In the Mood for Asia. What Do the Japanese Sweets Taste Like?

          I've always been in love with Asia and everything oriental. Sometimes I even feel kind of Asian inside. Although there's no evident reason for that. It's just close to me...
          I admire the way Asian people look. How shining they are! Every time I see them in the street I can't look at them without fascination. Another thing I like about Asia is its unique culture. Asian countries are somewhat special for the rest of the world. And each of them is wonderful in its own way.
          Today, I'd like to talk about Japan. I've been planning to start learning the Japanese language for a very long time. I'll probably make up my mind someday, who knows. I think their written language is so beautiful! It's a masterpiece in itself.
          Also, I adore such things that, as nothing else, reflect the Japanese culture. One of those, for instance, is wind chimes. Glass wind chimes ("Furin") are mostly used in summer, when the weather's really hot. Their sound tells people that the wind's blowing. So, the chimes are the symbol of summer coolness. The Japanese also say that this sound clears the energy in your home. About two months ago I got a chance to listen to this miracle myself. My wind chime is hanging indoors. But I think the right place for them is somewhere in the garden — among the sounds of nature.
          The subject that takes a separate place in the Japanese culture is the Japanese cuisine. It seems amazing how it differs from the other ones and how it's been kept for so many years. Even when all the world uses forks and spoons, Japanese people still keep using their chopsticks. How interesting it is! Japan is also known for its healthy food because natural products are the basis of the traditional Japanese dishes.
          What I find especially interesting is the Japanese sweets. They are called "Wagashi". (The sweets which are made from rice are called "Mochi"). They are still an unresolved mystery to me. What do they taste like? Most people say that they are way too unusual to Europeans. The sweets are made from rice, beans and other healthy ingredients which we don't normally think appropriate as a dessert. Also, there's not so much sugar in wagashi, as we have in our ordinary sweets. But don't we eat too much of it? It depends on where we live, of course. At least, here in the Russian province it's pretty hard to find something neutral. That's why I've been dreaming of trying wagashi, especially mochi (the "Sakura Mochi" — the one with a pickled sakura leaf). But the thing is... it doesn't seem possible to buy it anywhere except in Japan. I mean the real traditional mochi. There is something similar — made in other Asian countries. But I'm not sure if it tastes the same. Has anyone tried to order Japanese desserts in the internet or maybe even tasted them in Japan? How was it?
          So, if Japanese people like their traditional desserts, I think I might like them too. In fact, I usually like what others don't. At least in this country. Apart from the health benefits of such desserts, these sweets are so pleasant to look at. Each of them is a handmade work of art. Just imagine how wonderful it would be to go to a cafe with your friend and have some wagashi with a cup of green tea! Health, beauty and the joy of communication — all rolled into one!