Related Item：Nagatoya Yokan Fantasia/Fly Me to The Moon – GOOD DESIGN STORE TOKYO
- Overview of the Patent Drawing
- Patent Insight 1: Dynamic Patterns Revealed by Slicing
- Patent Insight 2: Layered Structure for Consistent Shape and Image Clarity
- Patent Insight 3: Ribbed Outer Shell for Elegance and Protection
- Patent Attorney’s Thoughts
- Keywords
- Application of the Technology: Temporal Layered Matter and Narrative-Revealing Consumption Interfaces
Overview of the Patent Drawing
The patent drawing depicts a multi-layered Yokan (traditional Japanese sweet) named “Fly Me to the Moon”, featuring a unique design where cutting the yokan at different positions reveals varying patterns.
The yokan (1) consists of multiple layers (2A, 2B, 2C) and fillings (3A, 3B), encased in an outer shell (2) with a ribbed surface (5).
The most striking feature of this yokan is that it displays dynamic imagery, such as a bird in flight or the changing phases of the moon, depending on the cross-sectional slice. This innovation transforms a simple sweet into an artistic and interactive experience.
Patent Insight 1: Dynamic Patterns Revealed by Slicing
The key characteristic of this yokan is its ability to reveal different patterns when sliced.
Depending on where the cut is made, patterns such as a bird spreading its wings (3A) or the shifting phases of the moon (3B) become visible.
This dynamic visual presentation adds an interactive element to the sweet, making it more than just a dessert—it becomes a form of edible art.
The carefully arranged internal layers (2A, 2B, 2C) and fillings are precisely designed to create these changing images, requiring meticulous craftsmanship.
Patent Insight 2: Layered Structure for Consistent Shape and Image Clarity
The yokan’s multi-layered structure ensures that the patterns remain consistent and visually clear across each slice.
The layers (2A, 2B, 2C) are carefully constructed to form distinct sections, ensuring that the images, such as the bird or the moon, maintain their intended shapes regardless of the slicing angle.
This precise layering not only guarantees aesthetic consistency but also enhances the eating experience by providing varied textures and flavors in each bite.
Patent Insight 3: Ribbed Outer Shell for Elegance and Protection
The ribbed or striped design of the outer shell (5) adds a touch of sophistication while serving a practical purpose by protecting the intricate internal layers.
This design ensures that the yokan retains its shape during handling and slicing. Additionally, the ribbed exterior enhances its visual appeal, making it suitable as a high-end gift or centerpiece for special occasions.
The contrast between the smooth internal patterns and the textured outer shell further elevates its artistic presentation.
Patent Attorney’s Thoughts
This yokan is truly captivating — it feels like a blend of traditional Japanese confectionery craftsmanship and modern artistic creativity.
The concept of slicing to reveal changing patterns, such as a bird mid-flight or the evolving phases of the moon, is both playful and elegant.
I can picture the delight of slicing into the yokan and discovering a new image with each cut.
The name “Fly Me to the Moon” perfectly captures the whimsical nature of this sweet, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure.
This is more than a dessert — it’s a multi-sensory experience that combines taste, texture, and visual storytelling in a way that feels truly special.
Keywords
Fly Me to the Moon, layered yokan, changing patterns, bird in flight, moon phases, artistic Japanese sweets, edible art, luxury yokan
Application of the Technology: Temporal Layered Matter and Narrative-Revealing Consumption Interfaces
Original Key Points of the Invention
- A multi-layered yokan (Japanese jelly dessert) whose internal patterns change as it is sliced.
- Each layer contributes to a different visual motif, creating sequential imagery.
- The design integrates food structure with artistic storytelling.
- Consumption itself reveals hidden patterns over time.
Abstracted Concepts
- Embedding time-based narrative into layered material structures.
- Designing objects whose meaning unfolds through gradual removal or interaction.
- Using physical stratification to encode multiple states or messages.
- Turning consumption into a discovery-driven interface.
Transposition Target
- Layered matter interfaces where objects—food, materials, or artifacts—reveal evolving narratives, data, or emotional cues as they are used, worn, or consumed.
Concrete Realization
Imagine everyday objects built as narrative strata.
A notebook whose pages reveal different philosophies as you write deeper.
A candle whose flame exposes constellations layer by layer as it burns.
A bar of soap that uncovers a hidden map of memories over weeks of use.
In public spaces, layered tiles slowly reveal community stories as foot traffic wears them down.
In personal life, consumption becomes a dialogue with time—
each action unveiling the next chapter.
The yokan evolves into a temporal storytelling medium,
where matter itself carries a sequence, and use becomes the act of reading.
This article was presented at “Intellectual Property Lightning Talks #27 Extended Online Edition 2025 Winter.“- Patentsalon.com
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