Wagashi Net

Wagashi, Japanese confectioneries developed under the influence of the Japanese culture and traditions, in addition to the influence from China and the West.

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, called Nanbangashi. 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 Wagashi have been influenced by foreign cultures throughout the centuries, they have always been refined by the Japanese sense of art. Wagashi will continue to be an integral part of the Japanese culture that grows as new skills come along.

Source:Minamoto Kitchoan