Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2012

Back in Edo times a certain candy was produced by rolling colored dough up in such a way that the chopped discs each bore the same design—sushi-roll style. Back then the design used was typically of mythical superhuman boy Kintaro. Now, Kintaro-ame is undergoing a revival. One place you can see it prepared—and taste the product—is at Papabubble (17-2 Kamiyacho, Shibuya-ku; 1-15-13 Arai, Nakano-ku; www.papabubble.com), a worldwide candy store first launched in Barcelona in 2004. Let your nose lead the way inside the Shibuya, Nakano, or the new Bashamichi, Yokohama branches, where artisans will show their skills and give you a sugar rush during generous tasting sessions. Bags and jars of bonbons, lollypops, etc can be had from ¥450.