Platinum Sponsor 2026 - Chicago Teahouse

Quiet Beauty: Exploring Traditional Japanese Sweets

$2500

A festival admission ticket is required to attend workshops, cupping sessions, and other events. All tickets for these activities are final, non-refundable, and cannot be canceled, returned, or exchanged. Thank you for your understanding.



Sunday, April 12 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Experience the magic of wabi-sabi through the stunning world of Wagashi. This class explores how subtle colors, simple shapes, and seasonal motifs in these sweets reflect mindfulness, elegance, and a deep connection to nature. This isn't just a class—it's an exploration of seasonal beauty told through edible art.

Watch a live demonstration of intricate nerikiri creations and discover the secrets behind these timeless Japanese sweets. Join us to find inspiration in the delicate harmony of nature and tradition

Speaker: Toshiko Sugii Steffes 

Toshiko Sugii Steffes is a certified WAGASHI master, specializing in traditional Japanese sweets that reflect the harmony of nature and changing seasons. Combining tradition with innovation, she creates bespoke designs, leads workshops, and shares her craft in the U.S. and Japan. In 2016, she published the first WAGASHI recipe book, expanding global appreciation for this delicate art.