What is "namagashi"

are a type of wagashi, which is a general term for snacks used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Namagashi may contain fruit jellies, other gelatines such as Kanten or sweetened bean paste. It is beautifully designed in detail using seasonal and natural motifs such as leaves and flowers to reflect the various objects of nature in Japan's four seasons. Namagashi are usually freshly made and contain 30% more moisture than other wagashi. Like other wagashi, namagashi are made of natural ingredients, additives are rarely used.