草餅 (kusa mochi) is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice and flavored with the leaves of the Japanese mugwort plant. This sweet treat is often enjoyed during the spring season, as the mugwort leaves are at their freshest. The rice cake is typically filled with sweet red bean paste, creating a delightful combination of flavors. The preparation of 草餅 involves steaming the rice and then mixing it with the mugwort leaves, which give the cake its distinctive green color and herbal aroma. It is commonly served during festivals and special occasions, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature.