These adorable traditional Japanese confectionery bird magnets are not all Torimomo-san has to offer!
鳥和菓子マグネット。
— 十里百@デザフェス南館4階Qー347、348 (@torimomotorino3) March 29, 2023
隙間を開けて乾燥させないとくっついてぐちゃっとなるので少ししか作れなくてまだ一つずつしか作れてないけどこんな感じ！
マグネットを埋め込んでいるので丸っこくなる！#マグネット pic.twitter.com/JGPmcj2qEI
These imitation Japanese traditional sweets are shaped into various bird specieses. Not only are they brightly coloured, each of them has a different expression - some happy, some sleepy. Their round cuddly shapes are because of the magnets embedded inside the clay.
In case you didn’t know, Japanese traditional sweets are called 和菓子 (wagashi). Their taste, down to their appearances, differs greatly from Western sweets. Tiny imitation wagashi as accessories, like earrings, keychains, bracelets, make for incredibly cute and unique to Japan souvenirs and gifts.
Below, we introduce one such artisan who has been crafting imitation wagashi since 2009.
Former Wagashi Craftsman Now Makes Imitation Wagashi
十里百 Torimomo-san (@torimomotorino3) started the business of making imitation wagashi in 2009. The techniques used to make the imitation wagashi is the same used to make real Wagashi, which explains how they look so good and similar to the real thing.
Look at how the clay wagashi is made in this reel.
As a former Japanese confectionery craftsman, Torimomo-san also designs original designs of wagashi, the most popular being the 鳥和菓子 (Japanese Confectionary Birds) series. Look how adorable they are! And so many! Parakeets, different types of parrots, quail, chicken, sparrow, pigeons, owls, etc. their different poses and expressions adds to their loveliness.
Japanese Confectionery Birds are available to order on Torimomo’s Creema store. He has also recently made a Pinkoi account so that those overseas have access to products too.
Writer's Pick
Not Just Birds, Other Magnets & Accessories
In addition to the popular Japanese Confectionary Bird series, Torimomo-san has also designed a large collection of Japanese Confectionary Flowers with the concept of birthday flowers. Torimomo-san’s already incredible portfolio also includes other eccentric designs.
Let’s have a look at them below.
Sea Creatures, What Will They Be Made Into?
The most adorable: Flapjack Octopus!!
Torimomo-san’s newest 海和菓子 (Japanese Confectionery Sea) series features a collection of sea creatures including sea horse, squid, sunfish, eel, and a flapjack octopus.
The series was made in preparation for an upcoming Design Festival, and have yet to be made into actual accessories yet. There is a sense of excitement in wondering what they will turn out to be.
海和菓子15個できたー！
— 十里百@デザフェス南館4階Qー347、348 (@torimomotorino3) May 8, 2023
デザフェス準備のため粘土作業一旦終わり。
デザフェスにも持って行く予定です。
ブローチがいいかな。 pic.twitter.com/ekqqNpZrUW
Youkai, Spooky or Cute?
Youkai are supposed to be scary, but aren’t they too cute?!
The 妖怪和菓子 (Japanese Confectionery Youkai) series features youkai of course. The collection includes various types of youkai including Two Tailed Cat Nekomata, Nine-Tailed Fox Kyuubi, Oni, Kappa, Lantern Ghost, and more.
妖怪和菓子達をこちらの深川お化け縁日さんに委託で初出展させていただきます。
— 十里百@デザフェス南館4階Qー347、348 (@torimomotorino3) April 27, 2023
根付と帯飾りで妖怪の種類は
小玉鼠、猫又、九尾の狐、虎小石、鬼、ヨゲンノトリ、かまいたち、天狗、カッパ、くだん、あかへる、提灯お化け、さがり、アマビエ
よろしくお願いいたしますm(__)m#深川お化け縁日 https://t.co/1cF7Lb6wDP pic.twitter.com/EQrvmyVFTB
Birthday Flowers, What’s yours? What does it mean?
What's your birthday flower?
発送した誕生花オーダー達。
— 十里百@デザフェス南館4階Qー347、348 (@torimomotorino3) January 16, 2023
マグネットやマスクチャームやピアスなどサイトに掲載していない物もチェックしただけて嬉しい(*'▽') pic.twitter.com/lkdwh0veV0
How many days are there in a year? 365, or 366 in a leap year. That’s the number of original designs Torimomo-san has made for the 誕生花和菓子 (Japanese Confectionery Birthday Flower) series that kicked off in 2011.
Each flower has its own meaning in the language of flowers, aka 花言葉 (hana kotoba). Torimomo-san posts the name and meaning of each flower on their Instagram account
Japanese Confectionery Birthday Flowers are available on Torimomo’s the Base Store.
Seasonal Wagashi
Cute and lovely.
Sticking to their roots, Torimomo-san also makes various accessories and magnets of regular Wagashi. Nerikiri, yokan, anmitsu, konpeito, and more, so many types of wagashi to discover.
#これでフォロワーさん増えました
— 十里百@デザフェス南館4階Qー347、348 (@torimomotorino3) April 1, 2023
これかな。#ハンドメイド界隈のテンション上げてく為に自分のイチオシ作品画像を貼ろう
と言うタグで元和菓子職人が作ってます的な事を書いたら沢山の方にフォローしていただけました！ pic.twitter.com/ny5WCYT9Fa
To Close
Torimomo-san’s skill in making wagashi and creativity in designing them has truly impressed and amazed me. Follow the Instagram and Twitter accounts to discover past and current projects.
Make sure to check out the Official Website and Pinkoi store if you’re interested in getting some for yourself.
Photos provided courtesy of 十里百 Torimomo (Twitter, Instagram, Youtube)
