We are delighted to share highlights from the Kyoto Wagashi Exhibition, held in early November 2024 at Yuuhisai Koudoukan and the historic Former Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa. This annual event, started in 2013, celebrates the art of *Kyogashi* — traditional Kyoto confectionery that has evolved alongside imperial court and tea ceremony culture. Each confection is a delicate 50-gram sculpture embodying centuries of Japanese tradition and storytelling.
This year’s theme was *The Tale of Genji*, a classic literary masterpiece written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu over a thousand years ago. The selected 47 entries, chosen from nearly 350 submissions, interpreted scenes and characters from this epic story through intricate, hand-crafted sweets. These small works of art invite the viewer to uncover the “narrative” embedded within, completing the experience only when enjoyed with tea.
We are especially proud to announce that our friend Doutreleau Juliette received three prestigious awards (Grand Prize, Miho Prize, and Sony Research Institute Prize) for her creation, *Hikaru no Kokoro* (Heart of Light). Her confection, made with white bean paste, Japanese chestnut, Hōjicha, vanilla, kinako, blackcurrant, and butterfly pea, represents the shifting romantic interests of Hikaru Genji through three distinct colors and flavors. The judges praised her innovative approach, balancing tradition with a fresh perspective.
Visiting the exhibition was a unique experience. The venue, established in 1806, features a beautiful Japanese garden and well-preserved tatami rooms. Each wagashi was showcased under gentle lighting. The works were breathtaking in their intricate detail—vibrant, beautiful creations, some simple yet sophisticated, others with playful cat motifs, and all truly remarkable. Guests could enjoy a selected sweet with matcha in a serene tea room. It was a wonderful moment of connection, where strangers shared admiration for the intricate tea bowls and wagashi designs, creating a harmonious and memorable experience.
We hope you will join us next year to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Kyoto’s confectionery culture.