This is a type of sweet that can last for a long time, so it's okay to buy it in advance. The flavor of this sweet is distinct and makes you want to eat it. It's the most commonly eaten sweet throughout my life. I will continue to eat it in the future.

Sometimes, I feel like eating white sesame monaka. Especially when I eat a different type of monaka, I crave for white sesame monaka. When I visit the store, I see they also sell large pieces of white sesame monaka individually. It's convenient to buy just what I want. I also want to eat the coffee-flavored yokan next to it. I used to think the one I had as a souvenir from my cousin in Sendai was medium-sized, but there was no sense of discomfort with the large one. My cousin must have known that I prefer big and solid ones. Everyone seemed satisfied with this large size, so it must be delicious. The yokan is made in a factory in Sendai, while the monaka is made in a factory in Sapporo. My cousin might feel frustrated that the things she brings from Sendai are available in Hokkaido, which is why she claims that the Sendai factory's products are tastier. I want to believe her, but I can't really tell the difference. My mother also loves the monaka from this place and sometimes asks my cousin to send some over.

Souvenirs or omiyage might be more convenient, but I like it so much that I buy it for myself (laughs). Shiro Matsusaka in Sendai is the main store for Monaka, but you can also buy it in Hakodate. I often buy it as a souvenir from Sendai, but for myself. I have liked it since I was a child. When I was a child, I liked the white bean paste the most because it was rare, but now I prefer the sesame flavor. I have never bought it, but the smallest Monaka assortment looks very cute and would make a nice gift. Sweet Monaka goes well with tea and makes me feel warm and cozy. It's perfect when I want something sweet.