From mochi ice cream to strawberry sandos, Japanese sweet treats are tickling UK tastebuds

These small, joyful indulgences are an antidote to life's uncertainties', food trend watchers say

If you said to a friend that you fancied Japanese food this weekend, they might be forgiven for thinking you meant sushi. But lately a new culinary export from Japan is catching up with fish and rice in the hearts and tastebuds of British foodies.

Soft, sweet and full of character, Japanese-style desserts - from mochi ice cream to matcha cookies - have been steadily gaining ground on UK shelves.