Sakura Higashi

Sakura dried fruit Sakura Higashi

Cherry blossoms have been loved by Japanese people since ancient times. In Japan, which has four distinct seasons, cherry blossoms symbolize spring. Whenever the cherry blossoms bloom, it is also the graduation season, which contains many beautiful memories that belong to everyone.

The "Renluo Gan" of the Ming Dynasty in China was passed down from generation to generation through the Ni-Ming trade in the Muromachi period, and became widely spread due to the vigorous development of the tea ceremony. It was first made in Kyoto in the mid-17th century and was often used as a gift in the late Edo period. Red and white are the colors of joy and blessing, while the red wild goose is also used as a symbol to ward off evil spirits. In addition to being widely used in tea parties and giving gifts in Japan, geese are also used as sacrificial offerings in festivals such as Hinamatsuri, Higan and Obon.

Specially selected long-established sugar and Japanese plum powder* are put into a Japanese cherry wood mold and pressed into shape. Bite-sized, without filling, the size of a single piece is about 3x3cm, usually one will be served with a bowl of matcha (similar to the concept of a cup of coffee with a sugar cube). The mouth-filling taste is like clouds and mist, just like the name of the fruit "Luoyan", which makes people feel intoxicated and romantic. The joy of cherry blossoms blooming is shared with you.

*Kanbaiko かんばいこ: also known as "mijin powder", glutinous rice is steamed to make mochi, stretched and roasted into white flakes, and then grounded into powder. Commonly used for higashi (dry confectionery with a moisture content of 10% or less).

Mizuhiki Mizuhiki

Originating from China, it is one of Japan's traditional crafts. It is often used in various packaging. You can also see various shapes in weddings and funerals. The staff of the Tanghe family hand-woven a butterfly-like "Awaji Knot" with gold and silver cords, symbolizing "wishes that will not be torn apart," adding a touch of sincerity and blessing when giving gifts. The best thing is that it can also be reused, which is very environmentally friendly!

Paulownia box きりばこ Kiribako

The advantages of paulownia wood boxes are light weight, moisture absorption, moisture isolation and humidity control, good air permeability, strong structural stability, and not easy to deform. They are especially suitable for storing all kinds of dry ingredients. They can store items that are prone to rust or need to be moisture-proof. Most insects don't like to get close either. The lid of the custom-made paulownia wood box with Toukaya's brand is very tight. Please be sure to keep it for continued use after you have finished eating the rakugan.