Reset Your First Half Year: Limited-Edition 'Lemon Minazuki' Modern Wagashi for Nagoshi no Harae on June 30

Tagonotsuki Co., Ltd. (Head Office: 380-1 Izu, Fujishi, Shizuoka Prefecture; President & CEO: Keisuke Makita) will offer a modern interpretation of the traditional 'Minazuki' confection, the 'Lemon Minazuki,' for a limited pre-order sale on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in conjunction with the annual Shinto ritual of Nagoshi no Harae.

Nagoshi no Harae is a traditional purification ceremony held on June 30, marking the midpoint of the year. It is believed that participants cleanse themselves of impurities accumulated over the first half of the year and pray for health and safety in the months ahead. At shrines, large ring-shaped bundles of miscanthus grass (chigi) are erected, and worshippers pass through them to ward off misfortune.

The 'Minazuki,' a traditional Japanese sweet originating in Kyoto, has long been associated with this ritual. Typically triangular in shape, it consists of a soft jellied rice cake (uiri) topped with sweet red bean paste (anko), symbolizing relief from summer heat and prayers for good health.

Tagonotsuki has previously offered two versions of Minazuki: the classic 'Minazuki' with white uiri and Hokkaido-grown Daion azuki anko, and the 'Matcha Minazuki' featuring matcha-flavored uiri with Hokkaido red bean paste. The chewy texture of the uiri paired with the fluffy anko has been well-received by customers each year.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, it is often difficult to find time to reflect on the past or reset one’s mindset.

With this in mind, Tagonotsuki has developed the 'Lemon Minazuki' as a modern interpretation of the ritual’s essence—'reflecting on the first half of the year and welcoming the second half with renewed energy'—making it more accessible in contemporary life.

The concept of 'cleansing accumulated impurities' during Nagoshi no Harae can be rephrased in modern terms as 'resetting yourself after six months.' The refreshing aroma and gentle tartness of lemon are intended to uplift the spirit and inspire a fresh start for the second half of the year.

The 'Lemon Minazuki' features a layer of homemade lemon jam jelly placed atop a soft white uiri base. The combination of chewy uiri and juicy lemon jelly offers a completely new taste experience compared to traditional Minazuki. Its translucent appearance and delicate sweet-tart flavor highlight the refreshing scent of lemon, filling the mouth with brightness. It’s the perfect treat to reward yourself after a hard-working first half of the year.

The 'Lemon Minazuki' will be available for pre-order only and sold exclusively on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in limited quantities.

Experience Tagonotsuki’s modern take on a seasonal tradition this Nagoshi no Harae. Don’t miss this special opportunity to savor a unique wagashi.

※ The regular 'Minazuki' and 'Matcha Minazuki' will be available from Sunday, June 28 to Tuesday, June 30, for three days only.

Lemon Minazuki

Available for pre-order at all directly operated Tagonotsuki stores.

※ Excluding 'Omiyage Tagonotsuki' locations.

[Sales Date]: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday) only

[Expiry Date]: 2 days including the sale date

Price: ¥220 (tax included) per piece

■ About Tagonotsuki

Founded in 1952 (Showa 27), Tagonotsuki is headquartered and operates its factory at the foot of Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Fujishi, Shizuoka Prefecture. The company is dedicated to crafting confections using high-quality spring water from Mount Fuji and carefully selected ingredients. After World War II, the founder returned to his hometown of Fujishi with the heartfelt desire to 'brighten and energize a gloomy postwar society through sweet treats,' which became the foundation of Tagonotsuki. The company currently operates 22 directly managed stores in Shizuoka Prefecture, one tenanted store in Kanagawa Prefecture, and an online shop. Signature products include the 'Tagonotsuki Monaka,' featuring a roasted outer shell filled with smooth azuki bean paste made from Hokkaido Tokachi-grown beans and rock sugar, and the 'Fujisancho,' a moist sponge cake filled with rich custard cream made from fresh milk and cream sourced from the foothills of Mount Fuji. The 'Fujisancho' is further adorned with white chocolate and coffee-flavored chocolate beans on top, evoking the image of snow-capped Mount Fuji. Committed to preserving Japan’s cultural heritage, seasonal sensibilities, and regional traditions, Tagonotsuki continues to innovate by blending traditional wagashi craftsmanship with Western confectionery elements, creating 'Neo-Wagashi' that appeal to customers of all ages and nationalities. Moving forward, the company will continue to offer uniquely Tagonotsuki sweets that celebrate Japanese tradition in a modern context.