July 2021

Tis the season for wintery sweets!

Japanese confectionary is at its best when artisans sell their limited edition treats. We’ll introduce a few of our favorite confectionary houses…

Takanekan:

For the winter months, Toraya, a brand famous for their “yokan”, currently sells in limited edition the ‘Takanekan’ for the winter months, which displays Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji when the yokan is sliced.

Toraya is famous for their “yokan”, a gelatin-like block consisting of red bean paste, agar, and sugar.

According to them, “it makes a great centerpiece for all New Year celebrations.” But these treats usually sell out quickly.

Miyamamori:

Made with beans from Hokkaido, this delectable treat aims to evoke snow falling deep in the mountains. Rice, which in this confectionary depicts the snow, is suspended in gelatin and the texture is as fleeting as a snowflake that lands on your skin. As you bite into the center, you taste the subtle sweetness of red bean paste.

Kurimurasaki:

Chestnut suspended in Yo-kan (red bean jelly) with a dash of honey. This delectable treat is usually available from fall to around February. The chestnuts inside gives it quite some depth, the honey leaves a subtle sweetness that lingers as if an afterthought, and the yokan keeps everything in a delicate balance.

When served with green tea, the bitterness cuts through, cleansing the palate.

Winter time for confectionary is quite the seasonal event…