Hiyori Wasanbon

Hiyori Wasanbon is not just any confectionery brand; it's a brand dedicated to creating exquisitely beautiful traditional Japanese sweets, or Wagashi, using the special ingredient: Wasanbon sugar, an authentic Japanese sugar.

Wasanbon Sugar: The Artisanal Sugar of Japanese Heritage

Wasanbon sugar is an artisanal, handmade sugar from Japan. Unlike the common sugars we know, Wasanbon sugar is off-white, finely textured, subtly sweet, and melts in the mouth. Its origins trace back to the Edo period (1603 1868 AD). It is produced solely from a special sugarcane variety called Taketō (竹糖), cultivated exclusively on Shikoku Island due to its ideal temperature for sugarcane cultivation. This sugarcane can only be harvested once a year.

In the production of Wasanbon sugar, the Japanese traditionally refine the sugar by hand, a process known as Togi. This traditional wisdom involves physically kneading and polishing the sugar blocks instead of chemical bleaching or using bone char. The sugar is polished until its brown hue gradually fades, turning into a pristine white.

Given its unique properties, Japanese people traditionally use this sugar to make Wagashi, classic Japanese sweets often enjoyed with tea. Currently, Wagashi are widely produced in sugarcane-growing regions, but Hiyori Wasanbon is among the top-rated brands in Japan.

Hiyori Wasanbon: The Aesthetics of Wagashi Blending Culture and Modernity

Hiyori Wasanbon is one of the Japanese brands that pioneered the creation of Wagashi using Wasanbon sugar since the early 20th century. They place immense importance on their production process, from the meticulous selection of sugarcane and the refined production of Wasanbon sugar to the use of hand-carved wooden molds in their crafting.

Throughout the brand's establishment, they have been committed to preserving long-standing techniques while also incorporating a contemporary flair. Each of their sweets is meticulously crafted, molded into diverse and beautiful shapes to reflect the beauty of nature, evoking a sense of harmony and tranquility. These designs range from floral and seasonal motifs to elegant and luxurious patterns.

Beyond their delightful taste, Hiyori Wasanbon's sweets also carry profound cultural significance in Japan. Wagashi are not just confections; they symbolize hospitality, gratitude, and the changing seasons. For this reason, Wagashi from Hiyori Wasanbon are often purchased as gifts for special occasions.

Currently, the Hiyori Wasanbon brand enjoys international popularity, impressing gourmands worldwide with its unique craftsmanship. Additionally, the brand has adapted its products to modern tastes by introducing new flavors such as green tea, coffee, lemon, and other fruit varieties.