About Wagashi
WHAT IS
WAGASHI?
Wagashi are
traditional Japanese sweets
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets made primarily from natural ingredients such as rice,
beans, sugar, and agar. They are celebrated for their delicate, subtle sweetness. Beyond being
enjoyed as everyday treats, wagashi are deeply connected to Japanese culture, playing a vital
role in seasonal events like New Year’s, traditional festivals, and important life occasions
such as weddings, funerals, and local ceremonies.
The charm of wagashi is reflected not only in their taste but also in their beautiful
appearance. Many designs are inspired by seasonal flowers, natural landscapes, and symbolic
motifs, each crafted with delicate precision and detail. Through wagashi, one can experience the
changing seasons and the unique essence of Japanese culture. Often enjoyed during tea
ceremonies, festivals, and time-honored traditions across Japan, wagashi play a vital role in
embodying Japan’s cultural heritage.
Eating wagashi is more than just indulging in a sweet treat; it’s an opportunity to experience
the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons while savoring a moment of tranquility and peace for the
soul.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF AZUKI BEANZ?
Beans are small,reddish-purple beans essential to Japanese wagashi
Azuki beans are small, reddish-purple beans essential to Japanese wagashi, with a long history deeply
rooted in Japanese culture. Introduced from China during the Nara period, they were valued not only
for their medicinal and ceremonial uses but also for their importance in special occasions. Even
today, azuki-based foods continue to play a key role in celebrations and Buddhist rituals.
In Japan, Hokkaido is the primary source of azuki beans, with the Tokachi region particularly
renowned for producing high-quality beans. Azuki beans from this area are distinguished by their
large size and rich fragrance, making them highly favored by wagashi artisans. The process of
preparing and cooking azuki beans requires skill and precision. For example, the 'shibukiri'
technique is used to remove bitterness, and the number of times and the duration of this process
influence the final flavor of the azuki paste. Other factors, such as heating time and the timing of
adding sugar, are also crucial, giving each wagashi artisan or shop its own unique flavor of paste.
Azuki beans are a nutritious food, packed with dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals like
iron and magnesium. They also contain polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties. In recent
years, azuki beans have found their way into not only traditional wagashi, but also Western sweets
and health foods.
More than just an ingredient, azuki beans are an integral part of Japan’s wagashi culture, embodying
the country’s culinary heritage and spiritual essence.
“Japanese
confectionery"
What is Nerikiri?
Nerikiri is a type of wagashi made from vibrant, colored sweet bean paste, carefully shaped by skilled artisans. Each piece is meticulously crafted by hand, making them not only delicious but visually stunning, like small works of art. These sweets often reflect the beauty of Japan's changing seasons, with designs inspired by nature and traditional symbols. In spring, you might see sakura blossoms or warblers, while summer brings sunflowers or fireworks, autumn features chrysanthemums or autumn leaves, and winter showcases peonies or snow rabbits. Through nerikiri, you can experience and savor the natural beauty of Japan's seasons, both visually and through taste.
What is Dorayaki?
Dorayaki is a beloved classic wagashi consisting of sweet, pancake-like dough made with mirin and honey, filled generously with sweet red bean paste. While the traditional filling is either tsubu-an (chunky red bean paste) or koshi-an (smooth red bean paste), at Marusan Rouho, we offer a variety of unique options, including chestnuts, butter, whipped cream, and seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and sweet potato. With its round shape and convenient size, dorayaki is the perfect treat, loved by many for both its ease of enjoyment and deliciousness.
What is Yokan?
Yokan is a traditional wagashi made by setting sweet red bean paste with agar, creating a smooth, jelly-like texture with a delicate and refined sweetness. There are many varieties of yokan, such as koshi-an (smooth red bean paste), chestnut paste, and matcha, with each shop or region offering its own unique variations. At Marusan Rouho, we offer three signature options: koshi-an, chestnut paste, and dried sweet potato, along with seasonal yokan made with fresh, in-season fruits. Presented in block form, yokan is easy to slice with the included string, allowing you to enjoy it in individual portions of your preferred size.
What is Monaka?
Monaka is a wagashi featuring a crisp, rice-based shell filled with sweet bean paste. The contrast between the crunchy, aromatic shell and the smooth, moist filling creates a delightful textural experience. At Marusan Rouho, we offer a variety of monaka, including tsubu-an (chunky red bean paste), shiro-an (white bean paste), and matcha-an (green tea paste), as well as a special version made with Japanese chestnuts from Ibaraki Prefecture.
What is Daihuku?
Daifuku is a wagashi made with sweet red bean paste wrapped in soft, chewy mochi dough. Its round shape and snowy white exterior give it an irresistibly cute and charming appearance. The combination of the refined sweetness of the filling and the satisfying, elastic texture of the mochi creates a harmonious treat. Depending on the ingredients, daifuku can offer a wide range of flavors. The name "daifuku”, meaning "great luck”, represents more than just a delicious snack - it is believed to bring good fortune. Known for being filling and satisfying, daifuku is a meaningful treat, symbolizing happiness and prosperity in Japan.
What is
Fruit Daifuku?
Fruit daifuku is a delightful twist on the traditional daifuku, where fresh fruit is wrapped in chewy mochi dough and paired with sweet red bean paste. The combination of the fruit’s refreshing sweetness, the chewy texture of the mochi, and the richness of the bean paste creates a perfectly balanced treat. The indulgence of having a whole piece of fruit inside, coupled with the vibrant, jewel-like appearance when sliced, makes it as visually stunning as it is delicious. While strawberry daifuku, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is the most popular, Marusan Rouho also offers seasonal fruit daifuku featuring fruits like grapes, mandarins, pineapples, and mangoes, capturing the essence of each season.
