New Autumn Squirrel Wagashi "Risu" from Okamedo - Limited Time Traditional Sweet

Okamedo, a traditional wagashi confectionery that has nurtured Japanese sweets culture in Aichi's Mikawa region for over 70 years, announces the limited-time release of their new autumn wagashi "Risu" (Squirrel) starting September 1st.

Designed with the theme of "animals that love autumn flavors," this nerikiri wagashi delivers Japan's rich autumn essence and comfort through its adorable form. The sweet is available at Okamedo's directly operated stores in East Mikawa and through their online shop.

Online Shop: https://okamedo.jp/online-shop/

Autumn Discovery: The "Risu" Design

The special nerikiri bean paste is made by kneading soft mochi into white koshi-an (smooth red bean paste), then wrapping it around smooth koshi-an filling. The egg-shaped form features a curled tail and the characteristic vertical stripes unique to squirrels.

The sight of the squirrel holding a small "acorn" made from azuki beans captures the very essence of a squirrel delightfully discovering autumn.

The round eyes, drawn with black yokan, gently warm the hearts of those who see them.

🌰 In the forest, they found a shiny acorn. It seems like this year's small autumn has arrived once again.

"We designed it imagining animals that love autumn flavors like acorns."

Each squirrel is made with care and excitement, wondering where it will go. Please visit our shop if you have the chance.

*Please note that this is a labor-intensive product, so it may sell out.

Please call to reserve one or wait until the next opportunity to meet them.

Close-up of squirrel wagashi with acorn

Development Story

Wagashi has roles beyond just sweetness. Since the Edo period, wagashi has healed people's hearts and brought peace to daily life. We reflected on "What value can wagashi provide?" and concluded that "comfort and joy" in life is the true role of traditional wagashi.

Wagashi craftsman at work

Autumn is the season of harvest.

Fruits, tree beauty, rice fields, and farms all reach their harvest peak.

While this summer was marked by record-breaking heat nationwide, we gradually began to feel the arrival of fruitful autumn. Feeling nature's blessings and celebrating the arrival of small autumn signs, we designed the "squirrel" imagining "animals that love autumn flavors like acorns."

Born from the feelings of wagashi artisans - "cute Japanese sweets"

While seasons change and challenges exist, we hope to move forward with excitement toward new life.