Matcha 101 and Wagashi Fundamentals - Shaping, Seasonal Expression and more!

Nihoncha x Murutomi Paris x Gusta
Special Wagashi Event
at Gusta Cooking Studio

As Toronto prepares for Nihoncha Matsuri (Japan Tea Festival), Gusta Cooking Studio is excited to host a Special Event with Paris-based Wagashi artisan Takanori Murata — a chance to learn directly from the visiting artisan in an intimate, hands-on format before his featured appearance at the festival. Not only that, you get to taste and learn how to prepare Matcha from the Japanese Tea Sommelier Momo Yoshida during the session.

### Who this is for

Culinary enthusiasts and pastry professionals interested in Wagashi fundamentals — especially shaping, seasonal expression, and pairing sweets with Japanese matcha tea — will find this Special Event both accessible and technically insightful.

### Registration

All tools and ingredients are provided. Seats are limited; registration is first-come, first-served, and your spot is confirmed once payment is received.
We look forward to welcoming you to this one-day Nihoncha × Murata × Gusta collaboration — where traditional Japanese confection meets the spirit of Japanese tea, right here in Toronto.

GUSTA COOKING STUDIO-Wagashi Event:
Nihoncha x Marutomi Paris x Gusta Cooking Studio Special Event — Gusta Cooking Studio

## Wagashi Artisan Takanori Murata

Born and raised in a wagashi family with over 60 years of history, Murata-san is a graduate of Tokyo Confectionery School. After formative training in Aichi and Kyoto, he moved to France in 2005, overseeing desserts at Aïda for three years. He subsequently returned to Japan to deepen his craft, while helping introduce wagashi across Europe through demonstrations and trainings. In 2011, he co-founded Waraku; in 2016, he launched MARUTOMI PARIS and supported the opening of Pâtisserie TOMO; by 2017, he had established a dedicated production lab serving Paris. These experiences inform his style rooted in classical technique.

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Session A: 10am – 2pm
Session B: 6pm – 10pm
Duration: 3–4 hours

Venue: Gusta Cooking Studio
Host: Momo Yoshida from Momotea
Guest Artisan: Takanori Murata from Marutomi Paris
Price: CAD $195 + HST/person

### What you’ll experience

• Holiday-themed Kinton — learn colour work, shaping, and fine detailing for a festive presentation.
• Baked Chestnut Manju — shape, wrap, and finish a seasonal classic with attention to texture and browning.
• Matcha Whisking with Momo Yoshida — conclude with a guided matcha session to understand balance, temperature, and service that complement Wagashi.