#Japan #Tokyo #Jiyugaoka #Hiroaki Tsujiguchi #Suijukuto

Reviving Jiyugaoka's Sweets Scene with Innovative Desserts

In a refreshing initiative to bring back the beloved sweets culture of Jiyugaoka, renowned pastry chef Hiroaki Tsujiguchi is leading a hands-on course at Sanno University, located in Setagaya, Tokyo. The project aims to promote the sweets of Jiyugaoka while creating collaborative desserts that utilize local fruits from across Japan. For the first phase of this project, students are excited to introduce their original sweet creation, the 'Verrine Suijukuto', developed in collaboration with Tsujiguchi's famous rolled cake shop, Jiyugaoka Roll Shop, and the Okayama-based fruit company, Karaku Co., which specializes in Suijukuto peaches. This delectable dessert will be available for a limited time from October 11 (Saturday) to October 13 (Monday, holiday).

The 'Jiyugaoka Sweets Promotion' Course

The 'Jiyugaoka Sweets Promotion' course, taught by internationally acclaimed pastry chef Hiroaki Tsujiguchi, revolves around the theme, 'Branding Jiyugaoka through Sweets'. In small teams, students are tasked with developing and implementing promotional plans. Observing that the rise of convenience store sweets has diminished the image of Jiyugaoka as a sweets destination, these students are keen to highlight the appeal of local fruits through their unique creations. With a vision to re-establish Jiyugaoka as a 'Sweets Town', they aim to showcase the rich offerings of fruit cultivators from various regions.

For this inaugural launch, the team has worked closely with Jiyugaoka Roll Shop, where Tsujiguchi brings his experience to create the 'Verrine Suijukuto'. This exciting dessert utilizes the unique Suijukuto peaches from Okayama Prefecture, known for their exceptional quality.

About the 'Verrine Suijukuto'

• - Price: ¥800 (including tax)

The 'Verrine Suijukuto' features a delightful combination of a yogurt panna cotta base layered with a fragrant jelly made from Suijukuto syrup and peach liqueur, 'Peach Tree'. Topped with freshly whipped cream, the dessert is finished with a luxurious layer of honey lemon jelly and diced Suijukuto peaches. The refreshing tartness of the yogurt and honey lemon beautifully complements the sweetness of the peaches, creating a dessert reminiscent of freshly harvested fruit, even past its prime.

About Jiyugaoka Roll Shop

Founded by Chef Hiroaki Tsujiguchi, who also owns the acclaimed patisserie, Mont Saint Clair, Jiyugaoka Roll Shop specializes exclusively in rolled cakes. Since its inception, Tsujiguchi has nurtured this dream since he was only 18 years old. In 2023, the shop embarked on a new chapter with a full renovation of its design, equipment, and product offerings. The focus remains on crafting baked goods with meticulously selected ingredients and methods, with each cake and baked item made by hand and displayed fresh in their showcase.

For more information, visit: Jiyugaoka Roll Shop

About 'Suijukuto' Peaches

The Suijukuto peaches used in the 'Verrine Suijukuto' are a product of Karaku Co., which has developed a unique 'Suijuku Method'. This technique infuses raw peaches into syrup, preserving their near-fresh texture and delicate sweetness, allowing fruits that are only in season for two weeks to be enjoyed year-round. This method took three years to perfect.

For further details, visit: Karaku Co.