DIY Japanese Candy Kits

by 15 Comments

Japanese candy seems exotic and exciting to most of the rest of the world; between the novelty flavors, seasonal varieties, and unique packaging, Japanese candy really intrigues people.

One type of candy in particular that seems to always grab people’s attention is the do-it-yourself candy kits. With little more than the included ingredients, water, and a little patience, these candy kits transform from packets of powder and bags of putty into miniaturized versions of gourmet dishes.

The YouTube channel RRcherrypie has created an incredible number of videos showing viewers how to assemble these strange and interesting candy kits.

The appeal of RRcherrypie is not only does the channel introduce me to these novelty, do-it-yourself candy kits that aren’t really known in the West, but it’s also clear that the people behind RRcherrypie take a lot of care in what they do.

The attention given and the precision that these people take to assemble these candy kits is astounding. While most people would write off these candy kits as playthings for children, RRcherrypie treats these kits as if they were a craft. Many people find the deliberation found in RRcherrypie videos soothing and relaxing.

The identity of the people behind RRcherrypie is surprisingly mysterious. RRcherrypie’s official website states, in somewhat broken English, that RRcherrypie is a group of 3 or more people. We don’t tell you each individual person’s profile, because the imposter tries to pretend to be us. And the members would change often because we have a job.

The idea that a group of people got together to form an anonymous, candy-making collective is a little silly, but it’s endearing to me.

For more, check out RRcherrypie’s YouTube channel and official website.

  • asdf

    And I blame Tofugu, for ruining my diet!

  • 古戸ヱリカ

    Phase 2 is introducing expensive Tofugu diet candy.

  • http://zoomingjapan.com/ zoomingjapan

    I’ve never really been interested in those very much.
    I know that kids love them.
    But it’s always interesting to see how much weird stuff there is, isn’t it? ;)

  • DAVIDPD

    EmmyMadeInJapan and Ochikeron are also sources for watching people make candy and other mini foods. Personally, I think they are interesting, but ultimately kind of dumb. You spend so much time making facsimiles of the real thing and then you’re supposed to eat them?

  • N_1

    That kind of transience is a pretty big part of Japanese culture. I know that’s a sweeping statement, but you see it in a lot of places. Cherry blossoms are seen as beautiful in part because of the short time that they bloom for; decorative Bento box lunches often take hours for people to make, yet get eaten in a matter of minutes. It’s a phenomenon you can see in Japan and a lot of other east asian countries as well.

  • Datte baru

    I saw all of his videos

  • Komodovaran

    The satisfaction doesn’t lie in the end product, but in the process of making it. :)

    Mini foods aren’t made to relieve hunger.

  • 古戸ヱリカ

    If 進撃の巨人 has taught me anything, it’s that, in the end, everyone gets eaten.

  • Joel Alexander

    > “Many people find the deliberation found in RRcherrypie videos soothing and relaxing.”

    I’d have to say, I completely agree with this line. That said, some of the chemical reactions taking place are kinda disturbing.

    And that first one… how does that even work? =P

  • sssaaannndddyyyy

    The history on it is pretty cool, and I remember seeing the sushi kit and being sort of in-awe by it. I ended up trying it – and it’s SWEET. Not like “aw yeah, cool!” (though it was pretty cool), but more like “holy shit even shoving sugar in my mouth isn’t this sweet”.

  • irmoony

    I like how the guy/gal even has a miniature kitchen set.
    While watching it’s also extremely easy to forget these are actually edible. And that no, they aren’t going to taste like rice/sushi/curry/noodles/whatever. I feel like I would really enjoy making these, but eating… not so much.

  • http://twitter.com/karmillina Senpai Magica

    This must be one of my favorite Youtube channels.

  • boomfantasticbaby

    SCIENCE!!!!

  • Hinoema

    After a hugely stressful week, I needed this. Thanks!

    I will be hugely disappointed if that candy curry isn’t peanut butter flavored.

  • noisyninja

    I just tried the sushi one…it’s actually kind of tasty! Weirdly enough it made me crave rice….