First Meetup Event in Tokyo!

To better understand the impressions, preferences, and experiences of non-Japanese users regarding Japanese wagashi, we organized a special event during our meetup: the "Japanese Wagashi Experience Exchange." This activity aimed to provide our guests with a deeper appreciation of wagashi and to gather valuable feedback to enhance the experiences we offer to our clients.

For this event, we prepared three distinct types of snacks for our attendees to sample: dagashi (traditional cheap sweets), regular snacks, and wagashi. This variety allowed participants to explore a wide range of flavors and textures, offering a comprehensive taste of Japanese snack culture.

We began the event by introducing our guests to the different types of wagashi, along with their rich history and cultural significance. This segment was not only educational but also set the stage for a deeper appreciation of the sweets they were about to taste.

Dagashi are primarily inexpensive sweets targeted towards children. These nostalgic treats are enjoyed for their simple yet delightful flavors and are sold in specialized shops called dagashiya. Popular types of dagashi include gum, candy, chocolate, and various snacks. They offer a nostalgic journey back to childhood for many Japanese people and provide a unique glimpse into the everyday life of Japan.

Regular snacks, such as potato chips and senbei (rice crackers), are enjoyed as light meals or refreshments. These snacks are easily available at supermarkets and convenience stores, offering a wide variety of flavors to suit different tastes. Their convenience and diversity make them a popular choice among both locals and tourists.

Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections often enjoyed during tea ceremonies and celebrations. Iconic wagashi include mochi (rice cakes), yokan (sweet bean jelly), and dorayaki (sweet-filled pancakes). Each wagashi is crafted to reflect the season and region, characterized by its beautiful appearance and delicate flavors. They are a true representation of Japanese artistry and culinary heritage.

During the tasting session, we offered our guests the opportunity to sample the three types of snacks. We encouraged them to guess which snacks were dagashi, which were regular snacks, and which were wagashi. This interactive activity sparked lively conversations as participants shared their preferences and discoveries. The tasting session allowed attendees to engage with each other, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

To further liven up the event, we combined "Your Preferences" with a fun Bingo game. This activity allowed participants to find like-minded individuals based on their snack preferences and gave them a chance to win prizes. The Bingo game not only added an element of excitement but also fostered connections among attendees, making the event more memorable and enjoyable.

We encourage everyone to follow our meetup page for updates on future events. We are already planning our next meetup, and we will provide timely updates with all the necessary information. Whether you are a wagashi enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese culture, our meetups are the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with others who share your interests.

By reflecting on the feedback and experiences from this first meetup, we aim to continually improve and create even more engaging and enriching events. We look forward to welcoming you to our next gathering and sharing more delightful moments together.

In conclusion, our first Tokyo meetup was a resounding success, filled with learning, tasting, and connecting. The "Japanese Wagashi Experience Exchange" was a highlight, providing invaluable insights into the preferences of non-Japanese attendees and helping us enhance our offerings. The variety of snacks, the educational segments, and the interactive activities all contributed to a memorable and enjoyable event. We are excited to continue this journey and look forward to many more successful meetups in the future. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we can't wait to see you at our next event!