At present there are many kinds of Wagasi (traditional Japanese confections) such as Manju (sweet bun), Mochi (rice cake), Youkan (sweet bean jelly), Rakugan (dry confection of starch and sugar), etc. The types of foreign confections brought by missionaries included Togasi (Chinese sweets) introduced by Japanese envoys returning from Tang Dynasty China, Dim Sum (Chinese snacks) and Nanbangashi (a variety of sweets derived from Portuguese or Spanish recipes). Japanese people accepted these foreign confections, accepted their taste, and they became accepted as confections with exquisite tastes. Wagasi represented not only an artistic appearance but also the fragrance of incense and a smooth taste when eating. Furthermore, the symbolic names of Wagasi in conjunction with the tea ceremony made us aware of the passing seasons. Also, the use of An has been tried in development of Wagasi, and many originalities and ingenuities resulted for improving taste. An is the traditional foodstuff that embodies the characteristics of the beans perfectly. The relationship of Wagashi and An are as indispensable as two wheels of a cart and these form one part of Japanese original food culture.

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