I wonder what little things kids want to buy with 100 yen. Kids must be super excited and jump into “Dagashi ya” with a small coin in their hands. “Dagashi-ya” are kids’-oriented snack shops. If I explain the word in detail, “Dagashi” is a general term for cheap and little snacks, and “ya” means shops. It is chock-full of fascinating snacks by the wall and from the ceiling. The sparkle in kids’ eyes is timeless when they pick their favorite ones out. “Dagashi-ya” is also a longing place for kids, and people gather around in a laid-back and nostalgic atmosphere anytime. I’m tempted to see and buy some snacks on a whim when I see “Dagashi” at just a glance.
What’s “Dagashi?” The history dates back to the Edo era. The sweets containing white sugar were served for high society. Meanwhile, the sweets containing cheap ingredients like brown sugar, beans, grains, millets, and so on were made and eaten by the general public, called “Dagashi.” Being cheap is overwhelmingly fascinating for kids. Just because these are cheap doesn’t mean that it doesn’t taste good.
Another attraction is that some of them have playfulness. You might have the chance of winning another one, or you can choose a small toy with a snack. I got a small piece of a winning ticket when I bought a 10-yen-chewing-gum for the shooting of this blog. I feel good and special, even though it’s a trivial matter and I’m an adult. In other words, you might be able to be excited twice. “A child in a sweet shop.” This figurative expression of this idiom has the same meaning as a literal meaning in this case.
at the same shop where you bought the first one the other day.
There are uncountable kinds of snacks that have not changed the taste of what was originally there since the Showa era. Growing up, I hardly go to “Dagashi ya” recently. When I went with my kids or had a kids’ event, I bought a large amount of “Dagashi” and tiny toys like balloons and bubbles as a prize at the shop or online. I feel that the sugariness of those “Dagashi ” is too much for me as I grew up. However, it has not changed that eating “Dagashi” from time to time feels nostalgic. I bet that’s especially why “Dagashi ya” has always become a comfortable and exciting place even now since my parents’ generation for all of us.
I haven’t seen “Dagashi ya” along the street so much recently. You can find one of the shops in malls, and some of the convenience stores have a small corner of “Dagashi.” Imagine the kids’ sparkling eyes as if they are in the wonderland. It’s the real world where kids can buy some snacks by themselves, having coins. In a sense, they might be able to take the first step to train going out into society from this small wonderland, “ Dagashi ya.”
What amazing Japanese convenience stores (Convini) are! Some age-old and recent popular ones are assorted in this corner. Why don’t you get “Dagashi,” which is not in the least inferior to the recent ones in Convinis? Lastly, I want to give you my recommendations, whose names are “Umaibou” placed at the bottom of the shelf in the picture above and “Young donuts” placed at the third from the bottom and middle.
Seeing is believing. Let’s give it a try! Thank you for visiting “Dagashi gallery” today.
I live in Tokyo and am working at a pre-school. I’m a nature lover and enjoy experiencing the characteristics of each season. In addition, I like taking care of plants. My strength is improving myself and being able to think in a positive way.
