Nigatsudo in the elegant rain Shunikai no otaimatsu (torchlight) and Ryoben camellia wagashi (Japanese sweets)

Omizutori, a Shunie ceremony at Todaiji Temple that is said to herald the arrival of spring in Nara, has begun.

This traditional event has continued uninterrupted since 752, the same year as the opening of the Great Buddha, and is now in its 1,273rd year.

This year again, despite being drenched with rain, I was able to visit the Nigatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple during the day and at night.

I was also looking forward to the vivid appearance of the fresh confectionery “Ryoben Tsubaki,” which can only be enjoyed at this time of the year.

I had tasted various other “Kaisan Ryoben Tsubaki” made by “Tsuruya Tokumitsu,” but the yellowish red bean paste at the core of the flower melted in my mouth so fast that it was exquisite.

Moreover, the sweetness is restrained and elegant…

The box and wrapping paper are both lovely, and the taste is my favorite…

The name of the confectionery is “Rouben,” which is the name of a monk.

He was the first Betsudo (chief priest) of Todaiji Temple. The name comes from the camellia in front of the Kaisando (closed to the public) where his statue is enshrined, which is a glue spill.

Now you can watch it live on Nico Nico Douga, so please watch it during the period (from ~ 3/14) around 19:00 or so.

Thanks to the efforts of an old journalist friend of mine who explained the whole day in the cold…

Thank you very much!