Amezaiku are incredibly detailed sugar sculptures that are often (almost) too lovely to eat. The candy-sculpting craft began during the 8th century. The handmade Japanese candy is created by pulling and twisting melted sugar. Using their hands and other tools such as tweezers and scissors, the craftsman must work quickly to finish the sculpture before the sugar hardens. In the Edo era, watching an amezaiku artisan sculpt candy was popular street entertainment. Today, you can still find skilled artisans in areas such as Asakusa in Tokyo carrying on the tradition.
When I was a kid I made these little mint candy snowmen from scratch (following a recipe from American Girl Magazine) and my mom still has them in the fridge and showed 'em to me for the first time since (maybe) the 00s. I remember her favorite was the one with earmuffs. Most of their noses etc. have fallen off (and my mom says the one on the right with the hat's head had fallen off and she attempted to reattach it, hence the asymmetry). :> I joked that we should eat one and see what happens. :B // (c) Jenny Lam 2023
Basil is a medical student from Gaza who’s worked as a volunteer in Al-Shifa and Al-Aqsa hospitals. He needs help to evacuate his 6 siblings from Gaza. Basil wants to be able to follow his dreams, continue his studies and live a SAFE life with his family like we all deserve! Please help me share his message to evacuate his family from Gaza!