Magoroku Senbei is a popular traditional confection from Seki City in Gifu Prefecture, a place renowned for its centuries-old sword-making tradition. The crackers are named after Seki no Magoroku, a celebrated swordsmith associated with the region.
Made primarily from just three ingredients—eggs, wheat flour, and sugar—these senbei have a delicate, castella-like sweetness and a satisfyingly crisp texture. Their simple ingredients create a nostalgic flavor that makes them a distinctive local treat.
Magoroku Senbei has been produced by a long-established confectionery business founded in 1926. Over the years, it has become one of Seki City’s best-known specialties and a popular regional sweet.
The crackers also make an excellent souvenir for travelers exploring the historic Mino region, offering a taste of local craftsmanship and food culture to take home.
The name Magoroku comes from Magoroku Kanemoto, one of the leading swordsmiths of the Sue-Seki school, which flourished in Mino Province, the historical name for much of present-day Gifu Prefecture.
His reputation has endured through the centuries, and the auspicious name “Magoroku” has inspired a variety of names associated with local culture, including Magoroku sake, Magoroku Senbei, hot springs, films, and historical novels.
For visitors to Seki, trying Magoroku Senbei is a simple and delicious way to connect with the area’s celebrated sword-making heritage.