As you may know, washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013.
One of the notable values which was recognized is this; emphasis
of the beauty of nature in the presentation. Wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) has the same value
too.
The sweets called “minazuki” is a must around the end of June, especially for people in Kyoto.
It's a triangle-shaped sweet rice jelly topped
with sweet red beans. It is said that red beans drive away evil spirits and the
triangle shape represents ice-cubes in order to temper the heat. First, enjoy
the cool from the eye, and then satisfy your mouth with a cup of tea. This is the one of the ways
people have endured sweltering heat from old times. I like that:-)
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| Minazuki |
