is a Japanese sugar syrup, literally "black honey". It is similar to molasses

Molasses

Molasses is a viscous by-product of the processing of sugar cane, grapes or sugar beets into sugar. The word molasses comes from the Portuguese word melaço, which ultimately comes from mel, the Latin word for "honey". The quality of molasses depends on the maturity of the sugar cane or sugar beet,...

, but thinner and milder.

It is typically made from unrefined Okinawan kurozatō

Muscovado

Muscovado is a type of unrefined brown sugar with a strong molasses flavor.Also known as "Barbados sugar" or "moist sugar", muscovado is very dark brown and slightly coarser and stickier than most brown sugars. Muscovado takes its flavor and color from its source, sugarcane juice. It offers good...

("black sugar"), and is a central ingredient in many sweet Japanese dishes. It is one of the ingredients used in making wagashi

Wagashi

is a traditional Japanese confectionery which is often served with tea, especially the types made of mochi, azuki bean paste, and fruits.Wagashi is typically made from natural ingredients...

, and it serves well with kuzumochi

Kuzumochi

are mochi cakes made of kuzuko. It is traditionally served chilled, topped with kuromitsu and kinako.-Sources:* May 30, 2008.* Setsuko Yoshizuka, About.com Guide. August 21, 2009....

, fruits, ice cream, pan cakes, etc.