Tuesday, Sep 04, 2012
Abu Dhabi: An Emirati woman was enthused to find that even the sweet ingredients used in Japanese confectionery are healthy. “It is surprising that sweet ingredients are made out of beans; it is purely natural and healthy,” said Shaikha Al Zaabi who attended a Japanese confectionery demonstration.
Futoshi Yoshida, a senior researcher, demonstrated the preparation of Wagashi, the traditional Japanese confectionery, at an event at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in the capital.
Yoshida, a senior researcher at Toraya, one of the oldest makers of traditional confectionery in Japan, said he found it easy to explain the way of Wagashi preparation to an enthusiastic audience of Emirati women.
Kenji Hirata, the Charge’d Affairs at the Japanese Embassy, said Japan was able to preserve its tradition and culture along with the technological progress. “We would like to share that experience with the UAE people who witness modernisation in their country.”
The diplomat, the researcher and the participants talked to Gulf News on the side-lines of the event.
Sara Al Suwaidi, a pedagogy specialist at Abu Dhabi Education Council, said while visiting Japan she was attracted to Wagashi because of its artistic and musical elements. She was referring to elaborately designed Wagashi with ‘mei’. ‘Mei’ is an inscription or poem inspired by Japanese classical literature that is used for wagashi and adds valuable cultural element by taking guests into a world of imagination.
Bashayar Al Shehhi, who works with an Abu Dhabi government organisation, said although she found the way of preparing Wagashi interesting she doubted whether one can master it without an artistic skill. “It seems the preparation itself is an art,” she said.
The ‘wa’ of Wagashi means Japan while the ‘gashi’ means confectionery. Wagashi represent the essence of Japanese culture, and continue to be important part in Japanese life.
Wagashi is made from vegetable-based ingredients which are rich in fibre. Various ingredients are used, including an extensive range and variety of rice flours and sugars.
‘Namagashi’, a type of Wagashi reflects the diversity of Japan’s four seasons. Stores display this particular type of Wagashi a full month ahead of the seasonal event.
By Binsal Abdul Kader?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
