Baumkuchen, or "tree cake," is named for its distinctive tree-ring pattern visible in each slice. In Japan, these rings symbolize longevity and prosperity, making the cake a popular gift for birthdays and weddings. Its soft, fluffy texture and simple flavor appeal to people of all ages.

The cake's journey in Japan began during World War I on Ninoshima Island near Hiroshima, where German POW Karl Juchheim baked sweets as a gesture of peace. His legacy lives on through reenactments of the original baking method — layering batter on bamboo and roasting it over a fire. After the war, Juchheim stayed in Japan and opened a pastry shop, introducing Baumkuchen to the Japanese public.

Today, Baumkuchen is widely available across Japan, from luxury stores to convenience shops, and comes in various flavors like matcha. Though originally German, it has been embraced and adapted by Japanese culture, becoming a beloved local treat and a symbol of peace and resilience.