a variety of taro; yam-like taro
A cultivar of taro (里芋) with a shape that resembles multiple clustered heads, often used in traditional New Year's dishes.
See also: 里芋
It is said that adding yatsugashira to New Year's dishes brings good luck.
Standard kanji spelling for this taro variety.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 八つ頭.
The name 八つ頭 (yatsugashira) likely comes from the appearance of the taro corm, which has multiple protrusions resembling several heads (八つ meaning 'eight' and 頭 meaning 'head'). The exact historical origin of the name is uncertain.