Looks Delicious! at JAPAN HOUSE Dares you Not to Eat it
The exhibition, Looks Delicious! at Japan House in Hollywood, offers a deep dive into the world of food replica culture, or Shokuhin Sampuru, like you’ve never seen before. Not only can you get a close-up look at the incredible food replicas, but you can also interact with the objects while you learn about the history and even create your own! “Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture,” is a fun experience for the whole family, and I’m about to walk you through every mouth-watering corner of the exhibit, culminating in my own creation of the iconic Naporitan Spaghetti.
*This piece is sponsored by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, a gallery space created to foster a deeper understanding of Japan in the international community, found at Ovation Hollywood.
“Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture
The exhibition, located on the second floor of Ovation Hollywood, walks you through the history of Shokuhin Sampur, from its beginnings by Iwasaki Takizo in 1932 to its popularity in modern times.
Iwasaki Takizo was the first to commercialize food replicas, initially made for restaurants to present their food offerings. Today, you will find they span the gamut, from health and education to pure novelty.
Iwasaki company is still a leader in the industry today, and they provided most, if not all, of the models you see in the gallery. The Iwasaki company holds competitions annually in the art of food replica and Floating Fork lifting Naporitan (lit. “Neapolitan) Spaghetti crafted in 1972 by Takeuchi Shigeharu is one of the most famous.
There are also marvels on display that expand what the mind can even comprehend, while still maintaining the realism of Shokuhin Sampur.
Aside from the awe-inspiring craftsmanship, each replica includes a history of the food displayed, which is especially interesting from a Western perspective.
Guests can also see the Step-by-Step Production of a Wax Food Replica from Mold Making to Coloring and Presentation.
Toward the front of the JAPAN HOUSE space, outside the exhibition’s glass doors, there’s a Build Your Own Bento Box interactive experience where you can touch some of the food replicas using chopsticks and then set yourself up for an Instagram Photo Opp.
The best way to really get your hands dirty, though, is going to be through making a Food Replica for yourself!
Pasta Masterpiece | The Napolitan Spaghetti Replica Workshop
I was lucky enough to be among the full house at the first Pasta Masterpiece | The Napolitan Spaghetti Replica Workshop on October 14th, 2025. I have to admit, when I saw the Napolitan Spaghetti projected on the screen, I had my doubts about being able to recreate it, but I was willing to unleash my inner artist to take on the challenge.
The workshop begins with a history of the dish you are about to recreate. This is something that goes beyond what you’ll find in the second-floor exhibition. The popularization of the Napolitan Spaghetti began all the way back in the Meiji Era, when Western food was introduced in Japan. The first “Italian” restaurant was opened in 1881, but it was reserved for the elite. Spaghetti really began to become popular during World War II, when occupying soldiers had it as part of their rations and requested it at restaurants. Hotel New Grand in Yokohama is credited for creating the Napolitan Spaghetti following WWII, and it’s since evolved into a beloved dish throughout all of Japan. You’ll often find it made with ketchup, which was developed out of necessity due to a tomato scarcity following the war, and just stuck!
Making the Replica
The workshop continues with replica making led by expert instructor Kaori Satō, General Manager of Ganso Shokuhin Sampuru-Ya. She video-conferences in from Tokyo and is translated by a member of the staff. Despite the language barrier, she’s an enthralling teacher, and the camera close-ups make it easy to follow. The staff at JAPAN HOUSE is also available to assist and provide materials warmed to optimal temperatures.
I loved working with the wax, and it’s something I can see myself doing at home with my kids. They were majorly impressed with my Shokuhin Sampuru.
Experience it for yourself
If you’re hungry for more, I urge you to visit “Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture,” now through January 25th, 2026. The exhibition is FREE and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends.
If you’re inspired by the replicas that you see, you can pick up your own kit at the WAZA Shop on the second floor, or better yet, take a workshop led by the experts themselves! The next workshop is on October 28th, 2025, at 7 p.m., and you can reserve your spot here for $55.
JAPAN HOUSE is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, with parking accessible at Ovation Hollywood. $3 validated parking for four hours is available with the purchase of a workshop. Workshops are located on the fifth floor of Ovation Hollywood in a gorgeous library space with views of the El Capitan Theatre.
The workshop is best for ages 10 and up, but the Looks Delicious! at JAPAN HOUSE exhibition is suitable for all ages! Entrance is always complimentary, so this is an experience not to be missed.
