Any Wagashi Fans Out There?

From an email:

“Beginning the week of November 13^th, the Teaism Tea Shop in Penn Quarter will be hosting a pop-up by Japanese sweet makers Matsukawaya for the holidays. Matsukawaya will continue to pop up at Teaism’s Union Market space as well.

Holiday shoppers around the district looking for hard-to-find gourmet gifts, and those looking to support local, independent, and women-owned businesses will find plenty of options.

Matsukawaya, a Nagoya-based confectioner, specializes in wagashi. These sweets, traditionally served alongside Japanese tea ceremonies, are intended to celebrate the changing seasons. Since the Cherry Blossoms festival in 2017, they have returned regularly to the D.C. area to share their sweets at Union Market and events around the city. Yoshitaka Nishino, C.E.O. of Matsukawaya, and Hisao Minabe, Grand Master wagashi maker for Matsukawaya, will be making sweets on the spot.

“Our guests at Union Market have been so excited to try these desserts, and we believe they will make great presents and host/hostess gifts for the holidays. Because the desserts are served with tea, we think it’s a perfect match,” says Michelle Brown, co-owner and co-founder of Teaism. “For all the District’s newfound love of ramen and mochi ice cream, we believe wagashi deserves its own following. Slow down with a cup of Japanese tea, and nibble a wagashi. If that isn’t self-care, I don’t know what is.”

Teaism’s retail space in Penn Quarter has been operating since 1999, selling high-quality loose leaf teas, tea accessories, and unique gifts. The shop strives to represent a blend of local artists and artisans, as well as beautiful items from all over the world.

The Teaism Tea Shop offers a space where guests can learn more about tea, and smell the 50+ types of teas offered. The Teaism Tea Shop also hosts occasional tea tastings and educational events, and runs special and rare teas in addition to Teaism’s own line.”