In Japan and China the tubers are eaten, and particularly in Japan they are considered a good omen as they sprout, and it is customary to eat them in boiled dishes for the New Year.
日本と中国では塊茎を食用とし、特に日本では「芽が出る」縁起の良い食物として、煮物にしておせち料理で食べられる習慣がある。