The Japan Foundation Traveling Exhibition: I Love Sushi

2026/10/14
Event Flyer (English / Français)
 

Well-known today throughout the world as healthy food that is simple, refined, and pleasing to the eye, sushi is the archetypal example of washoku—Japanese cuisine—which UNESCO has inscribed on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Touring the world in the form of a mobile museum dedicated to sushi, this exhibition presents sushi, one of the most recognizable symbols of Japan, to show its rich food culture.

Sushi was introduced to Japan from overseas more than a thousand years ago and has undergone unique modifications to suit Japan's nature, climate, and lifestyle. While touching upon a part of Japanese history and culture, this exhibition explores the appeal of sushi from multiple perspectives through ukiyo-e woodblock prints, seafood model figurines, food samples, videos, and installations. Come to learn about your favourite food!

Sponsored by Mizkan, a leading Japanese vinegar company, the visitors will receive a free sample of seasoned sushi vinegar (while supplies last). Why not try making sushi at home after learning about sushi at this exhibition?
 

Date: November 16th-December 4th (Closed on November 23rd)
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00-16:00, Sun: 11:00-15:00
Venue: Information and Culture Centre, Embassy of Japan in Canada (255 Sussex Drive, Ottawa)
Free Admission / No on-site Parking



 

Section1: Evolution of Sushi

The oldest written record mentioning sushi in Japan dates back to the 8th century. This section traces how sushi has evolved from its introduction to Japan to the present day.
 


 

Section 2: Sushi in the Edo Period

In this section, you will explore how nigiri sushi emerged in early nineteenth century Edo (now Tokyo) and became a popular dish, and how sushi was presented to the feudal government (shogunate) by daimyo families. This section includes recreations of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, emaki scrolls, and street stalls.
Utagawa Hiroshige, Takanawa 26th Night Revelers, from Famous Places in the Eastern Capital, Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History


 

Section 3: Sushi Today

This section shows how sushi is enjoyed in diverse ways in modern Japan.
It introduces modern sushi, focusing mainly on nigiri sushi, but also including maki sushi and inarizushi. This section also includes displays of food models, photo panels, and a model of a Pacific bluefin tuna, as well as a documentary video on the Toyosu Fish Market. Takeout sushi and conveyor belt sushi are also touched upon.
An area of the exhibition will be reserved for visitors to experience a sushi restaurant using virtual and augmented reality.
 

 

 

            

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