Wagashi traditional Japanese sweets have evolved over centuries, influenced first by Chinese culture and later by Western confections. While adaptation of new ingredients and techniques from other cultures was an important aspect of the development of Japanese sweets, the Japanese have incorporated their own artistic sense, creativity, and sensitivity to seasonal changes into their confectioneries and refined them as wagashi. Today, wagashi continues to be an integral part of Japanese culture and has begun to draw more interest and attention from overseas. This presentation introduces various types of wagashi produced in Japan and discusses their cultural meanings and significance. We also explain what makes wagashi distinct from Western confections by focusing on ingredients, cooking methods and techniques, and design as an expression of natural beauty and seasonal changes. Participants may taste samples of wagashi and tea made by Bimi Bakery, LLC during the presentation. Bimi Bakery’s featured Japanese sweets will also be available for sale before and after the presentation.
Japanese Wagashi
Working with the Sheraton Hotel, Overland Park Convention Center, and the City of Overland Park, it was decided to not hold Naka-Kon 2020 the weekend of March 13-15, 2020. For more information, please visit this article.