Wagashi-Making Experience(Tuesday, May 26)

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, a Japanese Wagashi (traditional sweets) making workshop was held to help international students deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. We invited Ms. Mari Uchiyama, the director of "nico nico time Wagashi Class" in Mito City, as the guest instructor. Students had the opportunity to learn about the history and cultural background of traditional Japanese confectionery while trying their hand at making the sweets.

The participants challenged themselves to create Nerikiri (sculpted bean-paste confections) themed around "Ajisai" (hydrangea) and "Yohira" (four-petaled hydrangea), flowers that beautifully signal the transition from spring to early summer. Although the students initially struggled with the delicate shading and intricate shaping unique to Japanese craftsmanship, they became deeply engrossed in the process. It was truly memorable to see their faces light up with a shared sense of accomplishment as they looked at the beautiful Wagashi they had crafted with their own hands.

As part of the post-workshop reflection, the students created posters to summarize their experiences. Feedback from the participants included comments such as:

"It was my first time and a bit difficult, but the instructor explained everything so clearly, which made it an excellent experience." Another student remarked, "In my home country of Indonesia, we don't really have sweets with a similar sweetness or texture to Wagashi. Therefore, just eating Wagashi itself was a brand-new and refreshing experience for me." Furthermore, one participant shared: "The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the value of learning through hands-on activities. While explanations and demonstrations are helpful, actually making the wagashi allowed me to understand the challenges and techniques in a much deeper way. It was a memorable experience that I believe I will remember long after the class has ended."

 

You can view the posters summarizing the students’ learning outcomes at the link below.