A Historic Shop in Tokyo’s Cultural District Asakusa, with its over 1,400 years of history, stands as one of Tokyo’s most culturally significant districts. The area’s story began in 628 with the discovery of a Buddhist statue, which led to the establishment of Sensoji Temple. During the Edo period, Asakusa flourished as a bustling commercial […]
Mochi vs Gyuhi: Unraveling the Mystery of Japanese ‘Mochi’ Abroad and the Depth of Wagashi In the world of Japanese confectionery, there are two ingredients that look similar but are entirely different: “mochi” and “gyuhi”. Particularly abroad, “Mochi” has gained popularity, but interestingly, most of these products are actually what the Japanese call “gyuhi”. Let’s […]
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 […]
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 […]
Japan’s Superfood used for Wagashi Changes World The world of Japanese sweets (wagashi) hides ingredients that are not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Among these, “kanten” (agar) stands out. While kanten has long been a staple in Japanese cuisine, it’s now emerging as a superfood perfectly aligned with modern health trends. Let’s delve […]
Azuki Beans: The Superfood at the Heart of Wagashi and Japanese Sweets Azuki beans are not just the star of wagashi and Japanese sweets; they’re also a hidden superfood deeply rooted in Japan’s culinary tradition. These small red beans are essential in creating many beloved Japanese desserts, while offering surprising nutritional benefits. Let’s explore the […]
The Main Ingredients Coloring Wagashi Wagashi, with its delicate flavors and beautiful appearance, is beloved worldwide as a representative of Japanese culinary culture. The source of its profound charm lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Today, we’ll focus on the five main players supporting the taste and beauty of wagashi – sugar, rice flour, azuki […]