Japan House: 'Looks delicious! Exploring Japan's food replica culture' exhibition

Japan House, on Kensington High Street, is the cultural home of Japan, in London. Set across three floors Japan House offers a glimpse into the culture and history of Japan, with a shop, restaurant and an exhibition space.

The current exhibition concerns the history and manufacturing of food replicas, that can be seen in the windows of tea rooms and restaurants, across the 47 prefectures of Japan.

Each replica is highly detailed and, although its manufacture has changed throughout the years, looks realistic, in thanks to the craftsperson that create these masterpieces.

The original replicas were made from hot coloured wax, which were cast from agar moulds and then painted. 

With the growing demand for food replicas, in the 1970s, PVC was used instead of wax, which allowed for greater detail and durability, but the manufacturing process remained the same.

Once the replica has been hardened in an oven, it is removed from its mould and an airbrush is used to colour the it, while brushed are used for the finer detailing.

On entering the exhibition a panel introduces you to the art and history of food replicas, before a table shows you the different processes, both with wax and PVC.

Moving around the exhibition various dishes are on display, from noodles to crab, bacon and eggs to honey, and much more.

All of the replicas, for this exhibit, were specially created by three companies within the Iwasaki Group, which is based in Tokyo, Osaka and Gujo Hachiman. The moulds used are created from the dishes themselves making them far more accurate than ever before.

Glass cabinets display desserts, while tables show completed dishes. 

Some explain how much sugar, salt and fat can be found in items like orange juice, instant noodles and croissants.

The large central display consists of a table containing regional dishes from each of Japan's prefectures, along with various drinks.

The replicas are so realistic, that you have to remind yourself that they are made of plastic or wax.

An interactive area, for those aged 3+, allows children to create their own Bento box, filled with whatever food stuff they like. From pineapple and strawberry to octopus and sushi with rice and noodles.

The exhibition is free and runs until February 16, 2025.

Gallery