October 2024

Shichi-Go-San

culture /

Hello everyone, The temperature has dropped significantly, and it feels more like autumn now. October is coming to an end, and November is just around the corner. One of the notable events in November in Japan is Shichi-Go-San. Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is one of Japan’s traditional ceremonies that has been celebrated for a long time. Although there are regional variations, it is basically a tradition for three-year-old girls, five-year-old boys, and seven-year-old girls and their families to visit shrines on November 15th to express gratitude and celebrate the growth of the children. the origin of Shichi-Go-San There are various theories regarding the origins of Shichi-Go-San, but it is said to be […]

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issho mochi

culture /

Hello, everyone! In Japan, there are many celebrations to mark children’s growth, and today I would like to talk about one of them, “issho mochi. What is issho mochi？ “Issho mochi” generally refers to a round rice cake (mochi) made from one shō (about 1.8 liters) of glutinous rice, used to celebrate a child’s first birthday. Issho mochi is also commonly used in celebrations like New Year’s and the construction ceremony of a house. Its round shape is likened to one of the Three Sacred Treasures, the “Yata no Kagami,” and it’s also called “kagamimochi.”It’s not commonly known, but kagamimochi and issho mochi are the same thing! While it is

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another Otsukimi?

culture, Sweets /

Hello everyone, are you familiar with ‘Jūsanya’ (the Thirteenth Night)? The one that’s widely known is ‘Jūgoya’ (the Fifteenth Night), right? Jūgoya is also called ‘Chūshun no Meigetsu’ (the Harvest Moon), and there’s a tradition of moon viewing called ‘Tsukimi,’ where people enjoy delicious rice dumplings while admiring the full autumn moon. In fact, besides Jūgoya, there is a unique Japanese tradition called ‘Jūsanya.’ That’s what I’m here to tell you about this time. what is Jūsanya? Jūsanya refers to the night of the 13th to 14th of the old lunar calendar. While Jūgoya is a custom that originated in China, Jūsanya began in Japan. On Jūgoya, people pray to

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halloween workshop #2

Workshop /

Hello everyone, It has already been a year since I held my first wagashi workshop! My first one took place last October, where we made Halloween sweets. Now a year later, I just held a mini wagashi workshop on October 6, also themed around Halloween, but this time featuring a slightly different design of a jack-o’-lantern. I taught wagashi in a mini wagashi workshop as part of an international exchange community event. Looking back at my blog from last year, I remember that there were 8 participants at that time, but this time over 40 people joined! This is the largest number of participants I’ve ever had in one of

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What is anko?

ingredients /

Hello, everyone! Are you a fan of smooth red bean paste (koshian) or chunky red bean paste (tsubuan)? Some people love the smooth texture of koshian, while others prefer the rich flavor and texture of tsubuan. Personally, I enjoy both, as each type pairs best with different sweets. In discussing wagashi (Japanese sweets), anko (bean paste) is essential—it’s the foundation and soul of these treats. For wagashi artisans, the quality of anko can significantly influence the final product. Today, let’s delve into the world of anko! Definition of Anko Anko is one of Japan’s traditional sweets and is primarily made from beans. While adzuki beans are the most common, other

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the origins of wagashi

history /

Hello everyone! Have you been enjoying wagashi? Wagashi, traditional Japanese confectioneries, has a rich history. What were its origins, and how has it developed over time? In this post, I’d like to give you a brief history of wagashi. The formation of wagashi is deeply tied to Japan’s history and culture. The country’s natural environment, seasonal changes, rituals, and religious events have significantly influenced the development of wagashi. Its history dates back to ancient times, evolving in form, taste, and ingredients over the years to become what it is today. Originally, Nuts? Ancient Times (Jomon and Yayoi Periods) The prototype of wagashi began with the consumption of natural foods like

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