1.
red bean rice; glutinous rice steamed with azuki beans
A traditional Japanese dish of glutinous rice (もち米) steamed with red azuki beans, giving it a distinctive pinkish-red color. Served at celebrations and auspicious occasions.
お祝いに赤飯を炊いた。
We made sekihan to celebrate.
七五三のお祝いに赤飯を配った。
We handed out sekihan for the Shichi-Go-San celebration.
祖母は孫の入学を祝って、朝から赤飯を蒸してくれた。
My grandmother steamed sekihan from early morning to celebrate her grandchild's school admission.
Literally 'red rice,' composed of 赤 (red) + 飯 (cooked rice). The red color, from the azuki beans, symbolizes good luck and is associated with celebrations in Japanese culture. Traditionally prepared for occasions such as birthdays, weddings, 七五三 (children's milestone festival), school entrance ceremonies, and other happy events. Also called お赤飯 with the polite prefix お. Available as instant packs in supermarkets and convenience stores.