Auspicious candies are being made one after another in a skillful manner (Iwaiseika Co., Ltd., Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Production of auspicious hard candies in the shape of roosters, the Chinese zodiac animal for next year, has reached its peak at Iwaiseika Co., Ltd., Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. The confectioners are very busy with their work in the factory filled with sweet smells.

The entire candy production process is done by hand. The confectioners boil liquid candy down in a metal pot, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces, which are placed on sticks and embossed by pressing into a metal mold. They stated that orders from China and Taiwan have increased this year, so more than 350,000 candies, up ten percent from last year, will be produced and distributed to shrines, department stores, beauty salons, and others. The confectioners are hoping that "Worthy of the Year of the Rooster, the economy will also flutter upwards in improvement."

The candies will be sold as "Kaiun Eto Ame" or auspicious zodiac candy. A package containing a milk-flavored candy, a strawberry milk-flavored one, and a paper fortune costs 162 yen. For more information, contact Iwaiseika Co., Ltd., at 0774-21-4023.