Discover how food replicas took over Japan and became a striking hallmark of its restaurant culture in this talk by Iwasaki Tsuyoshi, the president of leading food replica company Iwasaki Co., Ltd. (Tokyo).

Food replicas, or shokuhin sanpuru, are displayed in front of many restaurants across Japan, acting as an alluring and indispensable guide to what can be eaten inside. The often unexpected realism of food replicas lies in the craft, techniques and materials used in their production, which have evolved to conjure the crunch of tempura, or gleam of a cold glass of beer.

In his talk, Iwasaki charts the rise of Japan’s food replica culture, beginning with the story of Iwasaki Takizō who established Japan’s first food replica business in 1932 – the predecessor of the modern Iwasaki Group. Drawing on the rich history of the company, he looks at how food replicas grew to become an essential part of Japan’s landscape in everyday life, alongside the evolution of Japanese food cultures across its diverse regions. The talk is followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

The event starts at 18:30 and lasts for about one hour.

The exhibition Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s food replica culture is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 2 October until 16 February, 2025.

About the Speakers

Iwasaki Tsuyoshi was born in Tokyo in 1954, he graduated from Tamagawa University’s Faculty of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. He joined Iwasaki Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) in 1978 and in 1989 he led the rebranding from Sanpuru no Iwaksaki to Iwasaki Be-I. He strengthened the company’s restaurant business under the concept ‘help to thrive’ and was appointed President and Representative Director in 2001. While protecting the 92-year-old goodwill of the company, he is focusing on reforming the business structure with a view to making Iwasaki a 100-year-old company.