Meeting #9 - January 24
On January 24, 2022, the Seishun 18 Leaders convened to try their hand at creating wagashi or Japanese sweets.
Led by wagashi master Toshiko Sugii Steffes of Kohakuto in Cleveland, Ohio, the Seishun 18 Leaders learned about wagashi and its cultural importance in Japan.
Following a short presentation, Sugii-sensei guided the Seishun 18 Leaders in creating their own wagashi. Each participant made 4 wagashi in total — 2 sakura (cherry blossom) wagashi and 2 kiku (chrysanthemum) wagashi.
The event closed with participants brewing some green tea and tasting their freshly made wagashi together.
A special thank you is owed to Toshiko Sugii Steffes for joining us virtually to share the art of wagashi with the Seishun 18 Leaders.