I Love Sushi: A Free Exhibition in Paris Celebrates Japan's Iconic Cuisine

Originating from traditional Japanese roots, sushi has come a long way, transforming into a worldwide culinary phenomenon! While you can now find sushi enjoyed across every corner of the globe, it still remains a revered art form in its homeland, the Land of the Rising Sun.

In 2026, the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris will host a free exhibition dedicated to those famous, delicious bites of rice topped with raw fish. Titled "I Love Sushi", this engaging installation aims to celebrate this exceptional dish that everyone loves, offering a "educational and fun journey", organizers have announced.

From January 20 to April 11, 2026, the exhibition will explore the history of sushi, highlighting its evolution over the centuries. Visitors will discover its continental origins, its arrival in the archipelago over a thousand years ago, as well as the proliferation of sushi varieties during the Edo period. The exhibition will also delve into the surge of interest in dedicated sushi restaurants starting in the 1950s.

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To whet our appetite, the Maison de la culture du Japon will showcase resin reproductions of sushi, along with life-sized replicas of various fish. Among them, the tuna—widely favored by Japanese sushi lovers—will take center stage, unlike salmon, which is more popular in other parts of the world. Visitors will also be able to explore stamps and videos that highlight the culinary and social evolution of sushi. 

Please note that this exhibition is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the reception hall of the Japanese cultural center.

To complement the exhibition "I Love Sushi", the Japan Culture House will also host workshops and documentary screenings centered around this iconic symbol of Japanese cuisine. Additionally, a series of talks will be held, featuring prominent figures such as Professor Raphaël Haumont, co-founder of the French Center for Culinary Innovation (CFIC) alongside star chef Thierry Marx, and chef Martin Planchaud, who will be in residence at Villa Kujoyama in 2025.