Daifuku is a type of mochi made in preparation of the new years holiday. It is stuffed with a sweet red bean paste and put in trays to dry. It is also eaten as a snack before it dries. The rice cakes are very popular around the holiday and also given out as presents and gifts at temple celebrations. They are grilled and eaten. The bottom picture shows a boys first new years celebration. The sack on his back contains a large mochi and it is part of celebrating a first son's first new years.
