Kohaku-namasu (Daikon and Carrot Salad)

Kitchen Adventures – Crown Tournament 2019: Kohaku-namasu (Daikon and Carrot Salad)

Kohaku-namasu (Daikon and Carrot Salad)
Photo © Cooking with Dog, used under CC BY-NC 4.0.

Originally published 11/25/2019 Updated 11/6/2025

A symbolic red-and-white salad of daikon and carrot lightly pickled in sweetened vinegar — a bright accent to the first tray of the Muromachi-period Honzen Ryori feast.

Kohaku-namasu represents more than flavor: the colors themselves are auspicious. Red symbolizes joy and protection from evil; white represents purity and celebration. The dish was introduced from China during the Nara period and became a central feature of Osechi Ryori — the traditional New Year’s cuisine of the Heian court.

Modern Redaction

• 4-inch daikon radish, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks or half-moons
• 2-inch carrot, peeled and cut the same way
• 1 teaspoon salt

Brine

• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: thin strip of yuzu or lemon zest for garnish

1. Sprinkle vegetables with salt and let sit 10 minutes.
2. Combine brine ingredients until sugar dissolves.
3. Squeeze excess moisture from vegetables; mix with brine.
4. Marinate several hours or overnight. Garnish with zest before serving.

Symbolism of Red and White
Red and white — kohaku — appear throughout Japanese celebratory culture, from wedding ribbons to mochi and Osechi dishes. Together, they signify harmony, happiness, and purity.

The Art of Sengiri
Cutting vegetables into fine matchsticks (sengiri) ensures even pickling and a uniform bite. For large feasts, even cuts also mean predictable marination time — a small detail with big impact.

🥕 Dietary Notes

• Vegan and gluten-free.
• Excellent make-ahead cold dish for feasts or summer meals. Keeps 1–2 days refrigerated.

Paired Dish

See also: Mikawa ae (Miso and Sesame Cucumber Pickles)

More from the Japanese Crown Tournament Feast

Explore the full Muromachi-period Honzen Ryōri series from the 10/19/2019 Crown Tournament.

📜 Series Hub – Honzen Ryōri Overview & Menu

🐢 Symbolism: Turtle (Urashima Tarō) · 🟢 Symbolism: Marimo Balls · 🔶 Symbolism: The Power of Five

📚 Research Sources & Inspiration · 🍽️ What is Honzen Ryōri?

On-Table

Vegetarian Gyoza · Sarada yō kyabetsu (Japanese Slaw) · Fukujinzuke (Red Pickles)

Hon-zen — First Tray

Namazu Kabayaki (Catfish) · Gohan (Rice) · Gari (Pickled Ginger) · Mikawa-ae (Miso/Salt Cured Cucumber) · Kohaku-namasu (Daikon & Carrot) · Tsuru no shiru (Crane Broth) · Edamame · Shiobiki / Himono (Grilled Dried Fish)

Nino-zen — Second Tray

O-Zōni (Rice Cake Soup) · Aemaze (Fish Salad) · Sakabite (Sake-Flavored Fish) · Onishime (Simmered Veg) · Shimofuri (Blanched Fish) with Irizake · Ebi no Umani (Shrimp) · Hoshi Sāmon (Cold-Smoked Salmon) · Sumashi-jiru (Clam Soup) · Yuzuke (Hot Water over Rice) · Tamagoyaki · Goma-ae (Spinach) · Wakasagi Nanbanzuke

Sanno-zen — Third Tray

Kuri Gohan (Chestnut Rice) · Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Squash) · Kinoko no Sūpu (Clear Mushroom) · Shōga Pōku-maki Nasu (Ginger Pork & Eggplant) · Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly) · Suppon Nabe (Turtle Soup)

Okashi — Sweets

Anmitsu (Mochi, Anko, Agar, Kuromitsu) · Kaki (Persimmon) & Mikan (Tangerine) · Jasmine Green Tea Ice Cream · Agar (Kanten) · Red Bean Paste & Kuromitsu

Sources and Further Reading

• Exploring the Meaning of Osechi Ryori (Tokyo Weekender, 2018)
• The Story Behind Osechi Ryori (KCP International, 2019)
• What is Honzen Ryori?

AI Assistance Disclosure

Portions of this post were developed with assistance from ChatGPT (GPT-5). AI support was used for: formatting, SEO structuring, and HTML preparation. All historical research, redaction, and final editorial review were performed by the author.