In Japan, if you want to order this dessert, you might need to check which prefecture you’re in first. It has more names than you can imagine!
Japan’s Round Sweet Name Power Map! Imagawayaki vs Obanyaki vs Kaitenyaki
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According to a large scale survey of 14,000 people conducted by a major Japanese frozen food company, this “thick, round filled wagashi” has different official names depending on the region. They even created a “Name Power Map.”
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1st Place: Imagawayaki:
Dominates the Kanto and Hokuriku regions. It ranks first in 19 out of 47 prefectures, and about 60% of people in Japan use this name, making it the most widely used term. -
2nd Place: Obanyaki:
Mainly concentrated in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. It ranks first in 15 prefectures nationwide, second only to Imagawayaki in influence. -
3rd Place: Kaitenyaki:
Strongly dominates the Kyushu region. It ranks first in almost every prefecture in Kyushu, taking the top spot in 9 areas.
A Region Limited “Warring States Era” of Naming:
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Kinki Region:
It’s a three way standoff! Imagawayaki, Kaitenyaki, and local brand names all hold similar influence, creating fierce competition. -
Hyogo Prefecture:
Locals most identify with the brand name “Gozasoro.” This name has been deeply rooted in the area for years, while the more common terms have never taken the top spot there. -
Yamagata Prefecture:
There are also highly local names such as “Ajiman,” unique to the region.
Classic Flavor: Red Bean Paste Remains the Soul of Japan
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Beyond the naming debate, the survey also asked 392 heavy fans who eat frozen “Imagawayaki” at least once a month about the flavor they most want to try in the future. The results show that even with countless new flavors, the classics remain steadily popular:
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1st Place: Red Bean Paste (73.0%) — The timeless flavor, the soul of wagashi.
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2nd Place: Custard Cream (58.7%) — Smooth and rich.
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3rd Place: Cream Cheese (42.3%) — Slightly salty and slightly sweet.
How Do Japanese People Eat It? “Microwave + Oven” Is the Insider Trick
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Many frozen versions of “Imagawayaki” are now sold in stores, making it easy to enjoy at home. The survey found that people have very different eating habits, with some even having their own “particular” methods:
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1st Place: “Heat directly in the microwave” 59.4%
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2nd Place: The particular method of “microwaving first, then finishing in the oven” (26.8%)
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3rd Place: “Heat directly in an oven or toaster oven” only 4.1%
About 8% of respondents also try creative twists, such as adding butter, ice cream, whipped cream, or baking it in the oven.
Next time you travel to Japan, take a look at the stall signs and see whether your city calls it “Imagawayaki” or “Obanyaki.”
