Hello, everyone. I’m Kenji Wada and I’m a professional wagashi chef in Japan. Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, which are made from azuki beans paste, rice powder, different types of starch, and so on. With the concept “Wagashi to the world!”, I introduce Japanese confectioneries on YouTube and lead wagashi workshops. Wagashi is a great way to learn more about the country and its culture more deeply, because these small sweets are very connected to Japanese customs, culture, and history. If you are interested in Japan, then please let me share with you the beauty of the country through wagashi.
To be honest, I actually used to dislike traditional Japanese customs and ideas. I was sure that I would move to a different country someday. I felt this way until my 20’s. I went sightseeing in Vietnam and met a Vietnamese guy who loved Japan. We were talking about the cultures of our countries, and he asked me “What is Japan’s national flower?” I couldn’t answer because I had no idea. But he knew! He told me it was sakura (cherry blossom) and kiku (chrysanthemum). He also told me Vietnam’s national flower, as well as many other things about his country. I was so embarrassed. I was also moved by his knowledge and pride of his country. I wanted to be like him. I wanted to be proud of being Japanese and I wanted to be able to tell others about my country. That was the turning point. It wasn’t long after that I decided to study wagashi.
And why did I choose this field? One of the main reasons is that I love sweets! I’ve been eating dorayaki (Japanese pancake) and yokan (azuki beans jelly) since I was a kid. Another reason is that I love to make things – wood crafts, plastic models, electrical parts and foods. I was especially addicted to plastic models. And my favorite class in school was craft class. When I was thinking about the combination of Japanese culture, my interests, and my strong points, the clear answer was wagashi.
And through my study of wagashi, I’ve learned more and more about the uniqueness and charm of my own country. And sharing this wonderful part of Japanese culture with the world my new mission.
As a professional wagashi chef, I want to teach the world about Japan through the world of wagashi. “Wagashi to the world!”