Nestled in a charming, old-town district of Sumida, Tokyo, Ichiya is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop just a four-minute walk from Hikifune Station on the Tobu Skytree Line. Tucked away along a narrow path beside the train tracks, it might be a little tricky to find on your first visit—but that only adds to the experience of discovery. Inside, you’ll find a minimalist yet sophisticated space, with a clean white interior. Behind the counter, skilled artisans carefully craft each piece of wagashi. Ichiya specializes in daifuku (soft rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste) and dorayaki (pancake-like confections with a red bean filling). The daifuku selection ranges from the classic…

February 3rd marks Setsubun in Japan, a traditional event where people eat Ehomaki (a special sushi roll) and perform Mamemaki (bean-throwing ritual). During Mamemaki, people throw roasted soybeans while chanting “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”, which means “Out with demons, in with good fortune!” This custom is meant to drive away evil spirits—symbolizing illness and misfortune—and invite happiness into our homes. After the bean-throwing, it is customary to eat the same number of soybeans as your age.We ate our beans too! In the Kanto region, people often enjoy Kenchin-jiru (a hearty vegetable soup) on Setsubun. Meanwhile, in the Kansai region, it is common to hang a decoration made of…