We ship worldwide! Please feel free to contact us!

Tag: Japanese Food

A Monthly Tradition: July’s Tsuitachi Mochi from Akafuku

Posted on By

Hello, this is Eri.

On the first day of each month, the well-known Japanese confectionery Akafuku releases a special sweet called Tsuitachi Mochi — meaning “first-day mochi.”

It’s a beloved tradition, and each month brings a different seasonal treat.

For many years, the July mochi was a refreshing “Take-nagashi” (bamboo-wrapped jelly).

But this year, for the first time in 45 years, the sweet has changed!

July’s Tsuitachi Mochi is now Sasa Warabi Mochi — soft, delicate warabi mochi wrapped in fresh bamboo leaves.

Made with premium Japanese bracken starch (warabiko), this sweet has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a gentle sweetness that’s perfect for the summer heat.

The aroma of the bamboo leaves adds a subtle natural touch, making the experience even more special.

It’s a quiet celebration of seasonality — something deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Whether you’re visiting Japan or simply love Japanese sweets, Tsuitachi Mochi is a beautiful way to experience tradition through flavor, one month at a time.

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

A Taste of Japan: DIY Monaka Sweets from La Collina by Taneya

Posted on By

Hello, this is Eri!

The other day, I visited La Collina, a beautiful facility run by Taneya in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture.

Surrounded by nature, with stunning architecture and whimsical design, the place feels like stepping into a fairytale world.

One thing that immediately caught my eye was this unique, oil-can-shaped package.

Inside was one of Taneya’s signature sweets, Fukumi Tenbin—a traditional Japanese monaka (wafer sweet).

This special can version is only available at La Collina!

You can find it in the gift shop, which is set inside a charming garage filled with antique vehicles. It’s such a fun and nostalgic space.

Fukumi Tenbin is a type of monaka where you sandwich sweet red bean paste between two crispy wafers—by yourself!

That’s right—this is a DIY-style Japanese sweet, and the process is part of the fun.

It’s super easy to assemble:

  1. Open the red bean paste packet
  2. Sandwich it between the two wafers

That satisfying crunch when you bite in, paired with the rich flavor of the filling, makes it a truly delightful treat.

This time, I served it on a colorful Kutani-yaki plate, a type of traditional Japanese porcelain.

The combination of handcrafted sweets and a beautifully crafted dish made the moment feel extra special—like a quiet celebration of Japanese artistry.

If you’re ever in the Kansai region, I highly recommend visiting La Collina Omihachiman.

It’s more than just a sweets shop—it’s a place where you can experience the world of Japanese confections.

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。



Savor the Season: Chilled Potato Soup in Artisan-Made Mino Ware

Posted on By

Though June is typically known as the rainy season in Japan, here in Toki City, Gifu, the summer heat has already arrived. With the sun blazing outside, we often find ourselves craving something cool and refreshing — especially during lunch.

One of my favorite seasonal dishes is a chilled Potato soup. Naturally sweet and smooth, it gently comforts the body and refreshes the spirit — a perfect remedy for hot and humid days.

To enhance the experience, I served it in carefully crafted Mino ware bowls.

The white bowl features a soft, matte texture that feels natural and calming in the hand.

The black bowl, with its quiet elegance, beautifully offsets the pale color of the soup, adding visual harmony to the table.

In Japanese culture, we often say that presentation is part of the flavor.

Thoughtfully chosen tableware doesn’t just hold the food — it tells a story, reflects the season, and shows care for the person who enjoys it.

Why not embrace the summer heat the Japanese way — with a simple, comforting soup, presented in cool, artisan-crafted Mino ware that brings together tradition, design, and functionality?

Let your customers experience the quiet luxury of Japanese hospitality — one bowl at a time.

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。