Have you ever seen those food samples displayed in Japanese restaurants and wondered how exactly they are made? I have. For years I have debated whether they are made out preserved edible ingredients, bits of plastic, or a combination of both. As it turns out, food replicas are entirely handcrafted and can cost thousands to produce.

Tokyo-based Nagao Sample, a company specializing in the making of food replicas has recently shared several videos outlining the process through which their craftsmen turn different plastic compounds into mouth-watering dishes. The sculpting process is painstaking and requires a great deal of skill -- just look at all those textures!

Like most artisans, Nagao craftsmen use photos and “live models” to create their pieces. In many cases, food samples are even custom-made to look exactly like the dishes served at a specific restaurant.

Japanese food replicas are exquisite enough to have been worthy of international recognition. Apparently miniature versions of them are also pretty popular souvenirs. Videos after the jump.

[Via Rocket News]