beans. This was called sekihan and many people gave "sekihan" at ceremonies. "Azuki" beans were used as medicine, because "Azuki" beans are nutritious. Now many people eat "sekihan" when there are ceremonies in Japan. In addition "Azuki" beans are used in many Japanese cakes, Many sweets use "Azuki" raw materials for the taste and colour. So "Azuki" beans are closely related to Japanese life from ancient times.