Hiroshima Confectionary Expo

Every four years Japan holds a Confectionary Exposition to display the talents and creativity of sweet makers from around Japan. It's the Olympics of edible art. We were quite lucky that the event was being held in Hiroshima and at a time that fell within our tour here.

Who am I kidding? I would have traveled anywhere to attend the event. I love sweets. And anyone who watches competition events on the Food Network would appreciate the fantastic art displayed.

We picked a beautiful day and traveled to Hiroshima. First thing on the list was lunch. We grabbed two sandwiches and were surprised to find they were filled with mashed potatoes! Panko-crusted mashed potato patties, cabbage, lettuce, a bit of onion, and wasabi mayonnaise. Quite delicious!

The event is huge and is broken into multiple themed areas. Instead of baking in the sun, huge buildings were erected that provided a guided tour of all the treats. First up was viewing items from all over Japan.  

Hokkaido - out of food

Holiday Themed

A little about the Confectionary Expo:

In 1911, the inaugural expo was held under the title of the 1st Imperial Confectionary and Candy Fair. This year marks the first time the expo has been held in Hiroshima since the festival’s fourth installment (then known as the National Confectionary and Candy Fair), which was held in 1921.
At the event, visitors can feast their eyes on the beautiful confectionary artworks of well-known sweets makers. In addition, select confectionaries from all over Japan will be put on display at exhibitions as well as sold at various places within the venue. Outstanding works and products are given recognition in the form of awards such as the Honorary President Award and the Prime Minister Award (specially indicated on the packaging). Source.

Gum is a sweet! Bottom right has 'Lightening' gum. In case you ever wanted to know what lightening tastes like. It's quite a shock.

Hiroshima Sweets Ladies & Mascots

Each region of Japan uses different ingredients to make sweets. Common themes were red beans, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Chocolate wasn't a big feature - which disappointed me a bit, although doesn't surprise me.

After looking at tasty treats from all over the country, we wanted to eat something sweet. There were no free samples unfortunately. We smelled waffles and followed our noses to a crepe stand. Yummy!