WHAT?  Looks Delicious! 

WHERE?  Japan House, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA

WHEN?  Now until 16th February 2025. Free to view 

WHY GO? To be tempted.  Look but don’t eat!  This exhibition of mouth watering food is uncannily realistic but actually all fake, and it’s due to the skill of Japanese craftsmen that permits us to imagine they are real enough to eat. 

The art of creative food replicas is unique to Japan and originated over 100 years ago when Japanese foodies were curious to sample western cuisine prompting restaurateurs to produce replicas to educate, entice and invite customers in to taste foreign dishes.

Gradually the idea developed, embracing a wider market and in practical terms, was a way of allowing the customer to choose a dish pictured before being seated thus saving time.

Originally made from wax, now PVC thanks to the pioneering work of the Iwasaki Group, whose founder had the original innovative idea in the Thirties.

Hyper realistic, mock dishes representing a regional delicacy from every one of Japan’s 47 prefectures are on show, along with fascinating facts about where and when they were created. 

Food replicas have even been used as medical aids to encourage healthy eating. Marbling and stencilling are still often done by hand justly classifying them as artworks.

This colourful food lovers playground even features an interactive ‘bento box’ counter to create your own imaginary dish though you may want to head up to the top floor and sample the real thing in the celebrated Akira restaurant.

IN THE KNOW Feeling peckish now? From food to fads and fancies, the dedicated Japan House shop is full of goodies to take home from real Matcha tea and sweet treats to playful keyrings and phone cases emblazoned with fake food artworks.  You won’t be able to resist!