Every Friday, we feature a one-on-one Q&A with Japas, our resident curators: Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno—founders of Japas Cervejaria. They will share their personal reflections on culture, travel, and the everyday moments including their connection to Japan.
Q: From traditional wagashi to crepes and parfaits— any memorable sweets in Japan?
Maíra: Yes, I went to Kimuraya in Ginza because it shares my family name, Kimura. I had read that the founder, Yasubei Kimura, was a former samurai. I tried the Sakura Anpan, and the combination of sweet red bean paste and the salted sakura blossom was very good.
Yumi: I have fond memories of my brother taking me to try cream puff in Saitama, the little fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste, and a visit, if I’m not mistaken, to Gunma, where a car would drive by with a megaphone selling warabi mochi. It was a delicious kind of simplicity.
Fernanda: I don't have a sweet tooth so I save my calories for salty meals!