(1). **Ancient times (before Nara and Heian periods)**
The origin of Japanese sweets dates back to ancient times.
At that time, fruits and nuts called 「果子（pronounced “Kashi”）」 were substituted for sweets.
This is the origin of the word 「菓子」(also pronounced “Kashi”).
Later, simple sweets such as baked rice cakes and dumplings began to be made using rice flour and wheat flour.
(2). **Asuka/Nara period (6th-8th century)**
Along with Buddhism, the culture of sweets was also introduced from China.
During this period, 「唐菓子」(lKaragashi, literally means Chinese sweets) introduced from the Tang Dynasty had an influence.
Karagashi are fried or steamed sweets made with rice flour, and were used by the Japanese nobility and at Buddhist events at the time.
(3). **Kamakura period (12th-14th century)**
During the Kamakura period, simple and simple sweets influenced by Zen Buddhism became popular, and mochi (rice cakes)
and dango (ball shaped rice cakes) became part of the diet of ordinary people.
Additionally, as the tea ceremony developed, the culture of sweets served at tea ceremonies also began to take root.
(4). **Muromachi/Azuchi-Momoyama period(14th-16th century)**
During this period, the development of Japanese sweets accelerated as 茶の湯（茶道）(Chanoyu (Sado) the tea ceremony) flourished.
The sweets served at tea parties were required to have a beautiful appearance and elegant taste, and the foundation for today’s Japanese sweets was laid.
In addition, 南蛮菓子 (Nanban Kashi (Western Sweets) such as “castella” and “bolo”were introduced from Portugal,
and had a great influence on the technique and taste of Japanese sweets.
(5). **Edo period (17th-19th century)**
During the Edo period, Japanese sweets culture further developed.
During this period, white sugar became widely used, and sweet Japanese sweets became popular among the common people.
In particular, elaborate Japanese sweets such as 「練り切り」(Nerikiri, literally meaning ”made by kneading”)literally, made by kneading))
or 「羊羹」(Yokan, red bean jelly) developed, and many artistic sweets that expressed seasonal features began to be made.
In addition, unique regional Japanese sweets have been created all over the country and are still passed down as traditions.
(6). **Modern days**
Modern Japanese sweets preserve tradition while incorporating influences from Western sweets.
The number of creative Japanese sweets that incorporate new materials and techniques while valuing the seasonality and aesthetic beauty is increasing.
Japanese sweets are still loved by many people, not only during tea ceremonies, but also as something that can be enjoyed on a daily basis.
Japanese sweets have developed while being influenced by China and connected to the tea ceremony and the four seasons of Japan.
Today, tradition and innovation coexist as part of the culture that reflects Japan’s aesthetic sensibilities.
