The many different varieties of Japanese sweets express a vivid sense of the seasons. As the tea ceremony became more popular, techniques for manufacturing sweets advanced along with Japanese culture.
Japanese confectioners are very industrious, creating sweets to suit every taste and event.
They incorporate the freshest ingredients such as butter and cheese . Traditional sweets with modern day appeal are made to serve at tea ceremonies and special sweets are uniquely designed for special occasions. They take much pride in their work. Akumaki Chimaki , called Akumaki in Kagoshima , is glutinous rice wrapped in the skin of bamboo shoots, an integral part of Kagoshima's May Festival. The lye makes it very durable, and because it stays fresh for so long, the Satsuma army used it as rations , making it one of the historical local foods.