A talented man in Japan created a series of paper-made foods that captured the real essence of meals using colorful Washi paper. His works are incredibly lifelike that it takes the viewers a few seconds to realize that the appetizing pizza and sushi are actually inedible.
Casserole: Image credit @meganenoo
These creations are the works of Kazuhiko Nishitaki, a 75-year-old from Osaka, Japan. Kazuhiko started working on these paper sculptures of food at the age of 70 simply as a hobby, having a good laugh occasionally by leaving a lifelike sardine in the refrigerator for his wife or pranking his grandchild to hand over a fake sweet bun.
It was little more than just a side interest of him before his son, who was convinced his father had a special talent, opened a Twitter account @meganenooo to post photos of Kazuhiko’s works. His intuition was right - it did not take long before the unique and playful creations attracted tens of thousands of likes and more than 9,000 followers, preceded by several invitations to local exhibitions.
Kazuhiko's stash of Washi paper rolls and strips. Image credit @meganenoo
The primary material Kazuhiko uses is Washi paper of different colors and textures. He never paints or dyes his creations, but rather takes advantage of the colors of the paper and the gradation in it to make a tone. Along with Washi’s handcrafted feel and its slightly translucent look, the paper-made foods not only look realistic, but also incredibly appealing.
Matcha tiramisu. Did you see the wooden container is also made out of Washi paper? Image credit @meganenoo
In-flight meal Image credit @meganenoo
Canapés Image credit @meganenoo
Tea Image credit @meganenoo
Bread Image credit @meganenoo
Spring rolls Image credit @meganenoo
Bento box Image credit @meganenoo
Cream filled chocolate cookie sandwiches Image credit @meganenoo
Ooops! Cup Noodles Image credit @meganenoo
Watermelon slice Image credit @meganenoo
Box of chocolate Image credit @meganenoo
Cake Image credit @meganenoo
Chocolate ice cream Image credit @meganenoo
Sushi Image credit @meganenoo
Takoyaki. The pan is made out of Washi paper, as well! Image credit @meganenoo
Soup. I looked closely, but still don't understand how the artist made the mitsuba garnish look like floating atop the broth! Do you? Image credit @meganenoo
Yakitori on skewers Image credit @meganenoo
Kintsuba (sweet bean cake) Image credit @meganenoo
Chicken legs with roasted vegetables Image credit @meganenoo
Fried egg Image credit @meganenoo
Chocolate cake Image credit @meganenoo
Grapes in syrup Image credit @meganenoo
Grape jelly Image credit @meganenoo
Ice cream Image credit @meganenoo
Tempura Image credit @meganenoo
Kazuhiko is showing a great example that it’s never too late to start something new, no matter how old you are!
