Wagashi The Art Of Japanese Confectionery

You have to admire the Japanese people and their culture.

Their ability to hold onto long held traditions and their unswerving dedication to perfection are somethings we here in the Western world need to admire and emulate.

I’ve never been to Japan but I’ve watched a number of documentaries and programs about Japan's people and society.

Every aspect of the Japanese culture exudes organization; respect for tradition and a no-excuse attitude that is if something is to be done it should be done right the first time.

For an example, look at Japanese retail.   Every toy, household item and appliance, tools, clothing, food and its preparation are done efficiently, presented in an aesthetic pleasing manner and represent a fragment of the Japanese culture.

There are various reasons I suppose.  Maybe it’s the limited space available, tradition, an overriding sense of organization and practicality or other cultural influences that shape the how, why, when, where and what of the Japanese outlook on life.

In Wagashi The Art Of Japanese Confectionery, published by PIE International, readers are given a first-hand visual tour of the sweets and goodies so lovingly prepared by Japanese confectionery artists.

It’s a remarkable collection of candies, pastries and other delectable treats, with informative text, presented as only the Japanese can.

It features book and cover design by Kazuya Takaoka, selection and text by Mtsuo Takahashi and photographs courtesy of Hiroshi Yoda.

I’ve had the honor of sampling several Japanese confectionery goodies and all of them were absolutely delicious.  They are like nothing we have here in the United States.

We Westerners could learn a lot from Wagashi