• Shinri practises the craft of sculpting molten sugar into artistic creations
• Since starch syrup dries rapidly, he must model each piece in less than five minutes
• The craft of Amezaiku has existed in Tokyo since the 17th century

In Edo era Japan, mizuame starch syrup fuelled the rise of Amezaiku, a unique candy sculpting art. Street performers and merchants showcased the beauty of their creations at festivals, anchoring the artistic legitimacy and legacy of this unique craft. Born in 1989, Shinri Tezuka, self-taught in sugar sculpting, advocates for the fading art of Amezaiku. He founded his workshop, Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, to push the craft's boundaries with innovative shapes and large-scale sculptures for private commissions. Shinri can make large sculptures that are up to 60cm long. He uses colour moderately in order to highlight and harness the beauty of the material's natural transparency. In 2013, he opened a store, Ameshin Asakusa, in Tokyo's central area for traditional culinary related crafts. This is where Shinri is able to showcase his creativity, sell his sugar sculptures, and even hold workshops, all of which help keep the tradition of molten sugar sculpting alive.