This series introduces popular "gifts" selected by fashion brand press. This time, we look at Gallery Yugata's "Fukutawara," a souvenir given to guests at the "nano universe" exhibition.

Gallery Yugata, run by Kyoto's renowned inn, Tawaraya Ryokan, offers a selection of high-quality products related to food, clothing, and shelter, with a focus on original goods used in guest rooms. Apparently, these are served as "mushiyashinai" (a Kyoto word meaning "temporary sustenance to stave off hunger") after dinner and before bedtime.

Due to the climate, sugarcane grown in Sanuki does not flower, storing all nutrients in the stalk, which is said to concentrate its flavor and aroma. "Fukutawara" is made entirely from Honwasanbon sugar, which is meticulously refined by hand, without any added binders. "Made with 100% Wasanbon sugar, it has a crisp, refined taste without being cloyingly sweet. It melts smoothly in your mouth and is very soothing. I also like that it contains vitamins and minerals, which are good for your body," says Mayuko Takeyumi, a ladies' press at Nano Universe. The rice bag shape is, of course, named after the Tawara-ya inn. "The unadorned, simple yet high-quality feel is unique to Tawara-ya Ryokan, a Japanese inn renowned for its pinnacle of hospitality. It makes your everyday tea time even better," she says, highlighting the attention to detail typical of Nano Universe, which specializes in traditional selections. Gallery Yugata is located at 551 Ane Daito-cho, Anekoji Fuyacho Higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. Business hours are 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Closed the first and third Tuesdays of the month. A box of 24 "Fukutawara" is 630 yen. The white is plain, and the green is matcha flavor.