While "emoji" has become part of the global lexicon, it's originally a Japanese word -- 絵文字 (emoji, meaning "picture word"), and has same meaning that it has come to have in English -- a pictorial symbol or picture text. The expressive yellow faces often communicate what words alone won't, and they also have the perfect look and shape for mochi rice cakes.
At least, Kokonoe Honpo Tamazawa, a traditional Japanese sweets maker founded in 1675 has concluded. The renowned confectionery store with a 346 year history is combining Japan's favorite expressive symbols with their favorite traditional sweet to make "Emochi."
Kokonoe Honpo Tamazawa's new Emochi are part of their wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) Project, an initiative to promote and revitalize interest in Japanese confectionery by combining modern appeal with the innovative sweets crafting techniques they've pioneered for over 300 years. Emochi are sweet Japanese rice cakes that reproduce classic emoji faces that can be mixed and sent to family and friends for special occasions.
The project also links how emoji are used to communicate feelings through text as mochi is often used to express gratitude as part of Japan's gift-giving culture. The name is a combination of emoji, kimochi (feelings) and of course, mochi. Each Emochi is handcrafted by the skilled artisans at Kokonoe Honpo Tamazawa, and available in 10 variations with rich expressions in three flavors: white bean paste, yuzu bean paste, and miso bean paste.
Laughing (1), big laugh (2), heart eyes (5), and side-tongue (6) are available with white bean paste filling, blushing smiley face (3), kissy face (4), and sad-worried face (8) with yuzu bean paste filling, and sticking-tongue-out (7), surprise face (9), and mask (10) with miso bean paste.
Emochi sets also come with emoji and phrase stickers for the occasion, whether it be weddings, birthdays, get well soon messages, or even an attempt at reconciliation.
Emochi are available for order in Japan, and come in customizable sets of three, recommended sets of three, or a complete collection of 10 emoji faces.
Read more stories from grape Japan.
-- Bread artist continues to delight with creations contrasting cute bear heads and buff bodies
-- Japanese confectioner’s Father’s Day cakes are perfect mix of dad stereotypes and tasty desserts
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4 Comments
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starpunk
It's like the old TV ad said - you can bake someone happy. Add some sunshine to kids of all ages from 1 - 110.
Mr Kipling
Even I have to admit... I would have been proud to come up with such an exceedingly good idea.
Strangerland
Smart marketing idea! Creative and entertaining as well. And it comes with free advertising due to the media, and the hits it will get from people who want to leave angry comments about how offended they are people would want to enjoy something.
dbsaiya
Luv it, great idea!