Selected for "AWASE," the New Fresh Cream Sandwich from HAPPY SWEETS FACTORY (Matsue, Shimane)

Imamura Tea Plantation's Hojicha Selected for "AWASE," the New Fresh Cream Sandwich from HAPPY SWEETS FACTORY (Matsue, Shimane)

— "Inspiration Hojicha — Imamura Tea Plantation, Kagoshima" launching soon

Imamura Tea Plantation's hojicha (roasted green tea) has been chosen for the newest addition to "AWASE," the fresh cream sandwich series from HAPPY SWEETS FACTORY, a pâtisserie in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. The new creation is named "Inspiration Hojicha — Imamura Tea Plantation, Kagoshima." Sales will begin shortly.

About the Creation

"AWASE" (from the Japanese word for "bringing together") is a fresh cream sandwich built on the concept of uniting different ingredients and techniques as one. The base is a fluffy biscuit sponge, generously enriched with honey, that combines the best qualities of castella and chiffon cake. By keeping the sweetness restrained, the sponge's natural flavor and the fragrance of honey come to the fore, giving it a light, delicate texture.

This new creation puts richly aromatic hojicha in the leading role. A ganache made with a white chocolate base and a generous measure of hojicha is layered with fresh cream that is likewise infused with hojicha. The two layers of hojicha come together with the biscuit sponge for a flavor defined by its toasty, roasted aroma — an "AWASE" fresh cream sandwich made by hojicha lovers, for hojicha lovers.

A Maker Who Unites Japanese and Western Confectionery

Toru Yoshioka, the pâtissier behind HAPPY SWEETS FACTORY, honed his craft at the pâtisserie "Es Koyama" in Hyogo Prefecture before carrying on the traditional methods of Yoshioka Seika, his family's long-established wagashi (Japanese confectionery) shop. Drawing on his knowledge of both Japanese and Western confectionery, he creates sweets that bring out the best of each.

For the sponge, he uses "Toku Takarakasa," a flour Mr. Yoshioka selected with great care, which contributes to its delicate melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich flavor.

Shop & Reservations

HAPPY SWEETS FACTORY is a pâtisserie opened in May 2024 in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture by Toru Yoshioka, a pâtissier who began at Yoshioka Seika and went on to train both in Japan and abroad. The shop's guiding theme is creating new connections through local ingredients.

Reservations and holds are accepted through the shop's official LINE account. You can register via the link on their Instagram profile.

• Official LINE: https://line.me/R/ti/p/@904zntge
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happy_sweets_factory

HAPPY SWEETS FACTORY
Address: Kaminogi 5-2-14 2F, Matsue, Shimane
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (pre-ordered items can be picked up until 17:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays