I Love Sushi: The Free Exhibition That Will Tantalize Your Taste Buds at the Japan House of Culture - Our Photos

Originally rooted in traditional Japanese culture, sushi has come a long way and has become a global culinary phenomenon! While sushi is now enjoyed around the world, it remains an art form in its homeland, the Land of the Rising Sun.

This year, the Japan Culture House in Paris is hosting a free exhibition dedicated to those renowned, delicious bites of rice topped with raw fish. Titled "I Love Sushi", this engaging display showcases this beloved delicacy through an educational and entertaining journey.

From January 20 to April 11, 2026, the exhibition explores the evolution of sushi over the centuries, delving into its continental origins and its introduction to the archipelago over a thousand years ago. It also highlights the rapid development of various sushi styles during the Edo period and the emergence of the iconic nigiri-zushi.

To whet our appetites, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is showcasing a stunning array of resin reproductions of sushi. The display features pieces like the Odori Ebi, the Purple Sea Urchin, the Ainame, and the Hokkigai, presented either as a tempting sushi buffet or showcased within glass cases.

The exhibit also features life-sized replicas of various fish, including the iconic tuna. Known for its impressive size and fetching record-breaking prices at Tokyo's markets, the tuna is a favorite among Japanese for their sushi—unlike the salmon, which is more popular worldwide. Several prints depicting the culinary and social evolution of sushi, along with three videos, are also available for visitors to explore on-site. 

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Appealing to both enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this small exhibition highlights the lesser-known facets and incredible diversity of sushi. It also offers insight into how Japan has adapted this culinary tradition to its unique natural landscape and evolving local customs across its regions.

While you can browse the exhibition quickly, we recommend taking your time to read the various explanations provided for visitors, watch all the videos, and become a true sushi expert! Keep in mind that this exhibit is free to explore from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., in the reception hall of the Japanese cultural center.

To complement the " I Love Sushi" exhibition, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is hosting a series of workshops and documentary screenings centered around this iconic symbol of Japanese cuisine. A range of talks are also scheduled, featuring renowned guests such as star chef Yannick Alléno, professor Raphaël Haumont—co-founder of the French Culinary Innovation Center (CFIC) alongside Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx—and Martin Planchaud, a culinary artist in residence at Villa Kujoyama in 2025. Discover the full lineup of events here.