In recent years, rising rice prices and shifts in lifestyle have renewed global interest in rice—not only in Japan, but around the world (*). Against this backdrop, we sought to reexamine rice, the food most familiar to Japanese people, through the lens of design, and to invite audiences to rediscover the depth of food culture that is often overlooked precisely because of its familiarity.
The elements that make up rice culture include visual beauty, everyday products we use without a second thought, and uniquely Japanese food traditions cultivated over a long history. By viewing these elements from a design perspective, we aim to create an opportunity for people to once again feel, “Rice really is something special.”
With this intention, we present “Let’s Learn—The Design of Rice”, an exhibition that explores rice through the perspective of design.

(*)
Based on the “Survey of Japanese Restaurants Overseas” (conducted in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Comparing 2013 and 2023, the number of Japanese restaurants overseas has increased by approximately 240%.