Manju

Manju is a term that refers primarily to a traditional Japanese confection and, separately, to a feminine given name used in the Indian subcontinent.

In Japan, manjū (often written with the kanji 饅頭) is a steamed bun or cake traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). The dough is typically made from flour, sugar, and water, sometimes with starch or rice flour, and the pastries are usually shaped into small rounds or squares. While red bean paste is the most common filling, other variants use white bean paste, chestnut paste, matcha, or sesame. Manjū are a common component of wagashi, the broader category of traditional Japanese confections, and are widely sold year-round in shops and at festivals. They can be steamed, baked, or fried, depending on regional styles.

Manju as a given name is common in the Indian subcontinent. It is used for women in India, Nepal, and among diaspora communities. Notable individuals include Manju Warrier, a prominent Malayalam actress who became widely known in the 1990s and later returned to film.

Origin and reception: The confection is believed to have originated in China and was adapted in Japan, where it became a staple of wagashi. Variants and naming conventions vary by region and era.