Recently, I had the opportunity to host a wagashi workshop at an elementary school located on a U.S. military base in Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was my first time entering a military base, and I was surprised by how strict the security procedures were for vehicles entering the base. Of course, this may be completely normal, but it was still an eye-opening experience.
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Each resident on the base is allowed to sponsor only one vehicle for entry. To pass through the gate, we needed to present several documents, including the vehicle registration and compulsory automobile liability insurance certificate. In addition, we were required to show our passports and driver’s licenses and complete several forms.
The entire process took more than 30 minutes before we were finally allowed to enter the base.

Interestingly, the experience felt somewhat nostalgic to me. I attended elementary school in the United States for six years, so being on the base and seeing the school environment brought back many memories.

The workshop was held in the school cafeteria. Together with two of our instructors, we conducted four sessions for elementary school students and their parents. After giving a short presentation about the history and characteristics of nerikiri wagashi, participants had the chance to create two seasonal nerikiri sweets to take home with them.
It was a very special and meaningful experience. I was truly happy to have the opportunity to share Japanese culture through wagashi with the children and families living on the base.

Recently, We had the opportunity to host a wagashi workshop as part of the entertainment program at an international conference held at a hotel in Tokyo.
During the conference break, participants were invited to stop by our table freely to try making Ichigo Daifuku (strawberry daifuku) and enjoy tasting their creations. Because the break time was limited, the workshop format was a little different from our usual classes.

Normally, our workshops begin with a short presentation about wagashi culture and history. For this event, we prepared a video version of the presentation, which was continuously played at the venue so participants could watch it while waiting or after finishing their sweets.
To make the experience smooth within the limited time, the mochi dough was prepared in advance. Participants simply wrapped the sweet bean paste and strawberry with the mochi to complete their own daifuku.

This was the largest wagashi workshop we have ever attempted, and honestly, we were not sure how it would go at first. In preparation, our team of seven staff members worked together to shape 300 pieces of mochi and bean paste fillingsahead of time, which was quite a task!
However, on the day of the event, the operation went very smoothly. Many participants were making wagashi for the first time, and it was wonderful to see their excitement and curiosity as they created their own strawberry daifuku.

I believe it provided a refreshing and enjoyable moment during an otherwise very serious conference. Seeing people smile while experiencing Japanese sweets was incredibly rewarding.
I would be very happy if opportunities like this allow us to continue sharing the beauty and joy of wagashi with people from around the world.

Workshop & Event Inquiries
If you are interested in organizing a wagashi workshop or cultural experience for conferences, corporate events, or international gatherings, please feel free to contact us.
We would love to help bring a taste of Japanese culture to your event.

The day after returning from Kyoto, I had the honor of giving a lecture at the request of the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs–supported SAARC online program, “JENESYS.”

SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is a regional organization established in 1985 to promote economic, social, and cultural development and to strengthen solidarity among South Asian countries. Its eight member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

JENESYS is a people-to-people exchange program between Japan and countries across Asia and Oceania. It aims to foster future leaders with strong communication skills, deepen interest and understanding of Japan, strengthen international outreach, and expand Japan’s diplomatic foundation through cultural exchange.
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During the session, I gave a wagashi demonstration and a lecture on the relationship between wagashi, Japanese history, and traditional cultural events.

I demonstrated how to make spring-themed nerikiri.
Unlike my usual online lessons, the participants were only watching through the screen and not making the sweets together with me. I was initially unsure how engaged they would feel. However, the participants showed great interest—so much so that we extended the Q&A session. The feedback afterward was also very positive.
I believe it was a meaningful opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of wagashi and to learn about the beauty of Japanese culture.

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