(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift with personality, Bau Mitsusaki has you covered with her masterful, and delicious, amezaiku candy art.

Mitsusaki molds glutinous starch dough of various colors to personalize lollipops to look like whomever or whatever you want. You can witness her impressive skills at festival booths around Japan and events overseas.

Recently, Mitsusaki had a booth at the Kawasaki Drinks Garden Festival outside JR Kawasaki Station where she recreated an illustration with candy art. Using a pair of scissors and small brush to paint features, she made 3D, edible versions of my coworker’s illustrated likeness.

Glancing over at my iPhone while molding, Mitsusaki chatted with me about her 10-year candy-making career and mentioned she teaches the craft to others. Mitsusaki also shares her traditional art of Japanese candy making on social media and at events in Las Vegas, Australia and Spain.

For Mitsusaki, amezaiku is a way to share Japanese culture with others while exploring her artistic side.

“I am captivated by the phantasmagoric art and the wonderful smiles of people who have sweet figures in hand,” she said.

In 10 minutes, Mitsusaki handed me the finished candy likeness of my editor. I couldn’t help but be amazed and impressed with the quality work. It is a kind of magic, for sure!

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

Custom candy art by Mistusaki range from 2,000 yen to 6,000 yen (about $14-42) but she also sells premade pieces starting at 500 yen. The artist posts about future events on her social media pages, so don’t miss an opportunity to have your own delicious doppelgänger!

Candy artist: Bau Mitsusaki 蜜咲ばぅ

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)