Omogake from Toraya
Traditional Japanese confections, wagashi(和菓子), evolve into an art form. The typical one called Nama-gashi (生菓子) which is moulded in the shape of flowers, birds, and fruit, to represent the seasons, and are served mainly at the tea ceremony or special occasion.
Another wagashi called Yōkan which is not fancy as nama-gashi, but it is one of the most popular among Japanese traditional confections. Yōkan is made from a mixture of azuki bean paste, sugar and agar-agar and shaped in a mould. It is very sweet as it contains much sugar. Also it can keeps for a long time.
Toraya(虎や) is very famous wagashi shop which has more than 100 years history of making wagashi. Its Yōkan (羊羹) is very famous. I try their product called 'Omokage' (おもかげ). This name gives a sense of nostalgia. There are many different taste of Yōkan at the shop. Omokage is made with brown sugar. This is good to have it along with a cup of green tea for taking away a bit of the sweetness.
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