“Oishii!” – “I like it!” – is the most common word in Japan to indicate good taste at the dinner table. It is an expression that goes hand in hand with the social and cultural identity of the eater. Because food is much more than nutrition in Japan. It is connected with all spheres of human life and provides a view of the most diverse aspects of society.

Against this backdrop, we dedicated a large special exhibition to Japanese eating and drinking culture. The exhibition focused on the cultivation of rice and its importance for Japanese society, the “sacred drink” sake, the role of fish, seafood and seaweed as well as vegetables, noodles and condiments in the kitchen. The world of tea traditions (chanoyu and sencha), the culture of picnics and bento were also addressed. How have eating habits changed throughout history? What complex technological services are required for the extraction and preparation of food? Who eats what when? The exhibition traces all of these questions, at the same time directing our gaze to a rich material culture and encouraging us to become (more) aware of our own food habits.

Originals from the museum’s own collection were presented, ranging from ink and woodcuts to ceramics, including valuable objects that have never been shown before. These were supplemented by loans from Germany and abroad. Multimedia elements bridged the gap between the historical exhibits and the present and also brought Japanese voices into play.