Hydrangea

VOL.25

June 2025

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

With the arrival of Japan’s rainy season, the landscape comes alive with the soft beauty of hydrangeas. These colorful blossoms, nourished by the gentle rainfall, brighten temple paths, home gardens, and quiet corners of towns and countryside. Their elegant appearance has long been cherished in Japanese culture, and their presence is a gentle reminder to appreciate nature even on cloudy, rainy days.

Hydrangea

In the past, Japan often experienced heavy rainfall, which led to the creation of “Teru Teru Bōzu,” small dolls made to wish for sunny weather. The name “Teru Teru Bōzu” literally means “shine-shine monk,” and the tradition is still cherished today, especially by children.

The charm of Teru Teru bōzu lies in its simplicity. Made from just a piece of white cloth and a rubber band, the doll is easy to create. It is typically made the day before an important event when sunny weather is desired, such as a school outing or a festival. The doll is hung outside, usually near a window or on a roof, in hopes that the next day will bring clear skies.

Hydrangea

To make one, lay out a square of white cloth and place a small ball of rolled-up paper or cotton in the centre. Wrap the cloth around the ball to form a head and secure with a rubber band. Use a marker to draw eyes and a mouth to complete the face. Finally, hang your Teru Teru Bozu outside a window or under the eaves. It is said that singing "Teru teru bozu, teru bozu, make tomorrow a fine day" while making a wish can help bring good weather the next day.

What's in this box

  • Ajisai

    Ajisai

    Just like the hydrangeas that bloom vividly across Kamakura in early summer, this confection evokes the soft beauty of the season. The gentle sweetness of the condensed milk sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp, crumbly texture of the treat. Its name, Ajisai (hydrangea), comes from the way sliced almonds are scattered across the surface—resembling delicate flower petals swaying in the breeze.

  • Anko to Custard Daifuku

    Anko to Custard Daifuku

    This unique daifuku brings together smooth strained red bean paste and creamy custard, all wrapped in a soft, chewy mochi layer. Blending traditional Japanese flavors with a Western twist, it offers a rich yet gentle sweetness and a satisfying texture. Enjoy the harmony of East and West in every bite.

  • Hitokuchi Junkuri Yokan

    Hitokuchi Junkuri Yokan

    This luxurious bite-sized sweet bean jelly is made from carefully selected chestnuts and finished only with chestnut starch. It is characterized by the rich flavor and natural sweetness of chestnuts, and goes well with Japanese tea.

  • Ama Oto

    Ama Oto

    This charming set of Wasanbon — traditional Japanese sugar confections — captures the refreshing spirit of early summer. At the center is a large piece featuring a cheerful frog, surrounded by seasonal motifs such as hydrangeas, Teru-Teru Bozu, and tiny snails.

  • Hanairo Shion

    Hanairo Shion

    This elegant assortment features a colorful variety of traditional Japanese snacks, including savory arare rice crackers, senbei, and charmingly shaped dry sweets. Each box contains 7 unique items, for a total of 14 delightful flavors and textures. From seaweed and shrimp-flavored crackers to flower- and leaf-shaped confections, every piece offers a refined taste of Japanese tradition and visual beauty.

  • Okaki Kuri

    Okaki Kuri

    These charming crackers are shaped like chestnuts and made from egg-based crackers that gently wrap a soy-sauce-flavored rice cracker inside. The contrast between the crispy outer layer and the savory inner cracker creates a satisfying bite.

  • Ajisai Konpeito

    Ajisai Konpeito

    These pastel-colored sugar candies are inspired by the hydrangeas. Shades of blue, green, and white evoke the feeling of Japan’s early summer, when hydrangea flowers blossom under soft rain and cloudy skies.

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