Letter from Japan #4
Hello from Japan!
Do you know 和菓子 (わがし, wagashi)?
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, often made from あんこ (anko), a sweet red bean paste, together with ingredients such as rice flour, starch, and sugar.
My children took part in a wagashi making workshop. I had attended the same workshop a few years ago, so this time it was a real joy to watch them discover it for themselves.
At first, it looked a little like playing with colourful modelling clay. They rolled small pieces of coloured dough in their hands before carefully shaping them into delicate flowers.
Using a small bamboo tool, they gently pressed tiny patterns into the dough to create each petal. It was amazing to see how a simple ball of dough slowly transformed into something so beautiful.
They made two beautiful summer flowers, ひまわり (himawari), a sunflower, and あさがお (asagao), a morning glory.
As they worked, they became completely focused on creating each little detail. 集中する (しゅうちゅうする, shuuchuu suru) means “to concentrate” or “to focus”.
The best part?
When they had finished admiring their beautiful creations, they got to eat them!
They were sooo yummy! One of my children doesn’t really like あんこ (anko), so I happily ate his for him!
A question for you
Have you ever made something that was almost too beautiful to eat?
If you’re curious
This wonderful workshop was provided by Marumiya.
🌸 Website: https://marumiya.jp
If you’re ever in Japan, I highly recommend trying a wagashi workshop. It’s a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture through creativity, and you even get to enjoy your handmade sweet afterwards!
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