Nerikiri Wagashi: Japanese Confectionery
Learn to sculpt beautiful Japanese sweet confections using traditional nerikiri techniques
Wagashi, or Japanese confections, boast a rich history spanning hundreds of years. Among the most exquisite are nerikiri — hand-sculpted sweets reflecting nature's beauty and often modeled on seasonal scenes. These edible works of art are famous worldwide and accessible to everyone, not just masters.
In our workshop, you will learn the characteristics of nerikiri, its ingredients, and traditional techniques while crafting your own original designs. Everything you need is prepared in advance — simply walk into the classroom and leave with beautiful wagashi you made with your own hands.
This experience invites you to create edible art, engaging your senses of sight, touch, and taste. Simple hand movements — pressing, pinching, layering — become acts of sculpture and painting. Our instructors provide individualized guidance throughout, and our warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to connect with fellow sweet-making enthusiasts.
At the end of the class, the nerikiri you lovingly crafted are yours to take home. We hope you'll share them with family and friends, revisiting the stories and moments from the workshop as you enjoy the sweets you created with your own hands.
PRICE
$80 / person
DURATION
2 hours
LOCATION
91 E 3rd street, New York, NY 10003
Private and group sessions are available upon request. For inquiries, please email us at class@resobox.com.
About the Instructor
Mari Matsuo
Mari is an instructor at Temari NY who specializes in teaching Wagashi (Japanese confectionery).Her journey into food art began when her children were young — she started making "kyaraben" (cute bento boxes featuring anime characters and animals), hoping to bring joy to their lunchtime.Her love for beautiful and creative food art led her to discover Wagashi — Traditional Japanese sweets — and she instantly fell in love with the craft.She went on to become certified as a "Nerikiri (Traditional Japanese Sweets) Art instructor" in Japan.
Now, Mari brings her passion to New York City, sharing the art of Wagashi with students and inspiring more people to experience the joy of making these beautiful Japanese sweets at home.
Yuki Sakura
Yuki originally pursued a career as a pâtissier, dedicating herself to creating Western-style desserts. However, as she reflected more deeply on her identity as a Japanese person, a new desire began to grow within her—a desire to share Japanese culture with the world through her own hands. That realization led her to the path of Wagashi (和菓子).
Today, Yuki creates Wagashi for tea ceremonies and matcha specialty shops. Each piece is crafted entirely by hand, infused with the changing seasons and the feelings of the maker. Wagashi are not simply sweets; they are expressions of nature, emotion, and tradition. They are meant to be appreciated with the eyes, felt with the heart, and remembered long after the last bite. Delivering this “multi-layered experience” is the foundation of her Wagashi-making.
Looking ahead, she hopes to share the joy and depth of Wagashi with people across countries and generations. Her goal is to bring the beauty and warmth of this traditional Japanese art form to a wider audience around the world.
