In Sendai, we visited the factory for the company Kasho Sanzen, the producers of the Hagino Tsuki cake, a specialty of Sendai. As the company brochure states, “People appreciate the harmony between soft sponge and original custard cream. Hagi no Tsuki is very popular among young ladies in Tokyo and their most favorite souvenir from all over Japan.” Hagi no Tsuki quickly replaced Kamome no Tamago (literally seagull eggs), confectionary sugar cakes shaped like eggs that taste like dunkin donut munchkins, as our favorite snack.
The company is extremely well run and the owner and director gave us the grand tour. Aside from their specialty, they also produce 160 kinds of cake at the rate of over 100,000 pieces a day. I think we sampled most of the types; at 10:00 am in the morning we were treated to two kinds of mochi, three cakes, matcha tea, and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever consumed so much sugar in one setting. We also toured the tea ceremony room, where business meetings and brainstorming sessions are held; not sure how it would go over with the YA staff, but it’s a great idea.
Hago no Tsuki has a ten-day shelf life, so I’ll try to pick up a box at the airport before I leave so you can all sample this delicious food.