Tokyo's longstanding confectioner Ginza Kikunoya offers Japanese sweets featuring traditional motifs. Fifth-generation owner Yuji Ida adds playful elements while combining various features to create products that delight customers. The shop's designs draw from cultural symbols to enhance appeal.
Ginza Kikunoya, founded in 1890, marked its 135th anniversary last year. Fifth-generation owner Yuji Ida, 50, said, "We add a playful touch while combining various elements." The shop's signature "fukiyose" crackers draw inspiration from hi-gashi dried sweets and symbolize accumulating wealth.
The special selection tin, tokusen kan, features a central Mt. Fuji-shaped wasanbon sugar candy surrounded by colorful konpeito candies arranged like a rainbow. Seasonal metal containers include cherry blossom-shaped wasanbon in spring, star-shaped pieces in summer, and Chinese zodiac designs for year-end and New Year.
The Japanese-style cookies use Hokkaido flour and Chiba Prefecture eggs, with butter omitted for a light texture. Ten flavors, such as white sesame and matcha, are available. Tin motifs, drawn by Ida's grandfather and third-generation owner Hiroki Ida, include the legendary uchide no kozuchi hammer, Edo Period travel pouches, and traditional straw hats. "Some customers use them as trinket boxes. This design helps people remember Kikunoya," Ida noted.
Popular as gifts, customers can add messages; the shop won the 2022 Nippon Omiyage Award. A dedicated Chiba factory boosts productivity and quality. Ida shifted focus from perishable wagashi to fukiyose and online sales after returning in 2011 and becoming representative in 2014.
The store-exclusive fried manju, coated in crumbled macadamia nuts, was created by Ida's father, Tsunemichi, following an Australia trip to appeal to foreigners wary of sweet bean paste. It pairs well with sake and attracts tourists. Seasonal items like sakura mochi and monthly wagashi-making classes foster customer connections.
"We want to pursue wagashi that bring happiness not only to the recipient but also to the giver," Ida said.