About Wagashi


All about “Wagashi”


“Wagashi” (Japanese confectioneries) developed under the influence of the Japanese culture and traditions, in addition to the influence >from China and the West. It is practically impossible to count how many different types of Wagashi exist when you take into account the numerous recipes and ingredients.


１．The History of Wagashi

The origin of Wagashi dates back to the Yayoi Era (B.C.300-A.C.300), when it was no more than natural fruit, berries, and nuts. “Wagashi” was greatly influenced by the grain processing skills that were introduced from China along with the Buddhist culture during the Nara Era (A.C.710-784), and people started to make Mochi and Dango (different forms of rice cakes). However, these were mainly used for religious purposes and were too exclusive for the average person. The basic forms of most Wagashi we see today come from that era.


Japanese confectioneries made remarkable strides during the late Muromachi Era （A.C.1336-1573) when Japan was exposed to foreign trade. Trade with Portugal and Spain brought new recipes and ingredients, which profoundly influenced “Wagashi” making. The introduction of sugar revolutionized the formula for sweetness, which until then had largely depended on the natural flavor of the ingredients, and spurred further development.


By the time the art of Wagashi-making had matured during the early Edo Period (A.C.1603-1867), the “Wagashi” trade was experiencing great competition and development in Kyoto, Edo, and other regions. Average people were enjoying them as well. The excellent Wagashis developed during this period are practically identical to the ones we see today Its usage diversified also, as they started to appear in tea ceremonies, afternoon snacks, and gifts.


During the Meiji Era （A.C.1868～1912）, Western cakes and desserts entered Japan and greatly influenced the development of “Wagashi.” The word “Wagashi” was coined during the last part of the Taisho Era (A.C.1912～1926) in order to differentiate Japanese confectioneries from Western ones. Although Wagashis have been influenced by foreign cultures throughout the centuries, they have always been refined by the Japanese sense of art. Wagashis will continue to be an integral part of the Japanese culture that grows as new skills come along.

２．Different Types of Wagashi

Wagashis can be broadly categorized according to its method of cooking and ingredients. However, narrowing down the categories would be nearly impossible, because each Wagashi uniquely reflects it’s creator’s ideas.


３．Wagashi and Your Health
Wagashi’s main ingredients are beans (Azuki beans, kidney beans, soy beans), grains (mochi-rice, rice flour, wheat), potatoes, sesame seeds, Kanten (a natural hardener) and sugar. These are all natural ingredients that are rich in vegetable protein and low in animal fat. That’s good news for those who want to keep their bad cholesterol count low. Take Azuki bean jelly (a common Wagashi ingredient made from boiled Azuki beans and sugar) for example. It is abundant in high quality protein, and contains a good balance of linolic acid, linolen acid, vitamin E, B1, B2, B6, amino acid, mineral calcium, phosphor, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It is also rich in vegetable fiber, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a good digestive system.