Yoku Moku is a confectionery brand established in 1969. Since its establishment, this cookie brand from Aoyama, Tokyo, has been making sweets with the idea that "sweets are an indispensable part of our lives." The "Cigare," a cookie roll made with lots of butter, is one of Yoku Moku's most famous confections. Loved since its inception, its popularity has now spread around the world. Let's take a closer look at the Cigare's charm.

Butter, the key to the Cigare's delicious taste, is blended in just the right amount—to the point where one could not add more and still call it a confection—to achieve a rich flavor, crispy texture, and delicate mouth feel.

The Cigare's most distinctive feature is its shape. The more butter, the more delicate the dough becomes and the more difficult it is to bake, but the inspiration came from a painting called The Dessert of Wafers by a French artist in the first half of the 17th century. The work depicts a cylindrical confectionary rolled thinly like paper, and this is where the idea of rolling the dough into a cylindrical shape to reinforce it was born.

Many people may think of this cigare when they hear the name Yoku Moku.This is a popular product that Fa-So-La AKIHABARA also carries. Cigare 20pcs / tax-free price ¥1,600, 30pcs / tax-free price ¥2,400.

Flavor variations include the Cigare, which offers the most buttery flavor, the "Cigare au chocolat" filled with milk chocolate, and the extremely popular "Cigare au Matcha," which was released in 2017 as the first new product in 13 years and is only available in early summer. The limited-edition tins with a special design released for seasonal events are also heartwarmingly cute. Check out the limited-edition tins with unique Japanese designs available at various stores, including airports.

The packaging, inspired by the four seasons of Japan and lacquerware, is ideal for souvenirs. Limited to certain stores at airports and other locations. At Narita Airport, this is available at Fa-So-La GIFTSHOP South Wing. Cigare -Japanese Scenery- 20 pcs / ¥1,944(Tax-included)

If you have a chance, be sure to visit the Yoku Moku flagship store in Aoyama, Tokyo. In addition to the store, it has a lounge called Blue Brick Lounge. There, you can enjoy afternoon tea with classic cookies such as the Cigare as well as colorful seasonal cakes.

Aoyama main store with impressive blue tiles.

The terrace seats with a comfortable wooden deck.

A few minutes' walk from there is also the Yoku Moku Museum, where visitors can view some of the world's best Picasso works, mainly ceramic works collected by the Yoku Moku Group over more than 30 years, through various special exhibitions. Check the museum's website for more information, including its opening schedule.

Yoku Moku Museum. In addition to ceramic works, the museum also houses oil paintings, prints, and other Picasso works.

There is also a design tin with the main motif of a poster created by Picasso. This is a Yoku Moku Museum exclusive. Petit Cigare "Vallauris" package / ¥1,350 (Tax-included)

The Cigare is created with utmost care by Yoku Moku, a Japanese confectionery brand that continues to create connections between people through art and confectionery. When visiting Japan, why not bring home these baked confections to enjoy at home or as gifts for your loved ones?

■DATA YOKU MOKU AOYAMA Address: 5-3-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo TEL: 03-5485-3330（SHOP) 03-5485-3340（LOUNGE) Opening hours: 10:00-19:00 (Lounge L.O.18:30) Official website: https://www.yokumoku.co.jp/en/ *Please contact the store for information on holidays. YOKU MOKU MUSEUM Address: 6-15-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo TEL: 03-3486-8000 Hours: 10:00-17:00 *entry until 30 minutes before closing Admission fee: General: ￥1,200(tax included) Students:￥800(tax included) Elementary school students and younger: Free Official website:https://yokumokumuseum.com/

(Information as of November 2023)