There is nothing better than giving edible art!
Junichi Mitsubori MasterClass
We express our gratitude to Junichi Mibori sensei for his teaching in April. We are pleased to announce that he will return to teach in Hong Kong again in September this year. He will conduct two classes, including the popular systematic course in Nerikiri Wagashi making.
Junichi Mitsubori is a world-famous wagashi master, a third-generation wagashi artisan of traditional Japanese sweets store Izumiya (いづみや) and the director of the Association of Japanese Sweets. He was born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, in 1974. In 1995, he graduated from the Seika Sweets College in Tokyo. Mitsubori first gained attention when he won TV Tokyo's "TV Champion R" dessert artisan competition in 2010". Still, his popularity grew when he initiated a daily photo project on Instagram called "Wagashi of the Day" in 2015 to promote his preferred style, "Nerikiri" work, to a broader, younger audience. The image-centric platform became the perfect stage for Mitsubori's elaborate creations, and his followers have now reached over 300,000.
Mitsubori turns the wagashi presentation into a new art form. In 2016, he founded his school Kado Ichikaryu. Kado (way of wagashi), a term that echoes the meticulous care and preparation involved in Chado (way of tea), uses bespoke utensils and calculated gestures to produce a highly stylized wagashi experience. Sophisticated wagashi like Nerikiri originated were naturally made by artisans' hands, and the wagashi are perfect in appearance and taste.
To Mitsubori, the beauty of the performance is as crucial to Kado as the artistry of the dessert itself. He is currently performing and teaching Kado overseas. As a master of Kado, Mitsubori does not merely make food, he instead wants the audience to appreciate the performance and his subtle movements. You can see more of Mitsubori's works on his Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/junichi_mitsubori/
Junichi Mitsubori | 6-Day Systematic Course in Nerikiri Wagashi - Elementary Level
Date: 19~24/9 (Thursday to Sunday)
Time: 9:30am - 6:00pm
Instructor: Junichi Mitsubori
Medium of Instruction: Japanese (with Japanese-Mandarin translation)
Fee: HK$18,000
Mitsubori sensei will teach you his unique Ichika Style techniques, a perfect blend of traditional Japanese tools and Mitsubori's original skills in this comprehensive Wagashi course. During this 6-day course, Mitsubori sensei will examine fundamental techniques and theories of practice, ensuring mastery of traditional tools and techniques. It will lay the groundwork for achieving more precise and perfect wagashi styling. A solid foundation is crucial for success in Nerikiri Wagashi's craftsmanship.
Day 1
💥 Learn about Wagashi and Nerikiri
💥 Introduction・Selection and cooking of beans・The importance of stuffing
💥 Making of Nerikiri dough・Making of traditional red bean filling・2 flavors of filling
💥 Sweetness adjustment: Correct sugar reduction/sugar substitution ratio
💥 Notes on the moisture content and sugar content of the Nerikiri dough, the best consumption periods and the storage method
💥 Simple method of making Nerikiri dough (suitable for experienced class preparation and home production)
Day 2
💥 2 basic dyeing methods
💥 Kneading and stuffing techniques
💥 Tools Introduction ① (Triangular Bar etc.)・2 basic stylings
💥 Color selection and colour-matching skills for Wagashi making
💥 Contingencies and solutions to various problems
💥 Precautions for packaging, storage and selling of Wagashi
Day 3
💥 Tools introduction ② (Horse Hair Sieve, etc.)
💥 Different traditional techniques corresponding to each tool
💥 Grate cutting chrysanthemum technique (Japanese Wagashi Skilled Craftsmen Examination Level Two Techniques)
💥 5 basic styling・Spoon shape technique
💥 Wagashi composition aesthetics guide
Day 4
💥 Tools introduction ③ ("Single Character" Spatula, Round Push Tool, etc.)
💥 Different traditional techniques corresponding to each tool
💥 5 basic stylings
💥 Tips for pressing flower centre
Day 5
💥 Tools introduction ④ (Silk Cloth, Curved Blade Spatula, etc.)
💥 Different traditional techniques corresponding to each tool
💥 5 basic stylings
💥 Lights and shades aesthetics of Wagashi
Day 6
💥 Tools introduction ⑤ (Thousand Ribs Board, etc.)
💥 Different traditional techniques corresponding to each tool
💥 5 basic stylings
💥 The depiction of three-dimensional lines
💥 Issuance of course completion certificate・Group photos
*The tuition fee includes Certificate and all materials.
*The required tools will be provided to use during the class.
*The end time is just a rough estimate and will vary depending on actual progress.
Junichi Mitsubori | 2-Day Intermediate Nerikiri Wagashi Course
Date: 26~27/9 (Tuesday to Wednesday)
Time: 9:30am - 6:00pm
Instructor: Junichi Mitsubori
Medium of Instruction: Japanese (with Japanese-Mandarin translation)
Fee: HK$6,200
Mitsubori sensei will teach you his unique Ichika Style techniques, a perfect blend of traditional Japanese tools and Mitsubori's original skills in this Intermediate Nerikiri Wagashi course. In this 2-day workshop, you will be able to practice and reinforce the traditional Wagashi techniques you may have and get inspiration through the visual aspect of Mitsubori's works. Don't miss the chance to learn from the master!
Day 1
💥 The fundamentals of Intermediate Nerikiri scissors techniques
💥 How to hold scissors and get started correctly
💥 Silk Cloth impression techniques
💥 Wagashi shape concept
Day 2
💥 Introduction of Needle-Cutting tools
💥 Demonstrate the correct way to hold the needle chopsticks and basic techniques
💥 Present various flowers using needle-cutting techniques
💥 Six basic needle-cut stylings
*Students are required to have prior experience in wagashi making.
*The tuition fee includes Certificate and all materials.
*The required tools will be provided to use during the class.
*The end time is just a rough estimate and will vary depending on actual progress.