Capturing Australian sceneries through Japanese traditional sweets - Wagashi creator Minako Asai

Minako Asai

Credit: Minako Asai

Mochi has become such a popular dessert in Australia in recent years. How about celebrating the holiday season with some Wagashi this year?


Minako Asai is a Melbourne-based "Wagashi" maker. In order to fullfil her own desire to eat delicious Japaense sweets, "wagashi", she taught herself the art of wagashi-making upon moving to Australia, and opened her shop MinnieSweets in 2018.

Minako Asai
練り切りに模様をいれる浅井さん。 ワークショップでは、そのスピードとクオリティにびっくり!

Her wagashi are made using traditional Japanese methods, while incorporating Australian elements in the design. She draws inspirations from Australian nature, as well as holidays and celebrations.
Nerikiri Waratah by MinnieSweets
Waratah flowers created with Nerikiri Credit: tomoko watanabe
Assorted Wagashi by MinnieSweets
Designs are inspired by Japanese traditional styles, as well as festivals and holidays observed in Australia. Credit:

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