Introducing our articles related to “shokuhin sampuru” (Japanese fake food) and “kissaten” (coffee house), which are part of the “Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture” exhibition on display at JAPAN HOUSE LA from Sep. 18, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026.
Related Readings
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Tasting with the Eyes Japan’s Edible Illusions History
Shokuhin sampuru , Japan’s hyper -realistic food models, have been seen in various restaurant windows across Japan for nearly a century since it was first created in the 1920s. Discover how a uniquely Japanese craft evolved into an entire industry and pioneered a revolutionary form of visual communication.
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©IWASAKI Co., Ltd.
Faux-Real Delicious
Step into the deliciously detailed world of shokuhin sampuru – hyper-realistic food replicas that turn heads in Japanese restaurant windows. In this article, uncover the story behind Iwasaki Mokei Seizo, the pioneering company that brought these mouthwatering masterpieces to life, and see how this unique craft has transformed over the years. Don’t miss a bite of this fascinating journey!
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Thinking Inside the Box Japan’s Bento Cuisine
Discover the art of bento , an iconic aspect of Japanese food culture that has become a global phenomenon and is featured prominently in the “ Looks Delicious! ” exhibition. From the classic bento to the ekiben sold at train stations and the cute and colorful kyaraben , learn how bento is an iconic aspect of Japanese food culture.
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Sensory Journeys in Japan Gujō Hachiman Known by the nickname “Little Kyoto” for the preserved streetscapes, Gujō Hachiman is a small town in Gifu Prefecture and the birthplace of Japan’s shokuhin sampuru (food replica) industry. From the food model workshop experiences to the Mino ware ( Mino-yaki ) craftmanship to the history of the Hachiman Castle, Gujō Hachiman is full of charm and appeal for travelers.
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The World of Kissaten Step back in time with Japan’s nostalgic kissaten – retro- style cafés that flourished in the post-war era and continue to charm visitors today. Known for their vintage decor, serene ambiance, and classic coffee and light bites, kissaten are the perfect escape for quiet reading, writing, or conversation. Three American writers share their personal takes on these timeless cafés and what makes them such a unique part of Japan’s cultural landscape. Courtesy of Craig Mod
Courtesy of Craig Mod
The World of Kissaten
Courtesy of Craig Mod
Courtesy of Ian Lynam & W. David Marx.
Interview | Craig Mod
Interview | Ian Lynam & W. David Marx
Craig Mod shares in his book “Kissa by Kissa” his experience walking 1,000 km along the historical route Nakasendō Highway while visiting various kissaten , discovering dishes such as the “pizza toast.”
Lynam and Marx focused on the Shōwa -era for their first printed issue of the Néojaponisme journal, where they featured a guide to cafés (including kissaten ), restaurants, and buildings from the Shōwa period, still left in Japan.
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Brewing Culture The Story of Japan’s Kissaten Cafés
Kissaten , literally translating to “tea - drinking shop,” are establishments typically associated with coffee in Japan, but they represent much more than cafés. Read about the history of kissaten and how they’ve become a “third space” away from homes and offices, meeting diverse community needs.
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For the Love of Coffee
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Dutch and Portuguese traders brought the first coffee beans to Japan via the port of Nagasaki, but there was little local interest. For connoisseurs of tea, coffee was considered bitter, and without the refinement, variety, and subtlety of tea leaves. It took until the end of the 19th century for the first coffee shop, or kissaten , to open in Japan.
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