Wagashi: Traditional Japanese Sweets

Yunomi Staff
2018-09-23T06:42:15+09:00

Wagashi and Tea

Wagashi (和菓子) are beautifully decorated, traditional Japanese sweets. Rice cakes (mochi), red bean sweets (anko bean paste), and some fruits are all common types of wagashi.

#和菓子 『季節のお菓子』 #煉切 ☀︎ #選和菓子職 合格したので、町長に表敬訪問してきました。 新聞にも載せてもらえるので、今後も頑張らなければ️ ☆ #ねりきり#上生菓子#煉切り製 #茶道#練切#三代目#japanesesweets#japanfoodgopan #wagashi#Nerikiri#松崎町

A photo posted by marsa まーさ (@marsatracks) on Sep 12, 2016 at 5:19am PDT

A Short History of Wagashi

The word “wa-gashi” is literally means “Japanese snacks.” The first character “和” read “wa” is often used to describe things originating from Japan. For example “wa-fuku” means “Japanese clothing,” and “wa-shoku” means “Japanese food.” In fact, “wa” is the oldest known name for the country of Japan. The word “wa” itself means “peace, harmony, or balance.

This candy is candy that shows the flow of the river 今回は以前にアップした 『水面』の別画像です。 まだまだ暑さは続きますが 少しでも皆さんに涼をお届けできたらと涼しげなお菓子を☆ 真上からとはまた違う菓子の表情ですよね(o^^o)? #japon #漂亮 #japan #green#和菓子#美丽#可愛い#綺麗#nihon #緑#岐阜#おやつ#甘い#귀여운#Kunst#teatime#スイーツ#かわいい#三代目#teabreak#茶道 #美味しい #belle #adorable #magnifique#緑#wagashi#azuki#délicieux#article

A photo posted by 和菓子職人 三納寛之 (@wagashi_sanchan) on Aug 17, 2016 at 10:52am PDT

The second part of the word, “kashi” which changes to “gashi” when paired with another kanji character, means “snack” but originally referred to the fruits and nuts served for guests before confectionary treats were invented.

Today's candy is sweets with chestnuts. Traditional sweets of Japan, is sweets. 『山づと』 こなし製 栗きんとん いやー 秋ですねぇ(*´ω｀*) 今回は特注で作らせて頂いたお菓子です。写実的に栗そのものを手形で形どっています。 10月のお菓子ですが栗も出始めたので投稿しました(*´▽｀*) 栗自体まだ出始めで高値ですが既に栗きんとんの製造も始まっています☆ #excellent#beaut #beau #artist #belle #日本#schön #magnifique #lecker #おやつ#秋#adorable #和菓子#可愛い#綺麗 #teatime#スイーツ#かわいい#抹茶#美味しい #candy#Kunst#일본#seni#lucu#искусство#sweets#gorgeous#stunning#japon

A photo posted by 和菓子職人 三納寛之 (@wagashi_sanchan) on Sep 4, 2016 at 2:46pm PDT

Wagashi became popular during the Edo period where it was almost always served with tea. The original inspiration for wagashi came from Chinese dum-sum and the introduction of sugarcane to the island. European influence may have also played a part as Portuguese explorers visited Tanegashima in 1543. These travellers brought with them European sweets which used eggs and large amounts of sugar.

過去に展示した和菓子達。 正月をテーマに１２種類を展示しました #和菓子 #wagashi #和菓子屋さんちゃん #三納寛之

A photo posted by 和菓子職人 三納寛之 (@wagashi_sanchan) on Jun 8, 2016 at 3:48am PDT

After this time tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) coined the term wabi-cha to refer to treats that were served at tea ceremonies. Prior to the introduction of Chinese and European influences, simple sweets such as manju and yokan were served.

Diversity

Japanese confessions are typically categorized by the amount of moisture they contain. The moisture content will determine their shelf life. Of course ingredients and preparation method will also determine how wagashi are categorized. These sweets are often intricately designed to reflect the four seasons in Japan.

Wagashi are basically categorized into 3 classifications:

Namagashi （生菓子）

Namagashi, or fresh confectionery, has a moisture level of 30 % or more. These sweets are typically made using flour, eggs, beans, and sugar.

Un #namagashi, ça vous tente? Pas de doute, #Toraya est de retour ️ ? #tea #thé

A photo posted by Mademoiselle Thé (@melle_the) on Jul 4, 2015 at 2:01pm PDT

Namagashi has the shortest shelf life and is often the most expensive type of wagashi.

Han Namagashi （半生菓子）

秋陽乃舞?????? #半生菓子#和#Japanesesweet #和菓子#Japanesestyle#秋#fall #sweets #こんぺいとう #nerigashi#hannamagashi#栗#きのこ#柿#サツマイモ#もみじ

A photo posted by Reemin (@reemin319) on Sep 25, 2014 at 3:34pm PDT

Han namagashi, or half-dry confectionery, has a moisture level of 10-30 %.

Higashi (干菓子)

There is custom to enjoy the beautiful moon at the night of the full moon of September in Japan. It is two days later, but is viewing the moon with the japanese sweets on the dish today. ? at home * 週末ブラっと訪れた 川越からお持ち帰りした お月見モチーフの干菓子。 * 十五夜の前々日ですが、 お皿の上のお月見♡ * #teatime #teastagram #tealover #greentea #tea #wagashi #teatable #suger #japanesesweets #cute #organic #sweetslover #instasweets #pampasgrass #お茶時間 #お茶タイム #干菓子 #川越 #亀屋栄泉 #和三盆糖 #和菓子 #茶菓子 #お茶 #阿波晩茶 #徳島 #おやつ #ススキ #秋 #十五夜 #お月見

A photo posted by You Suzuki (@alfadolphina) on Sep 13, 2016 at 1:00am PDT

Higashi, or dry confectionery, has a moisture level of 10 % or less. This particular higashi confectionary was eaten in celebration of September’s full moon.

Wagashi can also be categorized based on its method of preparation. For example, “mushimono” is steamed, “yakimono” is baked, “nagashimono” is jellied, and “uchimono” is molded.

A Modern Touch

As with most things, time has the power to change tradition. Today, wagashi is available in a variety of colors, flavors, and shapes. As modern tastes evolve, so does wagashi.

＊ 2016.09.14 ＊ お返事前のしらたまいこです?? ＊ 明日は十五夜ですな? 多分明日は作らんよ? 月といえばうさぎよね? ＊ #おつきみっふぃー ←しょうもな（笑） ＊ 今日は朝は幼稚園行事、午後はめがねボーイおーやんの眼科検診へ? ＊ 両目0.1だった12月、3ヶ月ごとの検診で視力ものびて今日は右0.6左0.9まであがってたよご褒美はうずまきソフトでいいんやって?安くつきまっせ♬ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ #おやつ#簡単おやつ#白玉#デコ白玉#白玉だんご#だんご#和菓子#おうちカフェ#クッキングラム#月見団子#十五夜#ミッフィー#ママリ秋みいつけた#キャラフード#しらたまいこ#ちぎり白玉#homemade#decofood#kawaiifood#cutefood#foodart#characterfood#instafood#cookingram#cotta#shiratama##shiratamadango#LIN_stagrammer#Miffy

A photo posted by maiko (@inumaiko) on Sep 14, 2016 at 1:49am PDT

Recently, popular anime characters have even been made into intricate wagashi treats.

Wagashi Through the Seasons

The Japanese are obsessed with celebrating the seasons. Throughout the year Japanese festivals and special events are held to celebrate the our planet’s perpetual rotation. Much like their culture, seasonal treats are pay respect to the changing seasons. Different wagashi is offered at key points throughout the year.

Hanabira Mochi (菱葩餅)

・ 夕方に素敵なお届け物がありました！ ・ 持つべきは…マメなお友だち（≧∇≦） ・ 初めていただきましたが、ほどよい 甘さでとても美味しかったです！ ・ ありがとう〜！ごちそうさまでした〜！ ・ #菱葩餅#ひしはなびらもち #花びら餅#ガレットデロアもいただいちゃった（≧∇≦）

A photo posted by atelier ribera (@rvsd165) on Jan 10, 2016 at 3:32am PST

Hanabira Mochi (菱葩餅) is traditionally served in January to celebrate the new year. The name, which literally means “flower pedal rice cake”, originated from a treat that the imperial family ate to bring in the new year.

Hishi Mochi

#雛祭り #自家製 #ひしもち #hinamatsuri #homemade #hishimochi

A photo posted by Hirokazu Max Hirazawa (@b.v.no75) on Mar 10, 2016 at 6:54pm PST

On March 3rd, Japan celebrates “Hinamatsuri” which can be translated as “Girls Days.” For this special holiday, hishimochi is served. These cakes are usually pink, green, and white. Because they are often set out as an offering, many Japanese people have never actually tasted this treat before.

Sakura Mochi

#sakuramochi #japanesemochi #remindsmeofjapan #sfjapantown #redbeanfilling #shisoleafwrapped #latergram

A photo posted by @daibebelui on Jun 19, 2016 at 1:29am PDT

Sakura Mochi is a springtime staple. This beautiful treat is often wrapped in cherry tree leaves and is enjoyed throughout Japan while the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Some people even eat the leaves!

Kashiwa Mochi

こどもの日という事で、柏餅。友達から柏葉を譲ってもらい、仕上げました。 定番通り、上新粉の餅＆味噌あん、蓬餅＆粒あん、にしようかと思っていたところに開いた末富さんの和菓子の本。桜餅（京都なので道明寺製）の要領で、桜葉の代わりに柏葉でも◎と書いてあり、ならば！と、予定変更でこし餡を道明寺製の餅で包みました。ほんのりと移った柏葉の香りと共に、大好きな桜餅（関西版）を食べ逃した淋しさも満たすことができました！ #Singapore #wagashi #sweets #kashiwamochi

A photo posted by @mizucat on May 5, 2016 at 9:33am PDT

Originating in Edo (Tokyo) around 1745-1786 CE, Kashiwa Mochi is typically enjoyed for Children’s Day on May 5th. Like Sakura Mochi, it is also wrapped in a leaf which may be eaten or discarded depending on your preference.

Tsukimi Dango

TRUNG THU QUANH CHÂU Á Người Nhật gọi tết #TrungThu là #Tsukimi, lễ ngắm trăng. Bánh trung thu của họ là #tsukimidango, được nặn từ bột nếp. Sau khi làm xong, bánh được xếp thành hình tháp lên một khay gỗ, đặt ở nơi nào có thể ngắm trăng rõ nhất. Mâm tiệc ngắm trăng của người Nhật thường được trang trí bằng cỏ #Susuki. Người ta vừa ăn bánh nếp hình mặt trăng, thưởng trà vừa ngắm trăng. Tao nhã quá phải không? #ellevietnam #midautumn

A photo posted by ELLE Vietnam (@ellevietnam) on Sep 24, 2015 at 11:37pm PDT

One of the first seasonal treats to welcome in autumn is the Tsukimi Dango. This delicacy is offered around the time of the full moon in September. Typically these rice dumplings are displayed in groups of fifteen. The tradition is a way of showing thanks for a bountiful harvest.

職人並みに上手く出来た笑 秋、作りたいものいっぱいあるなー(ˊ-ˋ*) . . #きんとん #栗 #さつまいも #金団 #栗きんとん #和菓子 #お菓子作り #手作り #甘いもの #おやつ #手作りお菓子 #秋 #食欲の秋 #カメラ女子 #ミラーレス一眼 #日本 #スイーツ #わがし #和スイーツ #maron #sweetpotato #wagashi #japan #autumn #japanesesweets #sweets #homemade #camera #foodpic #happy

A photo posted by sayaka kaneko (@saya_kaneko) on Sep 13, 2016 at 6:05pm PDT

During the autumn season, sweet potato is another frequently used ingredient. The wagashi shown above is handmade!