THE MAKING follows the process of fabricating everyday products from raw materials. No.327 looks at the process of how kuzumochi is made.

There are two main types of kuzumochi: transparent kuzumochi made of “kuzuko,” starch derived from the root of the kudzu plant, and milkywhite kuzumochi made from “wheat starch.” This video look at the process of making the milkywhite type. Fermented wheat starch is made by fermenting starch for 2 years, that then dissolves when it is washed with water. After this has been washed many times, water and heat are added to thicken it. The resulting liquid is placed in a wooden frame and steamed to make kuzmochi. This is then vacuumpacked, sterilized at high temperature and boxed together with molasses and soybean flour.