Summer Wagashi: Exploring the Allure of Mizu-Yokan and Kuzukiri Japanese summers are known for their sweltering heat, accompanied by the gentle chime of wind bells and the rhythmic song of cicadas. It’s during this hot season that the world of wagashi (Japanese sweets) showcases its ingenuity in creating refreshing treats. Let’s delve into Japan’s summer […]
The Secret Health Power of Green Tea: A Source of Comfort and Vitality Green tea, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, holds a mysterious power to soothe our minds and bodies while providing energy. Today, we’ll explore the perfect combination of green tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets), as well as its health benefits. Green Tea and […]
Kuzu (葛): The Japanese Superfood Transforming Traditional Sweets The world of Japanese sweets (wagashi) is home to ingredients that offer not only delightful flavors but also intriguing properties. One such ingredient that deserves special attention is “kuzu” (kudzu). Like azuki, another star ingredient in wagashi, kuzu has long been familiar to Japanese people, but may […]
The Art of Enjoying Wagashi The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a profound world within Japanese traditional culture. While there are numerous rules and manners to observe as a guest at a tea ceremony, one of the most important elements is how to properly enjoy wagashi, or Japanese sweets. In this article, we’ll explore […]
The Intertwined History of Wagashi and Japanese Tea Japanese tea ceremony culture, refined over a long history, is today represented by three main schools. Known as the “Three Sen Houses” (Sansenke), these schools – Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakojisenke – each have their unique practices and philosophies that shape Japanese tea culture. Omotesenke, founded by Sen […]
Sencha and Wagashi: Exploring the Refreshing Side of Japanese Sweets In the world of Japanese sweets and desserts, the pairing of sencha and wagashi offers a refreshing and subtle flavor experience. While matcha often takes the spotlight in discussions of Japanese tea and confectionery, sencha’s crisp taste creates a unique harmony with various types of […]
Matcha and Wagashi: The Heart of Japanese Sweets and Desserts In the world of Japanese sweets and desserts, the pairing of matcha and wagashi represents the pinnacle of culinary artistry. This quintessential combination not only delights the palate but also embodies centuries of Japanese cultural traditions. Let’s explore why these two elements of Japanese confectionery […]
Wagashi Through the Seasons: A Year of Japanese Sweets and Desserts Wagashi, the exquisite Japanese sweets and desserts, are more than just confections – they’re edible representations of Japan’s changing seasons. These traditional Japanese desserts beautifully capture the essence of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, offering a unique way to experience Japan’s cultural appreciation for […]