Dorayaki, Japan's answer to the pancake

Dorayaki is sweet red-bean paste sandwiched between two small pancake-like patties. The pancakes taste more like sponge cake, which is why this treat is a popular Japanese confectionery.
The name comes from 'dora', the Japanese word for gong, which the shape of dorayaki resembles. According to a more colourful account, dorayaki were invented when a samurai warrior named Benkei left his dora in a farmer's house where he had been hiding, and the farmer used it to fry pancakes.
Since its origins, the variety of dorayaki available in Japan has multiplied, although the traditional type remains the most popular. As well as anko (sweet red-bean paste), other tasty fillings such as custard, chocolate and even jam are available. Fans of famous Japanese manga Doraemon may know that dorayaki is Doraemon's favourite food, and in fact, some stores make special dorayaki with Doraemon printed on them.

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