Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine x Mutsumi Kageyama x Suzukake: A Collaboration of Three Fukuoka-Based Entities

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, built on the site of Sugawara no Michizane's grave, where his spirit is eternally enshrined. Revered as a "deity of scholarship, sincerity, and warding off evil," it attracts approximately 8 million visitors annually. As the head shrine of the approximately 12,000 Tenjin shrines nationwide, its grounds, adorned with about 6,000 plum trees, including the sacred plum tree, are also famous as one of Japan's premier plum blossom viewing spots. Based on a design by ceramic artist and artist Mutsumi Kageyama, depicting the plum blossoms, the long-established wagashi (Japanese confectionery) shop Suzukake, with over 90 years of history in Hakata, has crafted an elegant confection. The common thread of "Fukuoka" is central to the background of this confection, named "Ume to Uguisu."



Mutsumi Kageyama, who created the design, is a ceramic artist and artist born in Fukuoka Prefecture. She creates ceramics, fabrics, and prints in her studio in Fukuoka City. In recent years, her popularity has extended beyond Japan, with exhibitions held in Los Angeles, Taipei, and London, expanding her fanbase worldwide. She also provides designs for domestic and international brands, and her activities are diverse, including participation in international art projects and mural creation.

Suzukake, also from Kyushu and boasting over 90 years of history in Hakata, is the shop that transformed Kageyama's designs into confections. Guided by the teachings of its founder, Saburo Nakaoka, who was recognized as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman," Suzukake excels in flavors and techniques derived from carefully selected natural ingredients. It is a renowned wagashi shop loved by all ages for its modern designs and presentations. Today, it is widely known as a delightful souvenir from Fukuoka.

The "Ume to Uguisu" confection, crafted by the long-established wagashi shop Suzukake, uses fine-grained, powdery Japanese sugar (wasanbon) and is characterized by its smooth, elegant sweetness. The wooden box packaging, wrapped in Japanese paper stamped with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine's emblem, makes it a delightful gift. Inside are five pieces, featuring four types of plum blossoms and nightingales. Cinnamon and mugwort, spices associated with Dazaifu's history, are kneaded into the confection. It is also notably larger than typical confections to showcase Kageyama's design. The artisans have meticulously recreated the fine petal details and the nightingale's expression by hand, based on the original design.



These confections are recommended not only as a treat with Japanese tea but also with coffee, black tea, or even as an amuse-bouche with wine or champagne. They would make a special gift for the year-end and New Year holidays. This is a special sale exclusive to this occasion in Tokyo, so don't miss out.

Ume to Uguisu
Price | 1300 yen (excluding tax)