20 Calorie Bombs the Japanese Eat and Still Stay Slim

It wasn’t until the 16th century that the Japanese people learned about sugar. Before the Portuguese sailors introduced this wonderful substance to Japan, the meaning of sweets (“kashi”) was fruit and nuts. As soon as sugar found its way to Japanese hearts and stomachs, bakers and confectioners went all in. Nowadays, the number of desserts in The Land of the Rising Sun knows no limits, yet they manage to stay slim no matter what!

We at Bright Side envy them big time — they get to have their cake and eat it too!

1. Waterdrop cake

Waterdrop cake, or Mizu Shingen Mochi, is a clear dessert that needs to be eaten within 30 minutes, otherwise, it’ll just disappear! It’s made of water, sugar, agar-agar powder, honey, and roasted peanuts.

2. Honey toast

Englishmen would die for a morning toast like this! It’s huge, it’s sweet, and it’s tasty. Caramelized honey-coated bread with ice cream, fruits, and cream on top.

3. Dango

A Dango is a savory round-shaped dumpling made of rice flour. If it is covered in bright soy sauce glaze, it gets a bitter-sweet taste which makes it even better.

4. Mochi

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of short-grain rice rich in gluten that is called mochigome. The rice is used to make a paste which is then molded into different shapes. It’s a traditional sweet dish for the New Year and an all-year-round guilty pleasure, as well.

5. Daifuku

Basically the same mochi, but with a twist — various sweet fillings inside the mochi pocket. In this case, strawberry.

6. Mochi ice cream

This is perfect for those who love ice cream but enjoy the mochi taste, as well. Ice cream balls are covered in a mochi layer and then dusted with corn starch.

7. Matcha cake

A slightly healthier option due to the matcha covering. Matcha is powder made of green tea leaves that were specially grown and processed.

8. Manju

Steamed bread-like buns with a sticky texture filled with a sweet paste. They originally come from China and come in different shapes.

9. Namagashi

Fancy and beautiful little snacks usually used at traditional tea ceremonies. They are mostly made of fresh natural ingredients like fruit jellies and sweetened bean paste.

10. Anmitsu

A whole goodie bag of all things tasty! It’s a classic dessert that includes a variety of ingredients like anko and agar jelly (main parts), chestnuts, mochi, sweet beans, fruits, and black syrup as a topping.

11. Kakigori

Very soft ice shaped into different variations with any flavor you wish. It’s usually sweetened with condensed milk, but can also be made dairy-free.

12. Taiyaki

A fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard, though the filling can be anything from mashed potatoes to cheese. The name comes from Japanese red sea fish — bream (tai).

13. Castella sponge cake

Soft, tender and moist — everything you need from a sponge cake.

14. Yatsuhashi

Baked and crunchy mochi with red bean paste filling and cinnamon.

15. Hakuto jelly

Seasonal dessert made of ripe hakuto peaches and spring water available in the summer.

16. Uiro

Chewy and colorful steam cakes made with rice flour and flavored with natural ingredients.

17. Tokoroten

Crystal clear seaweed noodles with a firmer texture made with grains. It’s a cool dish for the summer topped with vinegar, sesame, soy sauce, and nori.

18. Kompeito

Small candy made of pure sugar.

19. Japanese pancakes

Fluffy and bouncy like no other! The crumpet rings make all the difference when cooking.

20. Melon pan

The shape resembles a cantaloupe melon, so that’s how it got its name. The crunchy crust at the top complements the sweetness and softness inside this bun.

Your sweet teeth must be longing for a treat right now!

Would you ever try any of these delicious treats? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!