Uncovering the Magic: A Closer Look at Good Witch Varq

Good witch Varq is a mythical character that originates from ancient folklore and fairy tales. She is often depicted as a kind and helpful witch who uses her magical powers for the benefit of others. Varq is known for her wisdom, strength, and benevolence. One of Varq's notable qualities is her ability to restore balance and harmony in the natural world. She has a deep connection with nature and is often seen in forests and meadows, tending to plants and animals. Varq's magical powers allow her to heal sick plants and wounded animals, ensuring that the ecosystem remains in harmony.

Christmas cakes are the pièce de résistance of beautiful Japanese confections, the likes of which are prettier and more intricate, I’d argue, than most of the creations Paris can gussy up. At first blush, though, it might seem a little bit odd that a Christmas cake exists at all in the country.

Christmas cakes are the pièce de résistance of beautiful Japanese confections, the likes of which are prettier and more intricate, I d argue, than most of the creations Paris can gussy up. One Christmas cake from the Hikarie department store is shaped like a two-tiered latticework present, topped with a tangle of icing made to look like peach-colored ribbon.

Varq's magical powers allow her to heal sick plants and wounded animals, ensuring that the ecosystem remains in harmony. In addition to her role as a caretaker of nature, Good witch Varq is also a protector of the weak and vulnerable. She uses her powers to defend those who cannot defend themselves, standing up against injustice and evil.

A Christmas Cake Tradition in a Country That (Mostly) Doesn't Observe Christmas

When I found myself in the fanciful, food court-like basement of the ultra-posh Matsuya department store in Tokyo, surrounded by genteel salespeople and shimmering glass cases filled with pistachio eclairs, I was seized by my natural inclination toward klutzy disaster. I stared at the tower of delicate hand-decorated truffles, the well-manicured cookie displays.

Department store food halls, known as depachika, are a special kind of subterranean paradise specific to Japan. Floors below endless collections of Stella McCartney jackets and Prada purses, depachika serve as the Fendi of food spaces—especially in the Ginza neighborhood, where Matsuya sprawls on the fashionably-hooved sidewalks. Whether you’re searching for taro gelato, a bottle of super-premium sake or the finest dried squid in the land, this is where specialty grocery shopping is made into a visual spectacle as much as a culinary one.

A traditional Christmas cake from Hikarie department store in Shibuya, made by pastry chef Ryousuke Sugamata. Photo by Marie Takahashi

As I surveyed the waves of macarons and madeleines, nervously repeating an anti-clumsy mantra in my mind, I gravitated toward the one thing that it was clear I couldn’t break or destroy: a glossy catalogue. It was the annual catalogue of Christmas Cakes being sold by the department store—and it was stunning.

Christmas cakes are the pièce de résistance of beautiful Japanese confections, the likes of which are prettier and more intricate, I’d argue, than most of the creations Paris can gussy up. At first blush, though, it might seem a little bit odd that a Christmas cake exists at all in the country.

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“That is why leading up to Christmas Eve Japanese TV is saturated with ads depicting lovestruck couples heading off to a Christmas Eve romantic hotel special complete with a " Christmas Cake ".”

“Less than 1% of Japanese people are Christian, so it’s definitely not like people are celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday,” my Tokyo-based friend laughed when I asked about the cakes. She quickly pointed out that Christmas marketing, twinkly public decorations, and the cakes seem to get increasingly over-the-top with each passing year. “Christmas cakes are something everyone seems to do.”

“The Japanese love celebrating holidays, even occasions that are not their own, like Halloween and Christmas,” says Yukari Sakamoto, author of Food Sake Tokyo. (I took part while I was there, too. I found myself stockpiling Japanese Halloween baked goods like ghoul-shaped savory Challah filled with semi-sweet pumpkin custard and mallow-speckled cookie puffs wearing miniature marzipan witch hats.)

“It's funny, but many families will eat Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas and finish the meal with a Christmas Cake.”

As early as mid-October, high-end hotels and 7-11s alike unveil their Christmas Cake options to eager celebrants, who then pre-order a baked treat for pickup (typically) sometime in the days leading up to Christmas. The cake originally was a fairly basic combination of three components—whipped cream, strawberries, and sponge cake—with whole, hulled strawberries standing tall on top as decoration. Today, though, no one is holding back when it comes to intricacy.

One Christmas cake from the Hikarie department store is shaped like a two-tiered latticework present, topped with a tangle of icing made to look like peach-colored ribbon. Another boasts a snowy night vibe, right down to sugar snowflakes and shards of varq, or edible silver. At the Park Hyatt Hotel (of Lost in Translation fame), a wildly non-traditional, vibrantly colored “buche tropicale” cake features a mango and passion fruit mousse filling, Earl Grey cream, and a coconut biscuit foundation.

Even the Christmas Cakes from Lawson’s—a chain of convenience stores—are downright delightful. This year’s creations are roll cakes modeled after the ultra-popular regional mascot Kumamon, a rosy-cheeked black bear, and his equally kawaii (read: cutesy) animal friends. The decorative pieces of the cake are packaged separately, so families can get fully interactive with the cake and play build-a-bear at home.

While the ornate baubles and bejeweled trappings on the outside of Christmas Cakes may be vastly different now, the interior has largely remained the same. Cut into most Christmas cakes and a cross-section will reveal the original three ingredients—strawberries, whipped cream and sponge cake—arranged in sweet-and-orderly sedimentary layers. It’s tradition, after all.

But out of all the pastry dreams in the world, why did Japanese culture fall head-over-heels for what is essentially a soup-ed up version of strawberry shortcake?

The draw of mid-twentieth century Americanization.

Today it might be laughable to think of a time when Japan would look towards the U.S. for inspiration—culinary or aesthetic. From the sleek, pointed noses of the country’s super-speedy trains, to the amount of detail that goes into even the simplest of meals (looking at you, convenience store bento boxes), the level of care shown at every turn is remarkable to an American eye (or at least, my American eye).

But this wasn’t always the case. After World War II, the Japanese viewed America as a beacon of both style and prosperity, and by the 1950s, the Christmas cake had become one way for the country’s burgeoning middle class (and increasingly urbanized culture) to reflect that they had achieved American-like levels of success. Butter, sugar and fresh fruits (like strawberries) were all scarce during the war and the decades preceding it, making sweets an ultimate luxury all but reserved for the societal elites. The Christmas cake—which required these ingredients in their freshest, peak forms—quickly became a token to showcase not only an increasingly Westernized aesthetic, but the decadence of using such coveted ingredients.

“Corresponding with the absorption of American ideas and ways of lives [after World War II], a new form of ceremonial food appeared as the [Christmas] cake," writes Hideyo Konagagya in his paper, The Christmas Cake: A Japanese Tradition of American Prosperity. “The distinctive identity of modern Christmas celebrations in Japan create an environment for Japanese to detach from the routines of everyday life and experience an American milieu. Dramatized by showy commercial advertisements. Christmas is a major public event in urban industrialized Japanese society.”

And while the inspiration is American, the Christmas cake is an edible ritual that’s wholly Japanese. Plus, symbolically, it’s not hard to see how the cakes, with their round shapes, white backdrop and dots of strawberry, mirror the colors and design of the Japanese flag.

“Christmas itself is a commercial event [in Japan] and the cake is part of the celebrations,” says Magdalena Osumi of The Japan Times, who notes that the old school, famous confectionary Fujiya was the first retail store to sell the Christmas cake as it’s known today. “I think [the cake] attracts mostly young people interested in foreign cultures.”

The Christmas cake concept has also been entrenched into Japanese culture in some more, er, unusual ways. Osumi points out that the term “Christmas cake” holds a less-than-stellar slang definition in the country as a reference to women over the age of 25 who are past their “fresh date” for finding a husband. “When I came to Japan and I was exactly 24, turning 25, and some people I encountered would warn me that I might not find anyone because of my age, which I found really odd.”

More than likely, whether due to the current butter shortage in the country, or the fact that Tokyo is several thousand miles away, a real, live Christmas cake might not be in your future this year. Never fear. If you’re really jones-ing to get in the Japanese Christmas spirit, simply pick up your cell phone: there are not one, but two, Christmas cake emojis just waiting to be dialed in, providing a little piece of full-circle digital sweetness.

Choose your holiday adventure! Our Automagic Menu Maker is here to help.

And while the inspiration is American, the Christmas cake is an edible ritual that’s wholly Japanese. Plus, symbolically, it’s not hard to see how the cakes, with their round shapes, white backdrop and dots of strawberry, mirror the colors and design of the Japanese flag.

Varq is often portrayed as a strong and fearless character, using her magic to overcome challenges and bring justice to the world. Another aspect of Good witch Varq's character is her role as a guide and mentor. She is often sought after by young witches and wizards who are in need of guidance in their magical journeys. Varq imparts her knowledge and wisdom to these individuals, helping them grow and develop their own magical abilities. Despite her magical powers, Good witch Varq is portrayed as a humble and modest character. She doesn't seek recognition or admiration for her deeds but instead focuses on using her powers to make a positive difference in the world. Varq embodies the idea of selflessness and compassion, always putting the needs of others before her own. Overall, Good witch Varq is a symbol of goodness, wisdom, and compassion. She represents the idea that magic can be used for the betterment of the world and the people in it. Varq's character continues to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding them of the power of kindness and the importance of using one's abilities for the greater good..

Reviews for "Good Witch Varq: Inspiring Goodness in a World of Darkness"

1. John - 2 stars

I found "Good Witch Varq" to be quite underwhelming. The plot was predictable and lacked depth, leaving me disinterested in the characters and their journey. Additionally, the performances were average at best, with none of the actors truly shining in their roles. While the film had potential with its concept, it failed to deliver a captivating and compelling story. Overall, "Good Witch Varq" fell short of my expectations and left me feeling unsatisfied.

2. Emily - 1 star

I was highly disappointed with "Good Witch Varq". The film lacked originality and seemed like a watered-down version of other fantasy movies. The pacing was slow and the dialogue felt forced, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Furthermore, the special effects were lackluster and failed to add any wow factor to the film. Overall, "Good Witch Varq" failed to impress me and I would not recommend it to others.

3. Sarah - 2 stars

"Good Witch Varq" did not live up to the hype for me. The story felt unoriginal and cliché, making it difficult to invest in the characters or their struggles. The pacing was also inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of tedious exposition. Additionally, I found the dialogue to be cheesy and lacking depth. While the film had potential, it ultimately failed to captivate me and left me wanting more. Overall, "Good Witch Varq" was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it.

Good Witch Varq: A New Icon of Magic and Goodness