June 16 is 'Wagashi Day'! 10 Recommended 'Anko Sweets' at Daimaru Tokyo Store

June 16th marks 'Wagashi Day' in Japan. This tradition dates back to the year 848, when Emperor Ninmyo offered 16 types of sweets and mochi to the gods during the 'Kajo' ceremony to pray for the prevention of disease and for health and prosperity. Red beans (Azuki), used in these sweets, have long been considered an auspicious food for warding off illness. Daimaru Tokyo Store is introducing 10 recommended Anko sweets, ranging from refreshing seasonal water-based treats to popular staples.

### Featured Lineup (All prices include tax)

1. **<Shioze Souhonke> Special Fresh Wagashi 'Ajisai' (Hydrangea)** - Price: 702 yen / 1F (Available until June 19) - A limited-time sweet beautifully representing the color changes of hydrangeas with Nerikiri dough.

2. **<Minamoto Kitchoan> Yusui** - Price: 324 yen / 1F (Available until mid-August) - A Kuzu manju filled with smooth, mildly sweet red bean paste.

3. **<Tsuruya Yoshinobu> Mamekanro Ogura-an** - Price: 756 yen / 1F (Available until late August) - Authentic Mitsumame served with flavorful Ogura-an made from Hokkaido red beans.

4. **<Ginza Akebono> Aoume (Green Plum)** - Price: 291 yen / 1F (Available until June 30) - A whole honey-preserved plum wrapped in Gyuhi (soft rice cake) and white bean paste.

5. **<Toshimaya> Ryoka Mizu-yokan (2-piece set)** - Price: 1,296 yen / 1F (Available until late August) - Smooth and refreshing water-based jellied bean paste, perfect for the summer heat.

6. **<Kanou Shoujuan> Amo** - Price: 1,296 yen / B1F - Soft Habutai mochi wrapped in hand-cooked red bean paste made from premium Tanba Dainagon Azuki.

7. **<Ryoguchiya Korekiyo> Tabi-makura Summer Mandarin An (10 pieces)** - Price: 1,026 yen / 1F (Available until late August) - The 3rd release of the 75th-anniversary project, featuring a refreshing summer mandarin flavor.

8. **<Mori Koshirou> Mori Koshirou's Dorayaki (Red Bean An)** - Price: 270 yen / 1F - A perfect balance between meticulously crafted dough and Hokkaido-grown red beans.

9. **<Funawa> Anko-dama (9 pieces)** - Price: 874 yen / 1F - Natural bean balls coated in thin agar that pops with every bite.

10. **<Komagome Nakazato> Age-monaka (6 pieces)** - Price: 1,236 yen / B1F - A unique specialty where sesame oil aroma and a hint of salt in the shell enhance the sweetness of the bean paste.