Toshoan -
Anko Crafted for Modern Life
from Kyoto

Toshoan was founded in Kyoto as a specialty shop dedicated to Anko, Japanese sweet red bean paste. Our roots lie in "Miyako Seian," a renowned bean paste manufacturer established in 1953. While we were born from a traditional industry, our vision has always been unconventional.

In the past, Kyoto's traditional sweets were synonymous with formal tea ceremonies and kimonos. However, as Western confectioneries gained popularity, we asked ourselves: "Why not dress Anko in western clothes instead of a kimono?"

This idea sparked the birth of Toshoan. We started in 1988 as a concept shop offering various types of Anko, much like an ice cream parlor. Over time, we evolved from selling just the ingredients to creating innovative sweets that blend Anko with Western styles—such as Anko cheesecakes and cookies.

Our Philosophy:
Gluten-Free by Craft, Not by Trend

Our mission is to make Anko a more familiar part of daily life, bridging the gap between generations and cultures. We actively collaborate with diverse brands, including Blue Bottle Coffee and outdoor apparel companies, to introduce Anko to new audiences.

Uniquely, all our sweets are wheat-flour-free (gluten-free). Becoming a gluten-free brand was never our initial goal, it was simply the result of our obsession with Anko. Instead of flour, we often use "Nama-an" (raw bean paste) as the base for our dough, resulting in moist, rich textures that only Anko can provide.

The Art of Water

The ingredients for Anko are incredibly simple: Azuki beans, sugar, and water. Because of this simplicity, the quality of the water determines the quality of the paste — much like in sake brewing or Kyoto cuisine. We use high-quality natural groundwater drawn from the Suzuka mountain range. This soft, pure water allows our artisans to cook the beans perfectly, preserving the natural, robust flavor of the Azuki.

MIYAKO MONAKA - The Ultimate DIY Monaka Experience

Enjoy the crispy texture of a freshly made Monaka right at home. This set allows you to assemble the sweet yourself, ensuring the delicate wafer shell remains perfectly crisp until the moment you eat it.

Why you'll love it

1. Premium Ingredients: Features rich, flavorful "Erimo" Azuki beans from Hokkaido.

2. Generous Portions: Comes with two 35g packets of Anko—plenty for your Monaka, with enough left over to spread on your morning toast or enjoy with coffee.

3. Customizable: Includes Monaka shells, Anko, and Gyuhi (soft mochi) individually packaged.

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AN BUTTER (Sweet Red Bean Paste with Butter) - A Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Salty

Experience the smooth, addictive blend of fluffy Hokkaido Azuki bean paste and rich, creamy butter. We have developed a special method to ensure the butter and Anko stay perfectly blended without separating, giving you a consistent texture in every bite.

How to enjoy:
It is an absolute match for freshly toasted bread. The warmth of the toast melts the butter slightly, enhancing the sweet and salty balance.

Outdoor Friendly:
The lightweight and durable container makes it perfect for picnics or camping trips.

Texture:
Smooth, rich, and velvety.

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What is Anko? In Asia, boiling beans with sugar to make sweets is a common tradition, though it might seem unusual in Western cultures where beans are often savory. Think of Anko as a Japanese-style jam.

In Japan, Anko is deeply rooted in our food culture. We spread it on toast, pair it with Mochi (rice cake), or use it as a filling for various sweets. We invite you to taste this traditional Japanese flavor, reimagined for the modern palate by Toshoan.

Achievements

Award: Topawards Asia (Package Design winner)
Media: Featured in Gurunavi's "Reception Souvenirs" selection