Wagashi is not just a type of traditional Japanese confection; it is also an exquisite work of art that builds on skillful craftsmanship. Mainly made of Japanese ingredients, such as rice and beans, wagashi is crafted and coloured in different artistic styles according to seasons and occasions. Wagashi is the perfect combination of arts and confectionery.

Junichi Mitsubori, the wagashi master, impresses the world by reshaping the making of wagashi into an extraordinary visual experience. He invented the idea of kadō, “the way of wagashi”, which emphasizes that the making of wagashi contains implications and meanings in every steps and details, just as chadō (“the way of tea ceremony”) does. PMQ Taste Library is privileged to have invited Mr. Mitsubori to share his perspective of kadō in Hong Kong. For the first 30 minutes, he will put on a kadō performance and make one of his signature creations, Benirankiku (“Disturbance Chrysanthemum”). Audience will be able to see how Mitsubori gives birth to this artistic piece on stage.

Apart from the performance, Mitsubori will talk about how he founded the idea of kadō and his own school of kadō (the Kado Ichika-ryu). This event is the golden opportunity for those who are interested in the beauty of wagashi arts to witness the charm of the master’s wondrous techniques and heart-capturing creations.

– About Junichi Mitsubori –

Born in 1974, Junichi Mitsubori is the third-generation wagashi artisan who turns wagashi presentation into a new art form. In 1995, he graduated from Seika Sweets College in Tokyo, majoring in wagashi art. He was the champion of the Confectionery Craftsman Championship in 2010 and the president of Japanese Sweets Association Board. Aiming to promote wagashi arts to the modern audience, he began a social media campaign called “Wagashi of the Day” by uploading photographs of his creations to his Instagram account (@junichi_mitsubori), which the number of his followers has now reached over 280,000. Every piece of wagashi he made is to be appreciated as a work of art that is not for sale. He currently teaches the making of Japanese confectionery overseas and devotes himeself to presenting the wagashi artistry to audience internationally.

Date: 3rd July 2018 (Tuesday)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00pm
Language: This event will be conducted in Japanese with Cantonese interpretation
Fee: Free of charge; RSVP only
Capacity: 40 persons
Venue: HUB (S710-711, 7/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central)
Enquiry: tastelibrary@pmq.org.hk / 34813998

➾RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/TrpB8YBsmzaK97lt1
* Members of PMQ Taste Library will have higher priority for the intake

– Related Workshop –
☆ Wagashi Master Class: https://goo.gl/forms/8S6Bx2Z7j3JeZKXP2

*The Workshop will be cancelled if Typhoon Signal No.8 or above is hoisted or Black Rainstorm Warning is issued 3 hours before the workshop begins.

*** Please be advised that photographs and video footage will be taken at the event for use the images in print, digital or web-based formats for promotional and archival purposes. By entering this event, you consent to PMQ Taste Library photographing and using your image and likeness. If you do not wish to have us using your image, please notify our staff.