“Located in Ningyocho, Tokyo, “”Kanmidokoro Hatsune”” is a historic Japanese sweet shop that was established in 1837. With its long history, it is often referred to as the oldest sweet shop in Tokyo. The interior exudes the charm of the Edo period, with a traditional Japanese house design that offers visitors a serene and nostalgic atmosphere. One of Hatsune’s signature menu items is “”Shiratama Anmitsu,”” a beloved dessert among sweet lovers. The chewy shiratama (glutinous rice dumplings) and elegantly sweet red bean paste create a perfect harmony in every bite. Additionally, the dish is adorned with colorful fruits, making it visually appealing as well. Hatsune’s charm lies not only in…

In Japan, we call the start of the new year “Shogatsu.” My family celebrated by enjoying mikan (mandarins) and mochi (traditional rice cakes), and we visited a shrine to offer our prayers. At the shrine, we prayed like this:“May 2025 be a wonderful year.”