Matcha desserts and Japanese cheesecake have been all the rage in Vancouver but traditional Japanese sweets remain lesser known here.

That may soon change.

Wagashi artisan Junichi Mitsubori from Japan will be visiting Vancouver to teach Vancouverites about traditional Japanese desserts.

Wagashi is an umbrella term in Japanese for Japanese-style confections, spanning mochi and manju (steamed cakes with bean paste) to anmitsu (chilled gelatinous cubes). These sweets are often created with artistic designs that reflect nature and the seasons.

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The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby) will host a series of events featuring Mitsubori.

He will appear in Kado: The Way of the Wagashi, an artistic performance followed by a Japanese tea ceremony at 7 p.m. on May 31 (tickets $40 for non-members).

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Following that evening, he will hold two master classes about the art of wagashi from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on June 1 and 2.

The first class will introduce students to nerikiri dough, bean paste, and more.

The second class which will cover everything from colour techniques to shaping, forming, and wrapping.

Early-bird prices (before May 10) for non-members range from $745 for one class to $1,390 for two classes.  

More information is available at the Nikkei Centre website.