Anko is a traditional Japanese sweet made from adzuki beans. The beans are boiled and then sweetened with sugar, resulting in a smooth or chunky paste. Anko is commonly used in various Japanese desserts, such as mochi, dorayaki, and taiyaki. It can be found in two main forms: koshian, which is smooth and sieved, and tsubuan, which is chunky and retains some bean texture. Anko is not only popular in Japan but has also gained recognition in other countries. It is often enjoyed as a filling for pastries or as a topping for desserts like ice cream. The sweet flavor and versatility of anko make it a beloved ingredient in many culinary creations.