[Fukushima Prefecture] Don't miss out on souvenir shopping! 3 Japanese sweets that will make you look like a real connoisseur!

What do you pay attention to when buying sweets as gifts or souvenirs?

There are a variety of items that appeal to everyone, and classic items that everyone knows, but sometimes you want to make a slightly adventurous selection that will make people say, "I didn't know that!" or "I've never tried that!"

people outside Fukushima Prefecture might say, "I've never heard of that!" or "I've never tried that!", but that we can confidently recommend as delicioussome "connoisseur" Japanese sweets that. We hope you enjoy discovering new sweets!

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Musha Senbei: A delicious combination of thick dough and peanuts

First upOnogi Foods Co., Ltd. in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecturesold by"Aizu Musha Senbei,". If you look closely, you can see that it's shaped like the guard of a sword. At first glance, it resembles "Nanbu Senbei," a famous confection from Iwate Prefecture, but there are significant differences in taste and texture.

Musha Senbei is characterized by its slightly sweet, thick cookie dough. However, it is not as crispy as a cookie. It is tightly pressed down, giving it just the right amount of hardness, and when you bite into it, it disintegrates in your mouth. The peanuts kneaded into it add to the aroma and texture. It is a satisfying rice cracker that is sure to leave you satisfied with just one piece

Musha Senbei is currently sold by Onogi Foods, but in fact it was previously produced and sold by a different company. The previous company went bankrupt due to the recession, and Musha Senbei disappeared from store shelves for a time. However, there were many voices calling for its revival, and Onogi Foods stepped up and made it happen. This story goes to show that it is a snack that continues to have a loyal, long-standing fan base

It's also a great souvenir for people who don't like sweet bean paste or other desserts. It's definitely worth trying, so please give it a try

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Information

• Company name: Onogi Foods Co., Ltd
• Address: 178-4 Fujimuro, Oaza Fujimuro, Machikitamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 0242-22-1387
• URL:　https://www.onogi.net/

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"Imokuri Satorou" is soft and smooth with a refined sweetness

Next, we'd like to introduceDaioh Co., Ltd.sold by"Imokuri Sataro,". In fact,it's a masterpiece that won the highest award, the Honorary President's Award, at the 26th All Japan Confectionery Exposition. Its deliciousness justifies the accolades, and it continues to have a steady stream of hidden fans.

Imokuri Satorou can be summed up in one word as a Japanese-style sweet potato. It is made with plenty of sweet potatoes and chestnuts, and is kneaded with white bean paste. It has a milky taste that makes the most of the flavor of the ingredients, and is also elegantly sweet. You might think the texture is sticky, but it's actually fluffy. It has a moist and smooth texture that melts gently as you taste it. The chunks of chestnut, which are deliberately roughly crushed, add an accent that keeps you coming back for more until the very end

By the way, the name of the candy, "Imokuri Satorou," is apparently based on a folk tale that remains in Fukushima City

The story goes that, "Once upon a time, the mountain god wanted Satoru's only daughter as his wife, but when Satoru brought him plenty of sweet potatoes and chestnuts, the mountain god's favorite foods, he happily gave up on his daughter."

This luxurious sweet is irresistible for potato and chestnut lovers. If you can think of someone who would like it, be sure to give it a try

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Information

• Company name: Daioh Co., Ltd
• Address: 4 Yakushido, Shimono-ji Temple, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 024-535-3311
• URL　https://www.imokurisatarou.com/

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Tama Yokan: The moment it pops is incredibly fun

Finally, we'd like to introduceTamashima-yamanufactured and sold by"Tama Yokan,". Nihonmatsu City has a history of developing as a castle town of the Nihonmatsu Domain during the Edo period. As a result, many historic temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese confectionery shops remain, and Tamashima-ya is one of them.

Tamashimaya's Tama Yokan is known only to those in the know. Its most distinctive feature is, without a doubt, its unique appearance. With its brilliant luster and unfamiliar round shape, you might be left scratching your head and wondering how you are supposed to eat it. In fact, you need a toothpick to open it

When you pierce the surface, the rubber film disappears in an instant, revealing the soft, springy yokan. It happens so quickly that you might not even be able to see the surface peel off

The yokan inside is packed with rich bean paste and has a moist texture. It's not heavy, though, and the light sweetness melts in your mouth. It's filling, so one is enough to satisfy you, but the "opening ceremony" of popping it with a toothpick is so fun that you'll find yourself wanting to pick up another one

If you're sharing memories of your trip to Fukushima, why not try some tama yokan with a slightly bitter tea? The tama yokan, which peels off easily when pierced, is a great conversation starter and may even get the conversation flowing more than usual

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Information

• Company name: Tamashimaya Co., Ltd
• Address: 1-88 Honmachi, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Inquiry number: 0243-23-2121
• URL:　https://tamasimaya.com/

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Enjoy some delicious Fukushima sweets

This time, we have picked out and introduced three recommended Japanese sweets that will make you say, "You're a connoisseur!"

Familiar flavors are great, but there's something even more satisfying about finding a new favorite. Share the sweets we've introduced with those around you, or sometimes keep some all to yourself, and enjoy them to your heart's content. We hope you enjoy the flavors of Fukushima

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