Why People Love Japan

I LOVE Japan. There are many reasons why I do. Some of these reasons are similar to the reasons of other people. Some of them may sound strange and unusual, but perhaps only because others cannot articulate them, hence they sound so uncommon. There are others who surely have the same reasons though. And then again, some of these reasons are just unique, and springing from my own nature and how I see things and experience life. 

Enough of me though. Many people love Japan. Many people love Japanese people. Many people love anything Japanese. Let me share with you some things about Japan that people love, based on what I have read so far. These are just a small fraction of all the things there are to love about the country. Feel free to post a comment and share what you love about Japan ;->

10 of the Many Reasons Why People Love Japan:

1. SUSHI!

Sushi is a favorite of many. People visit authentic Japanese restaurants and spend for carefully prepared sushi to enjoy it. It is so good to eat and very refreshing. The Japanese are very particular about the quality of the food that they serve and how they present it, so the sushi are always arranged on a plate in such a way that is very pleasing to the eye. When it comes to the flavor, people love tasting the freshness of the ingredients and their perfect combination which produces a very excellent dish.

2. Japan is So Clean.

Needless to say, people like clean places. Of course there are many other clean places, but the country’s neatness and order are among the things people love about it. Glass windows are so clear that they seem to be not there at all. Take a walk at any time of the day and it would be very unusual for you to see litter lying around or resting on an inconspicuous corner on the pavement. Even the old, tiny homes and stores with patched up walls or roofs have their entire areas tidied up and very presentable.

3. Kawaii Culture

Cuteness is in the culture! Anything can have cute faces or lovely and colorful prints on it - food, bags, hats, phone cases, antyhing! Doodles and drawings are also a common element in messages - including some corporate presentations. These drawings and cute illustrations are actually useful means to clearly convey an idea, thought, or process. Colorful pictures, fonts, and tools are also common to make things interesting, attractive, and effective. Cute characters and designs are not limited to the kiddie and teenage market. Making things charming and appealing is part of how the Japanese people and the Japanese businesses make their products and services presentable and attractive to the market. 

4. Music

Though many people who love Japan, including Japanese music, hardly speak or understand the Japanese language, the country’s music is among the common things that people love. Many are introduced to a particular kind of music or a certain Japanese singer or artist through the original soundtracks of the anime that they watch or the games from Japan that they play. Sometimes, they simply love how the music sounds, partly due to its association with the anime or the game. Once they identify the artist or the album, they listen to more of it and discover other types of music similar to the one they have just discovered. From there, their range of favorite Japanese music expands. 

Of course, as people do some research about their favorite Japanese songs and music, they naturally wish to have a good idea what the lyrics are all about, so they look for English translations. A common thing about popular Japanese songs is that, when they are translated into English, they are expressed in terms that show the perfect balance between a person’s intense emotions about an issue or another person, and the person’s own strong connection to or sense of self. Hence, Japanese songs are often seen as perfect expressions of one’s emotional state or personality, since they are very expressive and real, without being too needy and overly dramatic. 

5. Anime

While a lot of people see anime as “cartoons for kids,” people who have grown to love anime know that this is not the case. One of the things that make anime highly entertaining across all ages is that they are able to capture the emotions, thoughts, and personal issues of the viewer, regardless of the age group of the characters or the reality of the situation in the anime. The dilemmas, fears, joys, and ideals expressed in anime are so honest and real to most people, making anime lovers identify with certain characters and see how their life experienes are so analogous to one another. This is also why anime characters are so appealing to them. 

6. Cute Boys and Cute Girls

Cute boys. Read: Half smiles, interesting hairstyles, fashionable clothes, posing for the camera with a look that seems to send a message to every girl looking at the photo that he is posing for her. Cute girls: Often synonymous to school girls in knee-high socks or young office ladies in stockings, all of them with pretty eyes and adorable smiles, their hair perfectly framing their charming faces alongside the traditional peace sign. 

7. Cosplay

Cosplay is now a common practice in various anime, manga, comics, and gaming conventions in various parts of the world. In Japan though, cosplayers can be ordinarily seen in places like Shibuya and Harajuku. Most of the characters portrayed are based on Japanese manga ang games, as their looks are very attractive and interesting to put on. Cosplaying is a serious occupation for many people. It is not just about dressing up like their favorite characters; it is also about being able to project their personality as best as they can so that the spirit of the character also “emerges” from the costume. Otherwise, the person sporting the look will simply be himself or herself, in “somebody else’s clothes.” Japanese cosplay has inspired so many people which is why it is very popular now.

8. There is a place for everything.

Things are generally very orderly in Japan. Their culture and traditions are so ingrained in the Japanese people that even though they are very modern in their methods and way of life, there are very basic things that are not lost to them. The continuously developing fast-paced way of life is never an excuse for not being able to maintain the home, prepare a decent meal, deliver excellent service, or produce high-quality products. In fact, their natural way of doing things helps them adapt to the changing times so that regardless of what happens, they are still able to provide what they need to as best as they can. For example, though many women or wives now have jobs like their husbands, they do not use their job as an excuse for not being able to keep the home neat and the meals prepared. Because of their nature of being able to serve and nurture their families well, they become able to balance their working lives and their home responsibilities. Another example is the quality of food being served in ramen places along the streets. People come and go to eat, most of them in a hurry, which means they do not have time to spare just sitting around, waiting for the freshly cooked ramen to be served. Though most customers are in a hurry to eat and leave, the quality of the ramen being served does not suffer. The excuse that “food has to be served really quickly so there is no need to make it presentable because it will take time,” is not acceptable to those who are preparing the ramen. Because of their nature to provide the best service to their customers, they are able to adapt so that they get to serve the ramen much more quickly, but with the same excellent quality. Most of them are able to think ahead of what a customer might need, so they prepare and create everything in such a way that will be easy for anyone. 

9.  Martial Arts

Japanese martial arts such as karatedo, naginatajutsu, judo, and kendo are among the popular martial arts that originated from Japan which are being practiced by many today. Of course, martial arts from other countries are also practiced and followed by many, but for several who love Japan, the country’s martial arts are among the reasons they admire it even more. Until the present time, most dojos for various practices display the exact solemnity and seriousness of the dojos of long ago. Though some dojos are made up mostly of children or young students, an observer can still clearly see the commitment and determination being developed in each of the students through the training. Students are being groomed not merely to be able to do the practice, but to be highly skilled and to deeply understand the martial art they are being trained for. 

10. Akihabara

With all its gadgets, games, collectibles, manga, and anime, need I say more?

Again, this list runs in no particular order and only names 10 of the many reasons why people love Japan. Tell us what you love about Japan (^^,)

Yamato: Drummers of Japan

Onsen

An onsen refers to the hot springs all around Japan. Traditionally, onsen were used for public bathing. Now, there are several indoor and outdoor baths in hotels and inns, and one can choose from several varieties of hot spring baths. A visit to a hot spring is always highly recommended to those who are visiting Japan. 

Apart from the comfort and relaxation that it brings, onsen are also believed to have healing powers because of the minerals that the water contains. One onsen may offer different mineral content from another onsen, so you can gain different benefits from various onsen. 

Regardless of which onsen you go to, however, there are basic rules on what to do and how to behave in an onsen. 

Before dipping yourself in the hot water, you are required to bathe or wash yourself in a bathing area. The bathing area is usually provided with faucets with attached shower heads, stools, and buckets for pouring water over yourself. Soap and shampoo are also usually provided so that you can fully cleanse yourself. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse yourself after washing.

When you are ready to get into the onsen, you can only bring a small towel with you. You leave all your clothing in a basket in the dressing room. Then, slip into the water; do not jump into it, splashing water onto everyone around you. Leave your towel by the side of the bath, or you can place it on top of your head. In most onsen, dipping the towel into the water is not allowed.

Because you share the onsen with other people, it is only proper not to visit the onsen when you have any sort of open cuts or wounds, or have any sort of ailment.

Also, when slipping into the water, do it slowly so that your body gets used to the temperature of the water. Once in the water, try not to move around so much, because if you stay put, your body will be able to adapt more quickly to the heat. Also, you don’t want to end up splashing water on people’s faces or disturbing others because of your frequent and quick movements. Then, when getting out of the water, do so slowly to let your body adjust to the change in temperature. But until then, just relax and enjoy the experience of being in an onsen.

As you visit  more onsen more frequently, you will learn more about how to behave and where to place things. There are some onsen which prohibit certain things that others may allow. It is important to read the rules and regulations of the onsen that you go to, so that you know what to do and how to behave.

When you’ve tried visiting an onsen once, you will definitely do it again because it is a truly relaxing and pleasurable experience. No wonder so many people get almost addicted to it! 

Japanese Mayo

Japanese mayonnaise is a very popular condiment used in kani salad, takoyaki, karaage, and as dips for various fried dishes, among other kinds of Japanese food. Apart from using Japanese mayo with Japanese food, many people nowadays use Japanese mayo too for their sandwiches, different types of salad, fried fish and meat, among other dishes. 

What makes Japanese mayo so popular? Yes, it is a little bit more expensive than an ordinary mayonnaise and it has more fat content - yet a lot of people have made it part of their groceries and a regular ingredient or condiment for various dishes. Most Japanese mayonnaise are made with  rice vinegar instead of the distilled vinegar which is ordinarily used for other kinds of mayo, that is why Japanese mayo has a finer or “thinner” texture. The use of rice vinegar in Japanese mayo also gives it a different taste which remarkably adds very good flavor to the food it is added to. When you have tried both Japanese mayo and the ordinary type of mayo, you will get accustomed to the flavor of Japanese mayo that you will want to stick to it. There are dishes which will make you seek out the refined, creamy, and delicious taste of Japanese mayo. It is really, really good.

If you haven’t tried Japanese mayo yet, try it! It is really yummy. The most popular brand of Japanese mayo is Kewpie, which is sold in big plastic squeezable bottles. You will recognize it by the baby doll design it has on the front of the bottle. Look for this particular Japanese mayo and use it for salads and dips and various dishes. You will discover the wonderful flavor it will bring out from your food.  

Kusajishi Yachiru-san

In the anime/manga Bleach, Yachiru is the lieutenant of the 11th squad, under its captain Zaraki Kenpachi. She is very small and likes to stay on Kenpachi’s left shoulder. 

Yachiru is very child-like and loves to play around. She enjoys eating sweets and giving nicknames to those around her. She sometimes calls Ikkaku “pachinko ball”, Aramaki “Maki-maki”. Ichigo “Icchy”, and Inoue “Jiggly”. She calls her captain “Ken-chan”. 

A Japanese Postcard

I would like to share a postcard which caught my attention. I think it’s really beautiful.

This is from Leonard Lauder’s collection of Japanese postcards. 

Leonard Lauder is currently the board chairman of the Estee Lauder companies and is an art collector.

100 Yen Shops

100 Yen shops are very common and very popular in Japan… (Please click to continue reading this post.)

Noodles, Anyone?

Noodle dishes are very popular in Japanese cuisine. There are different kinds of these:

SOBA

Soba is made of buckwheat flour and is like a slightly thinner version spahetti noodles. Soba is good whether it is served hot or cold. Different types of toppings can be mixed with hot or cold soba.

UDON

Udon is made of wheat flour and is much thicker than soba. This can also be served either hot or cold and with a variety of toppings to choose from. 

RAMEN

Ramen is originally noodles from China but has become quite popular in Japan. Ramen is noodles served with soup. Various toppings can be mixed with ramen. 

SOMEN

Somen is made of wheat flour like Udon but the noodles are thinner than Soba. This is more often served cold and is quite a popular dish during the summer. 

YAKISOBA

Yakisoba is deep fried noodles served with various toppings too, but more commonly with vegetables and chicken or beef. 

Onigiri

Onigiri is a common rice snack in Japan and usually comes in triangle or oval shapes. The triangle or oval shapes are molded and pressed together by hand, until it is intact. Onigiri normally has a filling inside and wrapped on the outside by nori (seaweed).

Originally, the filling was made to preserve the rice to keep it from spoiling, especially when this popular snack is packed and brought for picnics and watching sports or viewing nature. Onigiri is made with very hot freshly cooked rice, but even after it has been packed and has cooled, it still makes a very delicious and filling snack.

More common fillings for onigiri are fish like tuna or salmon, seaweed, and pickled fruits or vegetables. Onigiri is good when seasoned with furikake, or a Japanese condiment which has seaweed bits, salty fish flavoring, and other seasonings. Miso is also used to add flavor to the onigiri.

Wasabi

The wasabi root with its very strong flavor is normally used as a spice served with sushi and sashimi. Usually called the Japanese horseradish, the wasabi plant may be found growing along the streams in mountain river valleys in Japan.

The real wasabi served with sushi and sashimi is the wasabi root which is grated very finely and mixed with some water until pasty. The wasabi sold in tubes which are ready for use are usually made up of horseradish, mustard, and some food coloring. It contains very little or no wasabi at all. This is because the wasabi plant or root is rare. It is rare because it is quite difficult to grow and can be costly too. 

Wasabi adds color and flavor to the Japanese dish. Its spicy flavor enhances the taste of the sashimi. Mixed with soy sauce, wasabi livens up the sushi. 

Apart from being a very strong spice, wasabi has also been used as flavoring for snacks and desserts like wasabi ice cream and wasabi chips. 

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a must-try street food which originated in Osaka. Tako means octopus. Takoyaki is a Japanese dumpling made with diced octopus. It looks very much like squid balls, except that takoyaki is not deep-fried in oil, and it is served differently. Takoyaki is cooked on a hot plate called a takoyaki pan, which has round molds on which to pour the takoyaki mixture. 

The takoyaki mixture is basically made up of batter, eggs, chopped green onions, pickled red ginger, and of course the diced octopus. This mixture is cooked in the round molds of the hot plate, and turned over with a pick every now and then to make sure the octopus balls are intact and equally cooked. When the takoyaki is golden brown, it is served on plates and topped with fish shavings, aonori or dried green seaweed, Japanese mayonnaise, and takoyaki sauce. The takoyaki sauce is more commonly known as okonomiyaki sauce, which is also used for other Japanese batter cakes.

(wikimedia.org) 

The Japanese Tea Ceremony

In a Japanese tea ceremony, powdered green tea, or matcha, is ceremoniously prepared by a skilled tea practitioner and served to guests, usually small in number, in a quiet, peaceful setting. 

The tea practitioner who prepares the tea has to be someone who has an in-depth knowledge in the different types of tea and its production. Usually, just the study of the tea ceremony takes several years and often lasts a lifetime. To add to the tea practices, the skilled practitioner also needs to be involved in other types of disciplines and traditional arts, and has to be very knowledgeable about calligraphy, flower arranging, ceramic-making, using various types of incense, and wearing different kinds of kimono. 

The guests, on the other hand, are also required to know how to conduct themselves in a formal tea ceremony. To participate, a guest has to be able to respond and act properly, even on the way they take the tea and the sweets served with the tea.

Presently, many Japanese take tea ceremony lessons with a teacher. It has relatively become a popular kind of hobby. Then they hold tea ceremonies in traditional Japanese rooms or privately in houses, where they can practice the rituals they have to learn by heart. 

Super Kawaii

Japanese stickers, pens, stationery, and trinkets are among the BEST. We will now go into less traditional or "serious" stuff and have some fun with all these SUPER KAWAII Japanese thingamajigies!

Check out this site:http://www.konky2000.com/

Full of the cutest stuff. But I'm pasting here some of my favorites

Japanese Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day in Japan, the women are the ones who give chocolates to men ^.^

Women give out giri-choko to men for whom they do not have special feelings or romantic interest. Giri means obligation. Giri-choko is normally given to co-workers, bosses, or male friends, also as a sign of friendship or gratitude, especially if they have done the women a favor. 

Women also give chocolates to men they love or have special feelings for. They may give these chocolates to them together with a special gift. More common gifts given are neckties or something the men could wear.

Japanese Superstitions

Various cultures have different sets of notions and superstitions which usually influence their everyday practices and way of life. In the Japanese culture, a lot of these have been somehow imbued into certain traditions and are sometimes considered a sort of unspoken rule already. From ordinary habits to long-time rituals, the belief or acknowledgement of these superstitions is quite apparent.

Some of these have roots from old Chinese traditions, and some have something in common with those of other cultures. Below are some of the more commonly known superstitions observed to this day:

On numbers:

The number four (4) is considered unlucky because it has the same pronunciation as with the word death, or shi. In some hotels the room numbered 4 is skipped. This is pretty much similar to how other cultures would consider the number thirteen (13) as unlucky, and the 13th floor is not counted in buildings and most establishments.

On food and dining:

Sticking one’s chopsticks into the food, especially rice, is very much discouraged since this is practiced during funerals, in which the bowl of rice with the chopsticks is placed in the altar. Doing this may invite ill luck, or even a death in the family.

Sharing or giving food from one chopstick to another is also considered unlucky, because this is also done during funerals, except that the bones of the cremated person are used instead of the chopsticks.

On sleeping and resting:

It is not advised to sleep facing North because the bodies of the deceased are laid down this way. Sleeping facing North also invites ill luck or death.

Lying down after eating is believed to turn a person into a cow. This, however, is supposed to mean that lying down after eating will make a person lazy.

On Grooming and Clothing:

Cutting one’s finger nails at night is avoided – otherwise, he or she will not be with his or her parents when they die.

Wearing a new pair of shoes for the first time should be done in the morning. If the new shoes are worn for the first time in the afternoon or in the evening, bad luck is sure to come.

Another cause of bad luck is using a needle and thread before leaving the house.

On other habits:

Whistling at night will invite snakes – and this is very unfortunate.

When one is nervous, it is advised to write the words “human beings” in Japanese three times on the palm, and pretend to swallow them. This is supposed to help one relax.

On the home:

Building a new house without seeking permission from the earth spirit will later cause the house to be destroyed. This is somehow similar with how other cultures treat certain lands as sacred, asking for permission if they should decide to build anything on it or even step over its boundaries.

Matsuri

There are several kinds of festivals in Japan. Some are celebrated on fixed dates, and some are celebrated for several days. Japanese festivals are usually marked by very colorful displays of palaquins and floats, and the streets are expected to be lined with numerous food stalls.

These celebrations are usually held in honor of a kami, or a Shinto god. Shinto, or “the way of the gods” is Japan’s primary religion aside from Buddhism. Its festivals are celebrated, mostly, to show the kami this world. The kami are carried around in decorated palaquins by specially dressed people. Apart from processions like this, there are dramatic performances and a lot of feasting. Shinto festivals are also referred to as matsuri. Each matsuri is held for a particular shrine, and given the countless shrines in Japan, several celebrations are held throughout the year.

Among these numerous occasions to celebrate are the following well-known festivals:

SHOGATSU

Shogatsu, or New Year’s Day, is considered as the most important holiday in Japan. Shogatsu signifies a fresh start, which means leaving the previous year’s worries and problems behind. “Year-Forgetting parties” are commonly celebrated to highlight the occasion.

During shogatsu, it has been a tradition to visit the shrines to pay respects to the gods and to pray for good fortune for the new year.

SEIJIN NO HI

Seijin No Hi is also known as the Coming of Age festival. This is for people who are turning 20 years old for the year, which is their transition into adulthood. At the legal age of 20, Japanese people are allowed to vote, to drink, and to smoke, since they are now in the age of majority. During this festival, people being welcomed into adulthood wear formal dresses or kimonos.

SETSUBUN

The start of spring is signified by the Setsubun festival. At this time, people perform rituals which invite happiness and prosperity into their homes and temples, and drive out evil from them. Normally, roasted beans are thrown around the houses and shrines while driving out the devil and calling in happiness, after which, the number of beans which correspond to one’s age is picked up and eaten.

HINA MATSURI

Hina Matsuri is also known as the Doll Festival or Girls’ Festival. It has its roots from Chinese practices wherein bad luck is transferred to a doll and the doll is thrown into a river. In Japan, this is especially meaningful for those with daughters in their families. They wish their daughters good luck and long happy lives.

KODOMO NO HI

Komodo No Hi is much like the male counterpart of Hina Matsuri. This is also known as the Boys’ Festival. On this occasion, sons are wished good health, success, and strength. Samurai dolls are displayed for this.

TANABATA

On the 7th day of the 7th month, Tanabata or the “Star Festival” is celebrated in honor of the stars Vega and Altair, who were separated by the Milky Way, but were able to meet each other. A popular practice during this time is for one to write down wishes on a piece of paper and hang it on a bamboo tree, hoping that they will come true.

OBON

Obon commemorates all the deceased ancestors of the family. Once a year, these ancestors are believed to come back to this world to visit the relatives they have left behind.

SHICHIGOSAN

A festival is also held for the children – shichigosan, which means seven-five-three. Girls aged three and seven and boys aged three and five are wished well with good health and growth. These children also visit the Shrine wearing their kimonos, usually their first one.

(originally written for geishablog.com)

HARAJUKU – World of Fashion

Harajuku is the ultimate shopping and fashion district in Tokyo, where Japan’s most outrageous outfits and creative clothing combinations can be seen. Young people shop in its seemingly perpetual line of stores, or just hang out dressed up in their favorite anime costumes or made up like famous rock stars. On Sundays, Harajuku is especially teeming with these fashion-oriented teens, who gather in the area for a costume play, or “cosplay”.

Visiting Harajuku is just like being temporarily transported right in the middle of a fantasy world – where various anime characters, punk rock stars, life-size gothic dolls, and gaming heroes come to life and walk amongst ordinary, everyday folk. What’s more, one can actually purchase any of these new looks in one go. It is also always worth going back to the stores because the styles and new items just keep coming. One will always find different batches of the younger crowd exhibiting the latest fashion and the most popular anime hero or punk rocker. In Harajuku, there is always a reason to shop and get all dressed up.

(originally written for geishablog.com)

WA-GASHI: A Perfect Ending

Wa-gashi is the term for Japanese sweets. There are several kinds of wa-gashi to choose from, but these varieties have some common ingredients:

rice flour
azuki beans or anko (sweet red beans)
sugar
yams
vegetable gelatin

The beans, in paste form, usually make up the fillings for cakes and buns.

The sweetness of most kinds of wa-gashi compliments the bitter taste of green tea and are best served with it.

SOME KINDS OF WA-GASHI

ANMITSU

Anmitsu is a cold dessert made up of jelly cubes, azuki bean paste or anko, boiled beans, and fruit slices, served with a small pot of black syrup which is poured into the dessert before eating.

The jelly is called agar, and it is made from seaweed. The fruit slices may vary, depending on which fruits are available during the season, but slices of melon, pineapple, strawberries, and canned fruits are commonly used. The black syrup is called mitsu.

Anmitsu has some variations:

Mitsumame (Anmitsu without bean paste.)
Cream anmitsu (Anmitsu served with ice cream on top.)
Anmitsu served with nata de coco or shiratama dango (Dango is a sticky Japanese dumpling made from rice flour.)

ANPAN

Anpan is a sweet bun with red bean paste filling. Some types of anpan are:

Ogura (Anpan with red bean jam)
Sakura (Anpan with pickled cherry blossoms on tops)
Kuri (Anpan with chestnut jam, which was boiled with sugar and has been flavored with butter and liquor)
Shiroan (Anpan with a combination of white bean jam filling and white sesame)
Keshi (Anpan sprinkled with poppy seeds)
Uguisu (Anpan with a combination of green pea jam and sakadane dough)
Cheese Cream (Anpan with a combination of custard cream and cream cheese)

CASTELLA

Castella originated from Portugal and is known to the Japanese as Kasutera. It is a sponge cake
made of sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup, and can be molded into various shapes. It is quite popular as a street food in Japan, especially during festivals.

A variation of castella involves using powdered green tea instead of flour, brown sugar instead of white sugar, and honey instead of starch syrup.

Kasutera made into pancake-like patties and filled with sweet red bean paste is called Dorayaki, another Japanese sweet.

FRIED ICE CREAM

Fried ice cream is commonly found in Mexican food chains in the United States. A scoop of deep-frozen ice cream is dipped in egg batter, rolled in corn flakes or cookie crumbs, then briefly deep-fried. It is then served with cinnamon or sugar sprinkles.

In Japan, this dessert has become popular, except that the recipe is closer to home. Instead of dipping the ice cream in egg and cereal or crumbs, it is dipped in tempura batter – the batter being made up of cold water, flour, and egg yolks.

GREEN TEA ICE CREAM

Green tea iced cream is also called matcha (or maccha) ice cream in Japanese. Matcha refers to a specific type of green tea used in Japanese tea ceremony. This green-colored ice cream is very popular in Japan. Sometimes it is served sandwiched between two crisp wafers.

HIGASHI

Higashi is a mixture of glutinous rice flour and wasambonto. Wasambonto is one of the oldest domestic hand-refined sugar. The mixture is pressed into molds of various shapes to form dry sweets. Sometimes, sugar and starch are combined and used instead of wasambonto.

KAKIGORI

Kakigori is shaved ice poured with flavored syrup. There are several flavors with different colors to choose from. Strawberry, green tea, and melon are among the popular ones. Kakigori poured with two or more flavors of different colors is called rainbow. Condensed milk may be used to sweeten kakigori.

MANJU

Manju is a steamed bun filled with bean paste. The bun is made up of joyo (yam) dough.

MELONPAN

Melonpan is a soft, round, sweet bread. It is also called melon buns, and it resembles a melon, although the flavor is usually not melon. Sometimes though, melon essence is used to enhance the bread’s aroma.

MONAKA

Monaka is made up of two pieces of thin wafers with azuki bean filling in between. The wafers are made from sticky rice, and may be shaped like cherry blossoms or chrysanthemums.

TAIYAKI

Taiyaki is cake filled with azuki bean paste, custard, or any other filling, fried, and molded into the shape of a fish.

YOKAN
Yokan is a sweet jelly made up of azuki bean paste, sugar, and kanten. Kanten is gelatin made from sun-dried seaweed. it is high in fiber.

Most of these kinds of wa-gashi have much lower calories compared to yo-gashi (Western-style sweets) since they rarely use milk and butter. They have lower fat content and their common ingredients – the beans, gelatin, and yams – are rich in fiber and vegetable protein, so they are generally much healthier than a typical yo-gashi. Served with green tea, wa-gashi is a perfect ending to a nice meal.

(originally written for geishablog.com)