This kamaboko design is the traditional Japanese pine tree pattern. It is slightly complicated to make, but the final result makes it truly special and unique. Before you give this design a try, I recommend watching the video to grasp a better visual of the process.
Watch How to Make Kamaboko Pine Tree
Two Japanese fish cakes (Kamaboko), seven beautiful designs! Make ordinary fish cake into decorative designs on this Oshogatu (Japanese New Year)!
Step 1: Remove the kamaboko from the wooden board.
Step 2: Slice off the uneven edge on both ends.
Step 3: Cut a slice of red-skinned kamaboko 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
Step 4: Place the kamaboko flat on the work surface. Make thin slits (2-3 mm) on one half of the kamaboko from the center line to the edge, starting at the rounded pink top and working your way down to the bottom edge.
Step 5: Rotate the kamaboko 90 degrees. Slice thin slits from the edge toward the center line, slicing to within 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) of the bottom and the center of the kamaboko.
Step 6: Using a pair of chopsticks, gently roll up the slits and tuck in the ends, all the way from the bottom to the top of the kamaboko.
Step 7: Continue to roll up the slits. And here you have a Kamaboko Pine Tree (Matsu 松) that symbolizes long life and good fortune.
To learn about other beautiful designs of kamaboko (Japanese fish cake), click here.
This is my favorite of all of the designs! If I practice now, maybe I can impress my mom for next new year. I know red and white are important symbolic colors, but would it be strange to use the green and white ones too?
Hi Cassandra! I’ve never seen green and white kamaboko before… if you can find it, sure, why not? 🙂