Why June 16th?
Around the mid of 9th century, an epidemic broke out throughout the country. In order to overcome this situation, the emperor then changed the era name and offered 16 sweets and rice cakes before the altar on the June 16th of the first year of new era, praying for people’s health and happiness. Because of that, Japan Wagashi Association designated this day as wagashi day in 1979 to pass down our traditional sweets.
|photo by T|
This year, June 16 is also Father’s day in Japan. Thank you, Dad and thank you, wagashi :-)