Google Arts & Culture opens virtual exhibit exploring Japanese cuisine

Google Arts & Culture launched a new virtual culinary exhibit recently, entitled “Meshiagare! Flavors of Japan.”

“Meshiagare” is the Japanese equivalent of the French saying “bon appétit” and is said by the chef or host.

Google Arts & Culture’s virtual exhibit explores Japanese cuisine. Image: Istock.com/studiocasper

Created in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the virtual exhibit explores the history, origins and dishes of Japanese cuisine via interactive multimedia formats such as photos, videos, digital prints of historical paintings and contemporary manga.

Visitors can time travel back to the Edo period, which gave birth to Japanese cuisine, and learn more about foods like sushi, bento, ramen, wagashi, tea and sake.

The virtual collection also dedicates space to Japanese tableware, the laying of the table, the art of Japanese tea, the discovery of umami, Japanese fish markets and how to build a bento box. Other food-centered virtual exhibits on the platform include explorations of Spanish and Nigerian cuisines. RGA/JB

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