A friend of mine who lives in Kyoto makes this confectionary. His company is near Fushimi Inari Shrine. This confectionary is sold through an internet shop. I haven’t asked him about his business but it seems to be doing really well. Because he always looks busy, smiling and positive. In fact this one called “ Hanakazura “ got a prize at a competition. Being cut into two, I can see round healthy Azuki beans. It doesn’t taste too sweet and we can see the ingredients they use are really good. Whenever I look at the beans, it reminds me of his smile.

Here’s another kind called “ Hanagasumi no Utage “. Soon we’ll have cherry blossoms and this one must be perfect for tea ceremonies in that season. Again I cut it into two, I saw a cut pink petal and subtle smell of cherry blossoms. Some kinds of confectionary must be eaten on the day they are produced or within a few days. On the other hand, yokan and some dry confections can last much longer. And this one can be eaten at its best for up to a month and half.

You can buy this confectionary at http://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/miyako-kyoto/