Fukiage Misuka Dango" with 100 years of history, a traditional taste that continues to evolve today.

The specialty "Fukiage Misuka Dango" has been sold at a teahouse inside Imabari Castle since the Meiji era (1868-1912), and even now, more than 100 years later, it continues to be sold in a takeout style at a location overlooking Imabari Castle.

Rustic and Simple Taste: The Charm of Fukiage Misuka Dumplings

Fukiage Misuka dumplings are characterized by the simple combination of mochi inside and koshi-an (sweet bean paste) outside. The shape, taste, and method of making these dumplings have remained unchanged from generation to generation. The dumplings come in two colors, white an (bean paste) and azuki red bean paste, and are characterized by the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth red bean paste and the sticky, pounded rice cake.

The mochi is made from Saga Prefecture's "fertile glutinous rice" and the red bean paste is made from Hokkaido azuki beans. The mochi is made from Saga Prefecture's "fertile glutinous rice," and the red bean paste is made from Hokkaido azuki beans, according to the company's representative, Hayashi. During the production process, the adjustment of moisture and sweetness of the anko are very delicate and require craftsmanship that cannot be achieved by a recipe alone.

Responding to Local Voices: Determination to Keep Traditions Alive

About four years ago, the third-generation owner of the store at the time passed away, and the store temporarily closed. His daughter, Miki Hayashi, had been working in Tokyo and thought it would be difficult to continue the business in Ehime. However, encouraged by local people who wanted her to continue the business and felt it would be a shame to let the old tradition die out, she incorporated the company two and a half years ago and resolved to keep the store alive with two locations, in Tokyo and Ehime.

He decided to keep the store alive with two locations, one in Tokyo and the other in Ehime. Our goal is to make as many people as possible aware of the quality of these wagashi, which have been handed down from generation to generation." Hayashi's words show his strong will to preserve the tradition.

Nationwide Distribution with Freezing Technology: Innovations to Deliver Freshly Made Flavor

After the Corona disaster, Mr. Hayashi took the opportunity of a major transformation in his business style to start selling frozen "Fukiage Misuka Dumplings". By using the latest freezing equipment, he is now able to enjoy the freshly made taste without adding preservatives. Hayashi says, "If you thaw them naturally at room temperature for about two hours, you can recreate the freshness of freshly made dumplings.

Currently, Fukiage Misuka Dumplings are sold not only at Imabari Castle, but also at supermarkets in Imabari City such as Fantable Kitchen, Yonomura Shoppers, and Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area. They can now also be ordered through the online store, allowing people all over Japan to enjoy them.

Online store https://misukadango.theshop.jp/

New Challenge: Development of New Products and Future Prospects

Currently, sales at the tea store inside Imabari Castle are only open on weekends, except during the busy season, but many locals are happy to see sales continue at Imabari Castle.

Hayashi says happily, "When elderly people visit us, they tell us it tastes just like it did in the old days.

In the future, Hayashi is considering setting up a space where customers can relax while drinking tea and developing new products using local agricultural products. We may be able to use Ehime's famous tea to add a matcha flavor," says Hayashi, who is eager to take on new challenges.

The simple taste that has been passed down since the Meiji era and the new approach to meet the needs of the times. The "Fukiage Misuka Dango" continues to evolve while cherishing both, and will continue to be loved by many people in the future.