"Wagashi Magic Manual" - Author's Preface
's 2006, my Toukaya Sweet Emily Studio had just been established. The words "The fragrance of flowers spreads thousands of miles, but the heart never leaves the roots." were in a painting given to me by an elder. I did not understand the meaning of the words then, for I was not as mature as I am now, both in terms of technical skill and in wisdom. The only thing that has not changed is my "original intention"!
If you never forget, there will be a reverberation. As long as you have kind thoughts in your heart, there will be a response one day. I often feel that my wagashi work is a paper exam for my internal cultivation of self-awareness. Whenever I want to move up to a higher level, the people and things around me will be shaken and sorted out. However, behind the slow but firm progress is a solid foundation of basic skills and faith, supporting me through various situations at work.
Every decision-making plan must be set for the next ten years or even longer. Every relationship must have an insight into one's own and other people's motives and thoughts, and give others room for mistakes, and not let unfounded fears pay for it. It didn't seem smart to choose a road which no one had dared to take, hustling along for more than ten years, building good friendships by conducting wagashi-experience classes and teaching no holds barred. The accumulated popularity and students who have come to me because of my reputation are all lovely young intellectuals who are moved by truth, goodness and beauty. They accompany me on the road of wagashi-making and I no longer feel alone.
Passing on a legacy is no easy feat. Although I now have many disciples and a school of thought has taken shape, I know that no one should make a final judgment before the end of the story. I have always regarded the workplace as a place for mindful practice. Whether you like the people, things, and objects that appear in front of you or not, they have their own cause and effect. In the cycle of constantly learning to let go and pick up, I've learnt to cherish every moment of our time together. Good memories are an eternal state of mind.
Every book published is a milestone. Whether it is written in Japan or Taiwan, there will always be a sudden inspiration. With the arrival of the COVID pandemic between 2020 and 2021, I had the chance to a breather from my busy teaching schedule, and came up with many interesting ideas to put in this book. Of course, I also had to thank the people who gave me advice, such as the curator of Beitou Musuem Mr. Hong Kan, who suggested I make mini Karesansui (Japanese Garden). products, giving me a glimpse into another world. Master of Long Cui Tea Salon and committed ecological conservator of the tea mountains, Mr. Tsai Yizhe and Ms. Yuting led me into the wonderful experience of Song Dynasty-style tea-making. The hard work of studying "Jianzhan" tea cups by my spiritual-work partner Mr. Tsai Chengzhe, has enabled me to see the aesthetics of Song Dynasty craftsmanship. I also want to thank editor-in-chief Fulan for her hard work in bringing this book to life, and master photographer Dongyang for taking photos of Japanese confectionery to a new level. From the making of "Wagashi Bible", their attention to detail has become classic teaching material for my Wagashi Teacher Training Course, hence the birth of the Toukaya Teacher Group.
The pressure index of shooting a recipe book is very high, the schedule is tight and it is easy to make mistakes. I joked that every time I finish a book, I feel relieved like a mother giving birth to a child. Thank you to my heavenly teammate Lanchi, just like the invisible hand that delivers scissors in the operating room, calm and fast, always standing at the front line with logic and precision. I am grateful to all the Toukaya team members who have participated in the production of this book, Yingrou, Meixi, Xianliang, Meique, Toukaya Teacher Group, and the proofreading queen Misty , who has contributed her professional error correction skills. It takes the efforts of many people to accomplish something, and there are too many people to thank. We should always minimise ourselves, do big things, and enjoy the moving emotions of achieving something together.
Teacher Wu Huijing (Emily) has a constant enthusiasm for wagashi, as well as a sincere affection for all things in nature. Over her years of study and refinement of her skills, these qualities have gradually been sublimated and integrated into wagashi creation. Her works are unforgettable and fully reflect her insistence on making artful delicious food. Follow Teacher Emily in making wagashi, integrating craftsman's techniques into each work, letting the sense of sight, touch and taste soar together!
