sacred ceremonial offering that has been served for centuries to mark important life events and rituals.

Historical Origins and Evolution

Sacred Red Rice of Ancient Japan

The roots of sekihan go back to Japan’s Yayoi period, when ancient red rice (akamai) was cultivated. This rice, with its purplish-red color, was used in Shinto rituals as a divine food offering, especially in major shrines like Ise Grand Shrine.

From Ritual Rice to Bean-Infused Dishes

By the Heian period, red rice cultivation declined, and people began to dye white rice red using the boiling liquid of azuki beans. In both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, red was a protective color, and azuki beans—rich in symbolic meaning under Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories—were believed to ward off evil spirits.

Popularization in the Edo Period

During the Edo era, sekihan became part of everyday celebrations such as weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and temple fairs. Sharing sekihan symbolized collective joy and spiritual protection in the community.

Ingredients and Ritual Meanings

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Cultural Meaning	Notes
Glutinous Rice	Prosperity, family unity, strong bonds	The stickiness symbolizes interpersonal ties
Azuki Beans	Protection, fire energy, purification	Also used in Chinese medicine
Sasage Beans	Similar to azuki; resistant to breaking when boiled	Preferred in Western Japan
Sesame Salt	Balance of opposites (black = longevity, salt = purity)	Used to harmonize flavors and energies

Cooking

Each step of preparing sekihan mirrors spiritual principles:

Boiling beans (fire burns impurity)
Coloring the rice (purification)
Steaming (union of water and fire = yin and yang)
Sprinkling sesame salt (black and white = cosmic balance)

Sekihan and Life’s Milestones: The Japanese Concept of Hare and Ke

Hare and Ke — Understanding the Rhythms of Japanese Life

In traditional Japanese culture, life is divided into two modes:

Hare (晴れ) – the “extraordinary” or festive moments, such as celebrations, rituals, festivals, and sacred events.
Ke (褻) – the “ordinary” or everyday life.

Sekihan, or red rice, is a symbolic food served during hare moments. Its bright red color and sacred connotations make it the centerpiece of important life events. It is believed to bring purification, protection, and blessings.

When Do Japanese People Eat Sekihan?

Here are some of the traditional occasions where sekihan plays a key role:

Occasion	Cultural Meaning & Context
Birth & Naming	Celebrates the arrival of a child and gives thanks to deities.
*First Birthday (Isshō Mochi)*	A rite of passage marking a child’s first year, wishing for health and strength.
Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 Festival)	A traditional celebration of children’s growth and well-being.
Coming of Age Day	Celebrates the transition into adulthood and new responsibilities.
Weddings	Symbolizes the union of families and wishes for prosperity.
Longevity Celebrations (Kanreki, Kiju, Beiju)	Honors elders reaching special ages and expresses gratitude to ancestors.
Groundbreaking or Roof-Raising Ceremonies (Jichinsai, Jōtōshiki)	Rituals praying for safety in construction and housing.

Regional Variations and Folkloric Changes

Beans Used by Region

Eastern Japan (Kanto and Tohoku): Azuki beans are commonly used. Even when boiled until red, their appearance after cooking is not a concern.
Western Japan (Kansai and Chubu): Sasage beans are preferred for their firm skins, which help maintain a visually appealing presentation.

A Unique Case in Hokkaido: Sekihan with Sweetened Beans

Uses sweetened beans (candied beans) and pink food coloring.
The dish has a sweet taste and is enjoyed more like a traditional Japanese confection.
Believed to have originated after the Meiji period as a creative adaptation by settlers in Hokkaido.

The Role of Sekihan in Contemporary Society

Industrialization and Distribution

Sekihan is now readily available at convenience stores, supermarkets, bento shops, and traditional Japanese confectionery stores.
Pre-packaged retort pouches and rice cooker-friendly “Sekihan kits” have also become widespread.

Decline in Ritual Significance

An increasing number of younger people are unfamiliar with the traditional meaning of sekihan.
Celebrations are now more commonly associated with Western-style foods such as cake or Western cuisine.

Modern Reevaluation

Sekihan is being reconsidered in the context of the slow food movement and the protection of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Its revival has been supported by the 2013 inscription of “Washoku” (traditional Japanese cuisine) on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Connections with Religion, Folklore, and Philosophy

Shinto Background

The color red symbolizes “yang” and represents the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Many offerings in Shinto rituals (shinsen) include red-colored foods.

Buddhist Interpretation

Azuki beans are believed to ward off worldly desires (bonnō) and are used in sekihan served after memorial services.
The red and white color combination symbolizes harmony and the cycle of life and death.

Relation to Yin-Yang and Five Elements Philosophy

Azuki beans = red = fire = south = yang = summer.
The act of steaming glutinous rice with water symbolizes the harmony between yin and yang.

Conclusion: Sekihan as a Cultural Microcosm

Sekihan is more than a festive dish—it’s a living tradition, inheriting the sacred legacy of ancient rice, infused with Japan’s religious beliefs, folk customs, and ceremonial life. Its red hue represents life, prayer, protection, and unity, making it a beautiful symbol of Japanese spirituality and culture.