Wagashi: Season by Season Tasting with Kimiko Gunji

Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji will be presenting her new cookbook, Wagashi: Season by Season. After a brief introduction about the art of wagashi and their connection to Japanese tea ceremony and Japanese aesthetics through seasonality, you will be treated to three unique wagashi paired with three kinds of tea. These wagashi will be seasonal recipes from the book and each month of tasting events will highlight a different menu based on seasonal ingredients and occasions.
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) hold a unique place in Japanese culture, appreciated not only for their beauty, but for the keen sense of seasonality they represent. Wagashi reflect the natural world, as well as the symbolic world where designs, flavors, and textures represent specific traits and characteristics.
September's tasting menu will feature:
· Minazuki - steamed rice cake with azuki bean
· Ayuyaki – grilled wagashi with half gyuhi (thin, sweetened mochi) and half anko filling*
· Awayukikan Seiryu - wagashi made with kanten (agar-agar)
· Matcha - Isuzu from Marukyu Koyamaen
· Sencha - Kotomidori from Marukyu Koyamaen
· Japan House 25th Anniversary Cherry Sencha from The Republic of Tea

All items are vegetarian and nut-free unless otherwise indicated. Due to the seasonality of each month's menu, there will not be any substitutions. Please check back at the start of each month for the new menu associated with each month!
*contains gluten and egg

Space is limited to 20 guests. Reservations are required. No walk-ins or observers will be permitted due to the seating arrangements. Cookbooks will be available for purchase at the event.
Questions about accessibility, food allergies, or other topics? Please email us at [email protected]

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FAQs

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes, if space allows, you may transfer your registration to a different event.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You do not have to bring your ticket. We will just need your name to check in.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

The purchaser of the ticket can go to "My Tickets" and change the name to whomever will be attending.

What is the refund policy?

Your registration is refundable if you contact us at [email protected] at least 48 hours before the date of your reservation. Please note that EventBrite fees are non-refundable.

What is Tomonokai? How can I support Japan House?

Tomonokai are "Friends of Japan House". The Tomonokai program was established in 1998 with a goal of supporting Japan House programming and events and promoting an understanding of Japanese Arts and Culture. This tax deductible membership entitles you to special member benefits including discounts on events and merchandise, and vouchers for private tea ceremonies.

Japan House is non-profit and fully relies upon the generosity and kindness of supporters to continue to provide our campus and community vibrant programming that is immersive, engaging, and most importantly, that celebrates diversity! Consider becoming a Tomonokai member, or Friend of Japan House, by clicking here.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Japan House is located in the Arboretum at the University of Illinois on Lincoln Avenue between Kirby/Florida and Windsor Road. There are parking spaces in the lot to the north of Japan House (F-31 at St. Mary's Road and Lincoln) and to the south of Japan House (F-32 on Lincoln across from the Vet Med complex). On weekends the north and south lot is free. The front door is located on the north side of the building.

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