Yukimi Daifuku Day (Yukimi Daifuku no Hi)
Food DaysWhat Is Yukimi Daifuku Day?
November 18th is "Yukimi Daifuku Day," established by Lotte in 2012. While some say the date comes from the wordplay "ii (11) + ichigo (18)" (good strawberry), the official reasoning is that November is when Yukimi Daifuku was originally launched, and the date symbolizes this ice cream's role as a herald of winter's arrival. It's an anniversary registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.
The History Behind Yukimi Daifuku
Yukimi Daifuku is a massive hit product from Lotte, first launched in 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. More than 40 years after its launch, it's still sold every autumn and winter as 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
- Strawberry: A popular variation with strawberry ice cream wrapped in pink mochi dough
- Seasonal and regional limited editions: New flavors appear each year, including matcha, chocolate, Japanese chestnut, and sweet potato
- "Adult" Yukimi Daifuku: A premium line featuring alcohol-infused or luxury-ingredient versions
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
- Adding it to warm sweet red bean soup (oshiruko) as a final touch to a hot pot meal is also a popular twist
As November brings the first chill of winter, curling up under a kotatsu and enjoying Yukimi Daifuku is a cherished seasonal tradition.