Wagashi Japanese Sweets Making | 1.5-Hour Single Sunday Session

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confectionery. In this 90-minute session, guided by wagashi artisan Mari Matsuo, participants will create four seasonal wagashi designs. All ingredients will be pre-colored and measured, allowing participants to focus on the techniques of sculpting, molding, and decorating these edible works of art. This workshop offers a full immersion into the intricate world of Japanese sweets.

Wagashi are more than just confections—they represent the harmony of taste, texture, and seasonal beauty. Traditionally enjoyed with green tea, wagashi come in various forms, each reflecting regional and seasonal ingredients. The mindful process of crafting wagashi promotes a sense of calm, grounding participants in the present, while its connection to the changing seasons mirrors our own cycles of transformation.

All course materials will be provided. Just bring your curiosity and openness to enjoy the experience!

Participants will craft two sasanqua camellias and two autumn leaves—four exquisite nerikiri confections inspired by the current exhibition at Fou Gallery, with colors drawn from artist Helia Chitsazan’s paintings. The sasanqua camellia, symbolizing “dedicated love” and “overcoming difficulties,” blooms in winter’s chill, reflecting the resilience of Helia Chitsazan, an artist who overcame many challenges from Tehran to the U.S. Through this workshop, participants will transform these artistic concepts into edible creations, celebrating both the beauty of autumn and the strength of the artist.

*All images courtesy of Resobox and @TemariNY

Mari Matsuo, the founder and instructor at Temari NY, discovered her passion for food art while crafting adorable bento boxes for her children. Certified in traditional Japanese sweets (Nerikiri) making in Japan, she now shares her expertise in New York through Temari NY. The studio specializes in teaching the art of creating visually stunning and delicious Japanese Wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) using ingredients easily sourced from New York stores, making it accessible for anyone to try at home. Mari's goal is to spread the joy of crafting these edible works of art, one student at a time.

Instagram: @temariny

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

89 5th Ave, 89 5th Avenue, New York, United States