Wagashi : Traditional Japanese Confections Akafukumochi Akafukumochi , a specialty of Ise in Mie Prefecture, is a traditional Japanese sweet with a history going back some 300 years. This confection is made of soft mochi , cakes of pounded glutinous rice, topped with velvety-smooth an , sweet red paste made by boiling and straining adzuki beans. This wagashi has been a favorite among visitors who come to pay their respects at Ise Jingu shrine. According to local lore, akafukumochi ’s distinctive shape is meant to evoke the Isuzu River, which flows through the shrine precinct. The three ridges in the an call to mind the gentle eddies in the river, while the mochi represents the pebbles of the riverbed. We recommend savoring the delicate sweetness of this wagashi with a cup of hojicha , roasted Japanese tea. 4 Contents Japanese People Contributing Worldwide Wagashi: 4 An Acclaimed Master of 20 Traditional Japanese Confections French Gastronomy Messages from Tohoku Speaking to the World 22 with Music Feel the Vibrant Spirit of 6 Tohoku Bringing Safe Drinking 24 Water to the World The Road to Revival 8 Friends of Japan Shogi ─ A Japanese Japanese Strength Bringing Game Wins a Devotee 26 Innovations to Their Fullest 10 from Poland Potential Sharing Min’yo , Japan’s 28 Japan to Host G7 Summit in 12 Folk Music Tradition 2016 The JET Programme: A Great Way to Experience Japan The Senkaku Islands: Joining a Network 3 Commonly Held 14 Spanning Japan and the 30 Misconceptions Globe Moments of 18 Providing Support While 32 Prime Minister Abe Building Relationships Websites 34 Publications 35 ©Copyright 2016 Cabinet Office of Japan. No article or any part thereof may be reproduced without the express permission of the Cabinet Office. All inquiries should be made through a form available at: https://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment_ssl.html 5.