At 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb exploded 500 meters above this spot. The monolith of black stone shows the hypocenter. The fierce blast wind, heat rays reaching several thousand degrees, and deadly radiation generated by the explosion reduced the city center to ruins. About one-third of Nagasaki City was destroyed and 150,000 people killed or injured, and it was said at the time that this area would be devoid of vegetation for 75 years. Now, the hypocenter remains as an international peace park and a symbol of the aspiration for world harmony.
[TOKYO] Fukusaya ç¦�ç ‚å±‹
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Fukusaya ç¦�ç ‚å±‹ is a historical cake shop famous for its Castella (カステラ Kasutera), a simple Japanese sponge cake made with sugar, flour, eggs, and syrup. Though it is now a specialty of Nagasaki, Castella originally came from Castile of Portugal, and was brought to Japan in the 16th century. Fukusaya has been baking divinely fluffy and moist Castella since 1624, and their website quite clearly explains how the cakes are baked. As impressive as the taste, on the other hand, is the packaging. Let’s go layer by layer…
Fukusaya Castella
First, a yellow wrapping paper that depicts the founding date of Fukusaya, the shop’s various locations, and its signature bat-shaped logo. In Chinese (which the Japanese also use in the form of Kanji), “bat (è� )” has the same pronunciation as “happiness/luck (ç¦�)” , which is why Fukusaya chose the bat as its store logo.
Outer packaging
Inside the yellow wrapping paper is a thin but sturdy yellow paper box, again with the bat logo.
2nd layer
Opening the paper box reveals a sealed washi paper-textured spun polyester sleeve with more bat logos.
2nd layer & 3rd layer
3rd layer
Opening the spun polyester wrap reveals a white waxed paper sleeve.
4th layer
A sweet fragrance fills the air as the wax paper sleeve is lifted, and voila! a beautiful cut of Castella is finally revealed.
A seal, and instructions on how to cut the cake
There are light indentations on the waxed paper sleeve, which are used as a cutting guide for portioning individual servings. This is just a guide, of course, and I happily ignored it as I sliced myself a huge cut.
The cake is covered by a release-paper
Finally, the cake itself
Fukusaya Castella is moist and fluffy, but more resilient than just a piece of fluffy cloud. It’s completely oil-free and perfectly sweet. With a cup of tea, this would make my perfect afternoon :)
Fluffy, moist, simple but divine
If you visit Japan, bring back a box or two for your own enjoyment or as gifts for family and friends. Check out their website for additional information on where the cakes can be purchased and the exact price for different cuts.
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