What to Know”Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture”JAPAN HOUSE Los AngelesHollywoodSept. 18-Jan. 25, 2026Free admissionSpecial events, like an exhibit-inspired happening at Ovation Hollywood Sept. 27, are coming upThe exhibit is the first United States honoring shokuhin sampuru, the art of food replicas seen in restaurants throughout Japan and the world
Waiting to meet your friend outside of a Japanese restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, the amazing onigiri in the window first catches your eye, then a tempting bowl of ramen.
Which you notice, at second glance, is not ramen but rather a wonderfully realistic portrayal of ramen courtesy of creative and artistic expression known as shokuhin sampuru.
The delightfully detailed cuisine models found in the windows and display cases of eateries in Japan and at Japanese restaurants around the world have long captivated foodies, historians, and art lovers.
Now an eye-catching exhibit is honoring this tasty, time-honored tradition, one that reveals to potential diners what their meal will look like even before they enter a restaurant.
“Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture,” which opens at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Sept. 18, is “… the first-ever U.S. exhibition dedicated to this extraordinary Japanese craft.”
“Initially created as a marketing tool, shokuhin sampuru or ‘food-samples’ have evolved into a highly coveted art form, on display in Los Angeles for the first time,” said Yuko Kaifu, president of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.
“From floating chopsticks, to dripping cheese, to packed bentō boxes — food replicas have fueled the transformation of restaurant displays into immersive food theaters.”
“JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is thrilled to bring these artistic culinary imitations to the heart of Los Angeles so visitors can experience this cherished and unique Japanese cultural tradition.”
Melon cream sodas, izakaya skewers, and other appetizing replicas will be on display at the gallery.
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles shares that the exhibit was “… (o)rganized in collaboration with world-leading food replica manufacturer Iwasaki, and curated by Simon Wright, Director of Programming at JAPAN HOUSE London.”
Visitors to “Looks Delicious!” can expect to peruse “… a broad collection of specially commissioned food replicas — notably one for each of Japan’s 47 prefectures across an expansive map — highlighting the country’s diverse culinary traditions.”
Special events are on the exhibit’s calendar, including a “Tasty Treats & Sweet Finds” festivity at Ovation Hollywood Sept. 27.
Fashion inspired by food, nail art, vendors selling a variety of goods related to the theme of the exhibit, and other dining-related diversions will pop up at the happening.
Information on visiting the exhibition, and some of the history behind shokuhin sampuru, is available on the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles site.
AloJapan.com