It’s time to “fall” in love with autumn! At JAPAN RAIL CLUB, we are delighted to bring you the flavours of Japan’s autumn in this month’s “Autumn Breeze” Omiyage Snack Box. 

Of all the autumn-themed Japanese snacks we have in store this month, we decided to shine the spotlight on the Pporo Chocolat snacks from Hirosaki-based maker Ragueaneau Sasaki. We had a chat with Sales Representative Mr. Saito (齋藤) to find out more about Ragueneau Sasaki’s rich history and impact it has had on a region known for their apples.

Video by Ragueneau Sasaki | Edited by JAPAN RAIL CLUB

Hi, Saito-san! Can you tell us more about Ragueneau Sasaki, including when it was established and the story of its origins? 

Ragueneau Sasaki’s origins can be traced back to a small confectionery shop called Wagashi Sasaki, which was opened in Hyakushi-machi, Hirosaki City in 1884 (Meiji 17). 

Originally specialising in traditional Japanese confections, the shop turned to making Western confections as well, and that’s when "Ragueneau” was opened in 1958 (Showa 33). Later, in 1969 (Showa 44), the company was renamed Ragueneau Sasaki Ltd. (株式会社ラグノオささき), as it is known today. The name drew inspiration from a character in a renowned French play, a confectioner whose benevolent nature resonated with the company’s former president. 

Photo by Ragueneau Sasaki

That’s so interesting! Where is Ragueneau Sasaki located?

As a Japanese and Western confectionery shop, Ragueneau Sasaki is mainly located in supermarkets and shopping centres in the northern and northeastern regions of Japan. Our main shop is located in Hirosaki City, just about 5 minutes away from Hirosaki Station. 

We also distribute our products to roadside stations (道の駅 michi no eki) and service areas as souvenirs from the Tohoku Region. Most recently, we’re proud to share that our products can be found not just in the Tohoku Region, but also nationally and internationally (the USA, Taiwan, and Hong Kong).

Photo by Ragueneau Sasaki

Congratulations! What are some of Ragueneau Sasaki’s best-selling and unique products?

As a brand that is established in Hirosaki, some of our best-sellers are made with Aomori apples that are grown locally.

• Custard Cake Inochi (カスタードケーキいのち):
  Since its launch in 1986, this has been a long-selling product that has been well-loved by our customers. It is a gently flavoured custard cake with custard and seasonal ingredient fillings such as apples, wrapped in a fluffy sponge dough.
• Patissier’s Apple Stick (パティシエのりんごスティック):
  Like an apple pie on a stick, Aomori-grown apples are cut into large pieces and wrapped in a sponge dough. You can also both the crispy texture of the pie as well as the crunchy texture of the apple filling.
• Pporo Chocolat (ポロショコラ):
  A moist and rich chocolate cake baked with the company’s original method, using plenty of high-purity chocolate.

From L-R: Pporo Chocolat Japanese Black Tea and Pporo Chocolat Stick Raspberry | Photo by Ragueneau Sasaki

We are honoured to have two snacks from the Pporo Chocolat series in this November’s Omiyage Snack Box! Can you tell us more about them? 

• Pporo Chocolat Japanese Black Tea (ポロショコラ和紅茶):
  We use Chiran Japanese black tea powder produced from organic tea leaves in Minami-Kyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture in this snack. The delicate flavour of this Japanese black tea is further enhanced and uninterrupted by using white chocolate instead.
• Pporo Chocolat Stick Raspberry (ポロショコラスティックラズベリー):
  A chocolate cake that combines the rich flavour of chocolate with the sweet and tangy taste of raspberries. It’s a stick-type snack that is individually wrapped, making it a joy to eat.

Taste Ragueneau Sasaki's Pporo Chocolat snacks in "Autumn Breeze" Omiyage Snack Box when you subscribe to JAPAN RAIL CLUB this November!

Cafeteria in Ragueneau Sasaki’s Main Shop | Photo by Ragueneau Sasaki

In general, the Pporo Chocolat series’ original and unique process includes using an abundance of high-purity chocolate with a minimum of flour. By slow steaming and baking, the melt-in-your-mouth texture that is well-loved by our customers is achieved.

And the appeal of these snacks is that they can be consumed in a variety of ways. For instance, with minimal effort in the comforts of your home, such as lightly heating them up and adding fresh whipped cream, you can enjoy them as you would at a little cafe!

Photo by Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Bureau and Aomori Prefecture

That indeed sounds very lovely and yummy! Also, you mentioned that Ragueneau Sasaki is from Hirosaki City. Is there anything special about Hirosaki, other than being known as an “Apple Kingdom”?

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture has various events throughout the four seasons. In spring, there is the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) at the castle grounds, in summer the Hirosaki Neputa Festival (弘前ねぷたまつり), in fall the autumn leaves and apple harvest, and in winter the snow festival and winter sports. As you can tell, there are many attractions to be enjoyed throughout the year!

Photo by Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Bureau and Aomori Prefecture

Tell us more about the activities in autumn!

The apple harvest is at its peak as the harvest season arrives. The Hirosaki City Apple Harvest Festival is held at the Hirosaki City Apple Park (弘前市りんご公園), and there are many hands-on events such as apple-picking that allow visitors to experience Hirosaki City, the largest apple production area in Japan!

Photo by Ragueneau Sasaki

We’ll definitely want to check that out next autumn! Thank you so much for your time, Saito-san! Before we end, do you have any parting words for our overseas readers?

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is famous for apples, we also produce and sell a variety of other delicious confections, not only apple-flavoured ones. When you visit Aomori Prefecture, please stop by our shops!

From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station (about 3.5 hours) and transfer to the JR Ou Main Line for Hirosaki Station (about 40 minutes). Ragueneau Sasaki’s Main Shop is located 5 minutes away by car from the station.