A unique exhibition in London showcases the Japanese replica food art—a.k.a. sampuru. These models depict foods from Japan in stunningly precise detail and act as 3D menus. This exhibit gives a very rare opportunity to explore this intriguing, multi-complex art form outside of Japan, with cultural relevance and history to boot.

Discovering Japan’s Incredible Fake Food Art

Imagine yourself strolling along the streets of Japan, peeking through the window of a restaurant, and seeing dishes that are so real you can almost smell them. But here’s the twist—they’re not real! These are sampuru, Japan’s famous food replicas that resemble exactly what one would order for a meal. Now, for the first time in the UK, you have the opportunity to see these incredible food sculptures at an exhibition in London’s Japan House.

What Are Sampuru?

Sampuru is much more than fake food—it’s an art form that’s been in existence for almost a century. The very word sampuru has its origins in the English term “sample,” and these models act just as 3D restaurant menus would. They are designed to look exactly like what you would be served, down to the last grain of rice.

This October, Japan House will host the exhibition Looks Delicious!, showing these stunning replicas. The stars of the show include a model of kibinago sashimi, a dish made from tiny silver-stripe round herrings. This particular dish usually appears only in the warm waters of Kagoshima, Japan, but now you can see it in London—without any need for buying a plane ticket!

The History Behind Sampuru

The concept of sampuru took root in the 1930s, through the very astute businessman Takizo Iwasaki. During that period, Japanese restaurants were starting to add Western-inspired dishes to their menus—quite unknown to most patrons. Iwasaki thought, “What if people could see the food before they ordered it?” So, he began crafting dishes out of wax to show customers what they could expect. His first creation? An omelette stuffed with rice.

The idea by Iwasaki quickly spread, and soon restaurants all over Japan had these food models in their windows. Today, Iwasaki’s company remains one of the largest players in the industry of sampuru.

The Craft of Making Sampuru

It is not an easy job to make sampuru. Literally, models are handmade, usually in small workshops, and the attention to detail is simply incredible. Using molds, craftsmen shape different elements of a dish and then assemble them to give the appearance of looking exactly like the real thing. It is skillful work that requires patience—much like cooking. In fact, watching a sampuru craftsman at work feels much like watching a chef prepare a meal.

“Strange and exciting” is the word from Sam Thorne, director general at Japan House, as he describes sampuru. He says, “It’s like a miniature sculpture, but it’s also a trompe l’oeil—a trick of the eye. When you see these models, you can’t help but be amazed by how realistic they are.”

Why Sampuru Is Extraordinary?

One of the reasons sampuru is so unique is that it’s incredibly expensive. High-quality models are usually rented by restaurants rather than purchased, because it can cost thousands of pounds. For example, one bowl of onion gratin soup might be available for about £100 as a souvenir, but a full display piece for a restaurant can be much more expensive.

In Japan, sampuru aren’t just window dressing—food models are also pedagogical aids. For the exhibition, Iwasaki’s company has created 47 sampuru, one for each of Japan’s prefectures. The regional specialties range from goya chanpuru, a bitter melon stir-fry from Okinawa, to Hokkaido seafood. There’s even a section on how food models are used to help teach nutrition, so that people better understand what’s in their meals.

A Rare Opportunity in London

The curator, Simon Wright, explains just how special an opportunity this is. “Anyone who’s been to Japan has seen these food replicas outside restaurants, but seeing them outside Japan is rare,” he says. “There hasn’t been an exhibition like this in the UK before, and there probably hasn’t been one quite like this in Japan either.”

This exhibition will help solve the mystery of what sampuru art really is. Strange beauty is that part of Japanese culture just opened for experience. Whether interested by the skill of the craft or just by the idea of fake food, Looks Delicious! will not disappoint.

Now, if you happen to be in London this coming October, do drop by this weirdness, this captivating world that is Japanese food replicas. You may not be able to eat what’s on display, but you will definitely leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind it.