Yukimi Daifuku Day (Yukimi Daifuku no Hi)

What Is Yukimi Daifuku Day?

November 18th is "Yukimi Daifuku Day," established by Lotte to promote the product and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. "11" comes from the wordplay "ii" (good), and "18" comes from the look of the opened package: the small pick (fork) and the two round Yukimi Daifuku side by side resemble the number "18."

The History Behind Yukimi Daifuku

Yukimi Daifuku is a massive hit product from Lotte, first launched in October 1981. This East-meets-West ice cream treat wraps vanilla ice cream in soft, mochi-like rice dough (gyuhi), and its "ice cream that's like mochi" texture became an instant sensation. The two-piece pack was long sold only in autumn and winter, but since 2018 it has been available year-round, and more than 40 years after its launch it remains a beloved long-running classic.

Yukimi Daifuku Lineup and Limited Flavors

• Regular (Vanilla): The classic version, with vanilla ice cream wrapped in white mochi dough
• Mini Yukimi Daifuku: A family pack of nine small pieces, introduced in 1983
• Limited-time flavors: Many flavors have appeared over the years, including strawberry, nama chocolate, hojicha, and Mont Blanc
• Good-luck packaging: Around New Year and exam season, packages with an enlarged "fuku" (good fortune) character have become a tradition

Tips for Enjoying It at Its Best

• Letting it sit out of the freezer for 2–3 minutes softens the mochi dough and makes it easier to eat
• Pairing it with warm tea or hojicha gives it the feel of a traditional Japanese sweet
• Some people enjoy adding it to warm sweet red bean soup (oshiruko)

As November brings the first chill of winter, curling up under a kotatsu and enjoying Yukimi Daifuku is a cherished seasonal tradition.