Ameshin, a candy craft shop in Asakusa, Tokyo. Be amazed by its thousand-year history and photogenic beauty

A traditional Japanese craft that has been passed down since the Edo period: candy making

It is said that candy crafts first spread to Japan during the Edo period. In the downtown area of Edo, "candy sellers" appeared who sold candy while demonstrating the process of expanding the starch syrup before it hardened, giving it shape, and coloring it. Gradually, candy crafts became popular with the general public as a "delicious and beautiful spectacle" at festivals and street performances.

Located a 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station, "Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin Hanaedo Store" has become a popular tourist spot in recent years as it allows visitors to see this traditional Japanese craft, candy work, up close.

Inside the store, you'll find a wide selection of beautiful and intricate candy crafts, made with expert skill, that look like glasswork. The transparent candy crafts that Ameshin is known for are a result of advanced techniques that have revolutionized the candy craft industry, where previously only white, translucent candy was available. You can also purchase goldfish and frog candy crafts that look as if they could come to life at any moment.

In addition, candy crafting classes are held from time to time in the back of the store. The class takes about 90 to 120 minutes. Elementary school students and younger can also participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Advance reservations are required, but depending on the reservation situation, you can also participate on the day, so it's a great way to try out the class in your free time while sightseeing in Tokyo.

"Rabbit" made using only Japanese scissors and bare hands

This time, we asked model Yukina Kiyohara to try her hand at candy sculpting. Her instructor is Takahiro Yamaji, a candy sculptor with two years of experience. He is also a candy sculptor who moved to Tokyo from Kagawa Prefecture after being captivated by the techniques of Ameshin's representative, Shinri Tezuka.

"The piece we'll be making today is a rabbit, which contains all the basic movements of candy sculpting. When we apprentice to a candy sculptor, the first thing we practice making is a rabbit. The candy that has been warmed and softened will return to room temperature and harden in about 2 to 3 minutes, so the key is to work quickly. Let's do our best!"

First, check out the video to see how to use Japanese scissors and how to make a rabbit. With the delicate fingers of the craftsman, a round piece of starch syrup the size of a golf ball is quickly shaped into the shape of a rabbit. It takes a craftsman about a year to master making a rabbit. It takes about five years to master making the transparent goldfish mentioned above. "It's so beautiful!" exclaims Kiyohara, impressed.

The key to making a cute rabbit is big ears and a tail.

Once you get the hang of it, it's time to put it into practice. You practice twice using brown practice candy, and then finally you go for the real thing with real white candy. The hot candy is taken out of the pot and cooled, and then the craftsman takes over while it's stuck on a stick.

"The key is to make a deep cut by placing the blade broadly against the candy. Cut in a straight line without wavering. Candy is warmer than body temperature, so try not to touch it too much. When shaping the candy, be gentle and careful so that it doesn't break."

We cut out the rabbit's charming features, the big ears, the front legs, the tail, and the back legs in that order. "It's quite hard and chewy. At first it's soft, like touching a warm rice bowl. But as I cut it, it gets harder and harder, and I get anxious about having to quickly shape it," says Kiyohara.

"The legs should look more like they're running, with a sense of leaping..." I thought as I touched them, but they snapped. It was clear to see how delicate the technique required to make a beautiful rabbit like the one made by a craftsman. I pulled myself together and the second time, I was given even more specific and detailed instructions on how to make it.

"The key to making a cute bunny is big ears and a round tail. By cutting the ears deep and large, they will balance out with the body and make for a sleek looking bunny. The center of the candy is not yet hardened, so cut it while pointing it downwards each time to avoid it going in one direction."

Taking into account the lessons learned from the first attempt, I tried again.

"The first time, the hind legs were already hard, but the second time, they were still soft. It looks like he was able to do it at a fast speed. I think he's improved a bit since last time."

Kiyohara gradually gets used to using the blade and a smile comes over his face.

The final product is a beautiful white starch syrup. Finally, it is colored and completed.

And the third time was the real thing. The transparent starch syrup was filled with air bubbles to turn it pure white, and then the start. "Wow, I'm nervous," said Kiyohara, but without hesitation, he boldly put the blade in.

"Okay, I did it! But it looks more like a dog than a rabbit (laughs). The craftsman's skill is amazing."

Finally, after making sure that the inside has hardened, color it with food coloring. You can freely arrange it with faces, dates, etc. Adding expressions makes it even cuter. It's worth the effort, and the joy is even greater.

Once you've finished, take a commemorative photo using the special background board. When you take it home, you can wrap it in a transparent bag or wrapping with a base that can also be used for display (for a fee) to make a souvenir. The expiration date is about one year. If you just want to display it, it will last about three years. However, since candy is sensitive to temperature and humidity, it will last longer if you store it in a cool place with a desiccant inside.

Experience the skilled techniques of our craftsmen

"It was my first time trying candy sculpting, and I was surprised at how difficult it was. After making it, I looked at the artisans' work again and was fascinated by their high level of skill and meticulous technique. I felt like I had learned about a new Japanese tradition. I'd like to bring my mother here next time," said Kiyohara.

Participants who have attended for the second time or more can also try their hand at making candy of dogs and cats. There are only a few places in Japan where you can experience candy crafting. Why not experience traditional Japanese techniques at Asakusa Ameshin after sightseeing at Sensoji Temple's Kaminarimon Gate or Tokyo Skytree?