This is a series on stylish gifts chosen by Kyoto's chic people. The fourth installment features Seno Miyuki of the Yagenbori group, which operates 10 restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo, including a Kyoto kaiseki restaurant.

She studied abroad in Boston, USA, for high school and university. She has an unusual career history, having worked as the proprietress of the Akasaka branch of Yagenbori before moving to Morgan Stanley. After getting married, she returned to Tokyo and became a director of the group. This Kyoto woman, who commutes between Tokyo and Kyoto, recommends Fuka's Fumanju.

"In Tokyo, there aren't many opportunities to eat namafu (wheat gluten), so when I give Fuka's Fumanju as a gift, people are immediately surprised by its unique, bouncy texture," says Seno. Its smooth and moist appearance is pleasantly springy in the mouth, and it's chewy when you chew it. The namafu itself is kneaded with green laver, giving it a subtle seaweed aroma and flavor, enhancing its elegance.

"Many people have never tried namafu as a snack before, rather than as a meal. The smooth bean paste inside is not overly sweet, but is light and smooth. They're also surprised that it's made by a specialty namafu shop with over 200 years of history, rather than a traditional Japanese confectionery shop."

Seno-san also often uses fu manju as gifts for foreign visitors, saying, "The presentation of the manju wrapped in wet bamboo leaves is very Japanese and very moving." It can be refrigerated and lasts for three days, making it the perfect summer gift.

Fuka's Nishiki Market store is located at the corner of Nishiki-koji-dori Sakai-cho in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. Business hours are from 9:30 to 18:00 (until 17:30 on Wednesdays. Closed on Mondays (closed on the last Sunday of January to August). The main store is in front of the Kyoto Prefectural Office.