The Appetizing Food Encyclopedia of Japanese Illustrator Izumi
Lately, there’s been a certain obsession with cute street foods and “Ghibli food”.
It pops up all over social media except it’s hard to say if it’s a trend or not: after all, humans have built cultures and countries around gastronomy. Going out to the local restaurant to have dinner, talking about other people’s lives over brunch, ordering in, etc.; there are so many ways to enjoy food. One Japanese illustrator knows a way to indulge in her favorite dishes without over-exerting herself in the kitchen. Izumi, armed with her alcohol markers, embarks on an encyclopedic food-blogging journey through her Instagram art page.
Not much is known about Izumi - she keeps her personal life private, but her taste buds ready. The artist has a plethora of techniques to find inspiration: she likes to visit new cafes or get a well-deserved Starbucks drink but loves to try new restaurants, aiming for traditional sweets, french pastries, Japanese dinners, and more.
Her fans are always in for a treat, as she reviews her culinary adventures meticulously. Nothing escapes her pen, from seasonal harvests to snacks you can find at the nearby konbini.
Izumi’s illustrations are a perfect way to familiarize yourself with Japanese gastronomy, modern and traditional. She beautifully evokes the natural sweetness of Japanese sweet potato-based desserts, an uncommon delight in the West, or confections filled with sweet adzuki bean paste. Nippon holiday gastronomy is represented daintily, such as the array of mochi served during winter and spring, as well as all the essential street foods during the busy summer months.
These recollections of soul-tied memories pack a lot of nostalgia and admiration for food. Izumi has built herself a community of people who share her wonder for food, as well as skincare, fashion, and baking on the occasion.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
