Wagashi: The Art of Japanese Confectionery

This book captures the compelling world of Japanese confectionery through a combination of considered photography, lively illustrations and poetic explanations. With a recorded history of over 500 years, Japanese confectionery has been appreciated and enjoyed for many generations. The confectionery featured in this book has been meticulously crafted by three renowned and long-standing Japanese confectionery stores; Michiki Kawabata, Kameya Iori, and Toraya.

The book follows the months of the year, relating the concept that gave rise to each sweet as its own narrative, in particular focusing on the seasonal connections of the confectionary.

Takaoka Kazuya was born in Kyōto Prefecture in 1945. He was active as an art director working on advertisements, publications, and graphics. His published work Sennen for Mainichi Shinbunsha, won the Kodansha Publication Culture Award and has received accolades such as the Gold Medal at the Japan Graphic Design Exhibition, the Prime Minister’s Award at the All Japan Calendar Exhibition, and the Art Directors Club Award.

Takahashi Mutsuo is a poet, writer and visiting professor at Osaka University of Arts. His work has received several important literary prizes such as the Yomiuri Literary Prize, the Takami Jun Prize, and the Shika Bungakukan Prize. In 2000, his contribution to modern Japanese literature was acknowledged when he was awarded the Kunshō Award.