Welcoming the Colors of Autumn

There is something special about autumn in Japan. The season invites a quiet awareness of change — the turning of maple leaves, the soft fragrance of chrysanthemum, and the gentle light of shorter days.
Inspired by this, our October Nerikiri Workshop in Düsseldorf embraced both the elegance of autumn and the playful spirit of Halloween.

Nerikiri, a type of Japanese wagashi (traditional sweet), is made from smooth white bean paste and glutinous rice flour. It’s a delicate medium that allows the maker to express the beauty of the seasons through shape and color. Each sweet is crafted by hand — shaped, folded, and brushed with care, almost like sculpting poetry.

For this workshop, we created four designs that represent the heart of autumn:

• 🍁 Maple Leaf (Momiji) — a symbol of the fleeting beauty of changing leaves.
• 🌼 Chrysanthemum (Kiku) — representing longevity and quiet grace.
• 🎃 Jack-o’-lantern Pumpkin — inspired by the glowing lights of autumn nights, blending Western festivity with Japanese craftsmanship.
• 👻 Ghost — our small tribute to Halloween, lighthearted and full of character.

A Moment of Stillness in the Heart of the City

The workshop took place in our cozy space in Düsseldorf — sunlight filtering through linen curtains, the gentle aroma of freshly whisked matcha, and the sound of quiet conversation filling the room. Participants, dressed casually or in kimono, gathered around the table, each with a small tray of tools and colorful nerikiri dough in front of them.

Before we began, we talked about the inspiration behind each sweet — how the Japanese concept of “shun” (seasonal peak) guides wagashi-making, and how colors and forms are chosen to reflect nature at its most vivid moment.

As everyone began to mold their first piece, time seemed to slow down. The soft dough responded to the warmth of their hands, changing shape gently with each movement. Brushes dipped in natural food color added depth — from fiery orange to deep crimson, echoing the leaves outside.

For first-timers, the process was surprisingly meditative. Many commented that while it required focus, it also brought calm — like painting, but with the sense of touch.

Learning by Doing, Creating with Heart

Throughout the session, we explored traditional techniques such as bo-mochi (rolling), hira-neri (flattening), and sabi-ire (adding color gradients). These small hand movements are what give wagashi its distinctive softness and character.

Even though everyone followed the same basic steps, no two sweets looked alike — some maple leaves had sharper points, others curved gently; some ghosts had cheeky smiles, others serene faces. And that’s the beauty of wagashi: each piece reflects its maker.

By the time we finished shaping the fourth design — the pumpkin — the table was full of vibrant autumn colors. Participants carefully placed their creations into wagashi boxes, proud to take home something so personal and ephemeral.

More Than Sweets — A Cultural Experience

For us at Biyori, wagashi is more than confectionery. It’s a gentle bridge between Japanese culture, mindfulness, and creativity.
In every workshop, we hope participants not only learn the techniques but also experience a small piece of omotenashi — the Japanese spirit of thoughtful hospitality.

Sharing tea after the workshop, we reflected on how sweets and tea have always been intertwined in Japanese tradition. In a tea ceremony, wagashi is offered before matcha to harmonize flavors and prepare the palate.

Here in Düsseldorf, we recreate that same moment — blending cultures while keeping the spirit intact.

Wearing kimono while guiding the class adds another layer of authenticity and calm. It reminds us of the rhythm of Japanese seasons and the attention to detail that defines its arts.

A Community Connected Through Seasons

One of the most rewarding aspects of our workshops is seeing how people connect — not just to Japanese culture, but to each other. Many participants return for each season, curious to see what the next theme will bring: cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snowy camellias in winter.

Every wagashi workshop becomes its own small community — a few hours of calm, creativity, and conversation shared over sweets and tea.

Join Us for the Next Wagashi Workshop

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined our Autumn Nerikiri Workshop in Düsseldorf. 🍁
Your warmth, curiosity, and creativity make each gathering truly special.

Our next wagashi and matcha workshop will celebrate the coming winter — a time of quiet reflection and beauty.

If you would like to join us, follow @wagashi.de or visit biyori.cafe for upcoming dates and reservations.

Let’s continue to share the seasons — one wagashi at a time.