Traditional Japanese confections (wagashi) have subtle flavors, and are often associated with the current season. As the shelves in many shops demonstrate, sweets in Japan come in a multitude of tastes and shapes. They play an important role in the culture of giving, and their packaging can be surprisingly beautiful—so many types, so good to eat, so nice to look at and intriguing as well. This issue welcomes you to a land of wonderful snacks and sweets.

Cherry blossom petals in layers, fresh green maple leaves, insects in a grove chirping at the harvest moon, snow resting on a holly leaf—wagashi sweets are designed to celebrate the season. (All made by Akasaka Shiono, Photos by Takeuchi Akio)