Wagashi Pix

“Children’s Day” is a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5. This day was celebrated in order to wish the healthy growth and happiness of the boys in the family.

In Japan, carp is believed as a symbol of strength and courage. Therefore, we have custom of hanging out Koinobori (carp streamers) on a tall pole on Children’s Day to pray that boys in the house will take after carp and live their lives strongly.

The wagashi in the photo is a special Children’s Day treat modeled after the carp streamers.
This type of wagashi is originally known as Ayu (sweetfish) which is very familiar during the summer season. Sweet rice cake and bean paste are covered with a thin pancake-like skin.

Japanese seems to love molding confection into fish (such as taiyaki). Our love into fish is quite amazing!

Shop information:
Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s homepage (Japanese)
Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s homepage (English translated by Google)

I’ve been addicted to having sakuramochi this Spring.
They were so beautiful and yummy… I miss them so much!

See the first post about Sakuramochi.
The sakuramochi in the photo represents the Kansai (western) style.

Shop information:
Minamoto Kitchoan’s homepage (Japanese)
Minamoto Kitchoan’s homepage (English translated by Google)

See the first post about Sakuramochi.
The sakuramochi in the photo represents the Kansai (western) style.

Shop information:
Hontakasagoya’s homepage (Japanese)
Hontakasagoya’s homepage (English translated by Google)

Sakuramochi is a seasonal wagashi which consists of pink mochi (rice cake) and red bean paste, covered with a sakura (cherry) leaf. It is a popular confection that you can see only in the spring season.

The style of sakuramochi differs depending on the region in Japan. Basically, Kanto (eastern) style such as Tokyo is made from rice flour and Kansai (western) style such as Osaka is made from glutinous rice flour for batter.

The one in the photo represents the Kanto (eastern) style. The red bean paste is covered with a flat, crepe-like mochi.

Shop information:
Aoyagi’s homepage (Japanese)
Aoyagi’s homepage (English translated by Google)

Senbei are Japanese rice crackers made by being baked or grilled traditionally over charcoal.
They are often eaten with green tea as a casual snack.Senbei come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, usually savory but sometimes sweet.

This one is sweet type senbei which has crispy horsebeans mixed inside.
A print of deer is a familiar motif of Nara prefecture.

Shop information:
Kuruminoki’s homepage (Japanese)
Kuruminoki’s homepage (English translated by Google)