Traditional Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, have been cherished in Japan since olden days.
Because Japan has such clearly defined seasons, people can feel the arrival of each season through wagashi as well. From designs inspired by seasonal flowers and animals to those that capture fleeting moments of everyday life, an incredible variety of wagashi is enjoyed throughout the country.
This time, the piece being created is the sazanka (camellia), a flower renowned for its beauty as it blooms from late autumn into the chill of winter.
This flower is also widely known in Japan for its appearance in the classic children’s song, “Takibi” (Bonfire):
“Camellia, camellia, a path where they bloom,
A bonfire, a bonfire, burning fallen leaves.”
Cherished alongside the warmth of a bonfire in the song, this flower deeply reflects the subtle transition from late autumn into the heart of winter.
Why not step in and experience the profound beauty of Japan’s four seasons for yourself?
Guest
Mr. Takeshi Inoue
Recognized as Excellent Master of Wagashi by the National Wagashi Association, Tokyo Meister by the Governor of Tokyo, and Master Craftsman by Shinjuku City. Part-time lecturer at Shinjuku Culinary Institute. Engaged in activities to increase the international recognition of Japanese confectionery, such as lectures in the U.K. for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s Japan Brand Program. Lectured on tea ceremony and Japanese confectionery and held classes on Japanese confectionery for students from Ochanomizu University Senior High School and Harvard University. He is also a recipient of the Imperial Household Agency’s official warrant. Received the title Sogo from the head of Urasenke Zabosai tea school, and cooperated in the registration of wagashi as a national intangible cultural asset in 2023.
Date & Time
Thursday, December. 3rd, 2026, 5:30-7:00pm (Check in from 5:15 pm)
Place
Waseda Campus
*Details sent to confirmed participants
Eligibility
Waseda Students
Language
MC: English & Japanese
Presentation: Japanese
Q&A: Japanese and English
Social Time: Unrestricted
Fee
Free
Capacity
about 55 people
*by lottery, results announced on the deadline day*
Check your email on this day and follow the instructions!
Application
Via this form
*Requires MyWaseda login
Deadline
Thursday, November 26th, 9:00am
Cooperation
Before Applying
Please read and confirm your understanding of ICC’s policies on Cancellation, Food Allergens, Photography, and Reasonable Accommodations (here).
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