The word 透明 tōmei in Japanese means clear or transparent. It also happens to be the name of an artist whose "favorite color is clear." She is known for her clear confectionaries but she also makes art objects.

The videos on her YouTube channel 透明愛好家tomei not only feature recipes for her stunning transparent sweets, but are also created with such care and attention to detail that they're a true pleasure to experience.

Against a setting of white walls and surfaces, using only white and clear glass bowls, kettles, pots and kitchen equipment, with pristine bright light filtering in, she creates her translucent magic to the accompaniment of ASMR-quality sound and a soothing background of gentle music. Each video is a beautiful work of art, a soothing treat for the eyes and ears.

For example, in this video, she shows how to make a blue sky jelly cake with floating clouds:

"When I was little, I wanted to eat the sky and clouds, so I made my dream come true," confesses tomei.

Indeed, it's a delicate and elegant sweet that really looks as if you cut a slice out of a beautiful blue sky. The transparency of the jelly is even more striking when light shines through it.

The process of making it, from the shadows of the shimmering water to the sound of the spoon stirring, stimulates all five senses and draws you further into tomei's world.

It seems a shame to eat it, but if you cut a slice and put it on a glass plate, you'll probably find it irresistible. And if you follow her recipe, you'll be able to make it as well. Imagine how impressed your family and friends will be when you serve it!

Another video shows tomei making a sensational starry night jelly cake.

The theme of this dessert is "a conversation between morning and night." It's tomei's way of entertaining the fantasy of "seeing the night sky even on days when the sun is shining."

Thanks to her video skills and artistic sensibilities, even the boiling and bubbling of water, which we should be used to seeing, are elevated into the realm of art. Moreover, the way the clear water gradually turns blue makes it fascinating to watch.

The finished jelly cake is truly like a slice of starry night sky. When you light shines through, it gives you a mysterious feeling as if you are looking up at the sky from the depths of the ocean.

To enjoy more of tomei's creations, subscribe to her YouTube Channel, visit her official website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.


Exhibition

If you live in the Kyoto area, you can enjoy tomei's creations as part of a special exhibition called 『透明展』(literally "Transparent Exhibition") featuring other artists who specialize in clear and transparent works to be held from July 1st to August 31st, 2022 at the Usagi no Nedoko Gallery.

For example, tomei will be exhibiting (and perhaps also selling) her latest accessory, the Water Crown Ring, which you can see in the Exhibition poster below:

See the official website here for details.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.