Designed to resemble traditional uchiwa fans, these exquisite lollipops are amongst the prettiest sweets in Tokyo.
If there’s one impressive up-and-coming artisan to keep your eye on in Tokyo, it has to be 26-year-old Shinri Tezuka. Since opening his first store, Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, in the traditional district of Asakusa in 2013, he’s appeared on numerous television shows, conducted hundreds of workshops, taken on three apprentices, and opened a second store to wide acclaim at the base of Tokyo Skytree.
Tezuka’s skill involves sculpting candy into exquisite designs in a tradition called Amezaiku, which originated in the 8th century and became popular during the Edo period, when craftsmen peddled the sculpted sweets to commoners on the streets of Japan. Tezuka is keeping the traditional craft alive in the 21st century, with modern made-to-order designs featuring animals, shellfish and musical instruments, however, it’s his Japanese-themed creations that continue to blow everyone away.
▼ Intricate candy goldfish are the most popular items at both his Tokyo stores.
At the turn of each season, fans anxiously await Tezuka’s lineup of seasonal sweets, and this summer is no different, with thousands of followers instantly liking and retweeting the new summer range as soon as it was unveiled on Twitter. The five lollipops, released on June 1, are designed to resemble traditional uchiwa summer fans, with images on the surface that evoke the feeling of hot, humid days while providing cooling relief at the same time.
▼ Below, left to right: A red dragonfly darts around a cool stream; two swallows play in the shade; pink hydrangeas lap up the warmth of the sun; a trio of chidori plover birds, a well-known symbol of Pontocho in Kyoto, appear against an ocean spray; and morning glory flowers soak up the rays of the sun.
While the 2016 summer release is similar to last year’s lineup, only with the addition of the hydrangea design in place of a swimming carp, fans are still eager to get their hands on the new lollipops, heaping the artist with praise for creating such an impressive cooling effect with the uchiwa sweets. Available at both stores until the end of August, we can’t wait to see what his follow-up autumn range will bring!
To see the skill of the artisan at work, check out the short video clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFfOfeYoZ8I&feature=youtu.be
Shop Information
Ameshin / アメシン
Address: Tokyo-to, Taito-ku, Imado 1-4-3, 1st floor
東京都台東区今戸1-4-3 1F
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Closed Thursdays)
Website
Ameshin Tokyo Sky Tree Town Soramachi Branch
Address: Tokyo-to, Sumida-ku, Oshiage 1-1-2
Tokyo Sky Tree Town Soramachi 4F East Yard 11
東京都墨田区押上 一丁目一番二号
東京スカイツリータウン・ソラマチ4階 イーストヤード11番地
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website
Sources: Twitter/@candy_ameshin, Ameshin
Top Image: Twitter/@candy_ameshin