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DEC 20 2019

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

Asakusa, Tokyo, has flourished as a commercial center since the Edo period. Its prosperity was supported by artisans born in the downtown area. Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, a candy crafts specialty store, has become popular as a spot where you can experience the handiwork of such traditional artisans. Let us introduce the divine techniques and beauty of the candy crafts.

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.

画像1: 江戸時代から続く日本の伝統工芸・飴細工作り

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.

画像2: 江戸時代から続く日本の伝統工芸・飴細工作り
画像3: 江戸時代から続く日本の伝統工芸・飴細工作り

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.

画像4: 江戸時代から続く日本の伝統工芸・飴細工作り

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

画像1: 和バサミと素手だけで作り上げる「うさぎ」

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.

画像2: 和バサミと素手だけで作り上げる「うさぎ」

"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!"

画像3: 和バサミと素手だけで作り上げる「うさぎ」

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.

画像4: 和バサミと素手だけで作り上げる「うさぎ」

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."

画像1: かわいいうさぎを作るポイントは、大きな耳としっぽ

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.

画像2: かわいいうさぎを作るポイントは、大きな耳としっぽ

"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."

画像3: かわいいうさぎを作るポイントは、大きな耳としっぽ
画像4: かわいいうさぎを作るポイントは、大きな耳としっぽ

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.

画像5: かわいいうさぎを作るポイントは、大きな耳としっぽ
画像6: かわいいうさぎを作るポイントは、大きな耳としっぽ

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.

画像1: 本番は白く美しい水飴で。最後に色付けをして完成

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

画像2: 本番は白く美しい水飴で。最後に色付けをして完成
画像3: 本番は白く美しい水飴で。最後に色付けをして完成

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.

画像4: 本番は白く美しい水飴で。最後に色付けをして完成

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.

画像5: 本番は白く美しい水飴で。最後に色付けをして完成

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.

Image: Experience the skilled techniques of our craftsmen

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?

Asakusa Candy Crafts Ameshin Hanaedo Store
address1F Hori Building, 2-9-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0033
business hours10:30〜18:00
Contact on the day of the experience
Reservation Number
080-9373-0644
access7 minutes walk from Asakusa (Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, Tobu Line) (8 minutes walk from Kaminarimon)
Closed DayEvery Thursday (may be closed temporarily)
webhttp://www.ame-shin.com

The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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