Exploring Post-War Food History Through Photography Exhibit

The Japan Newspaper and Communication Research Institute, led by Chairman Toyo Nishizawa, is excited to announce the upcoming photography exhibition titled "Post-War Food History: Hunger, Overeating, and Gourmet Delights." This event will be hosted in a special space within the underground walkway of the Shiodome Shiosite from February 10 to February 27, 2026.

This marks the 16th edition of the photography exhibition, and it aims to reflect on the intricate relationship between society and food through the post-war period. The narrative of food history encapsulates not just culinary changes but also mirrors economic growth, shifts in social structures, and evolving values.

The exhibition is structured into multiple segments:
1. Prologue: "The Rice Riots of Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa" - introducing viewers to significant historical events.
2. Chapter 1: "No More Starvation" - focusing on the struggles against hunger.
3. Chapter 2: "Diversification - Reflecting Social Changes" - showcasing the evolving food landscape.
4. Chapter 3: "History of Food Incidents" - documenting notable events associated with food.
5. Chapter 4: "Achievements and the Future" - contemplating where food culture is headed.
6. Epilogue: "Food - The Essence of Life" - wrapping up the important message of food in our existence.

This extensive exhibition features 101 photographs, each telling a unique story about the societal implications of food throughout the years.

Exhibition Details

- Title: Post-War Food History: Hunger, Overeating, and Gourmet Delights
- Theme: Understanding historical food trends as reflections of economic growth, social changes, and shifting values.
- Dates: February 10 (Friday) to February 27 (Friday), 2026 – open daily.
- Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM daily (first day starts at 10 AM, final day closes at 6 PM).
- Venue: Special exhibition space in the underground walkway of Shiodome Shiosite, 1 Chome Higashi Shimbashi, Minato City, Tokyo.
- Organizer: Japan Newspaper and Communication Research Institute
- Collaboration: Kyodo News
- Admission: Free

About the Japan Newspaper and Communication Research Institute

The Japan Newspaper and Communication Research Institute is a public foundation dedicated to the advancement of media through research in journalism and mass communication. In addition to hosting annual photography exhibitions, the institute conducts public opinion surveys, organizes symposiums and lectures, publishes the monthly magazine "Media Outlook," and awards the Born-Ueda International Reporter Award to outstanding journalists in the international reporting sector. The institute is involved in various public projects aimed at enhancing the media landscape.

Featured Photographs

1. Setagaya, Tokyo: Citizens march at the "Give Us Rice" rally, hoping to have their voices heard directly by the Emperor (May 12, 1946).
2. Chuo, Tokyo: The launch of a comprehensive school lunch program featuring staple foods and milk (September 4, 1950).
3. Hirosaki, Aomori: A significant quantity of apples delivered to a processing plant after being blown down by a typhoon (October 1991).
4. Tomakomai, Hokkaido: The removal of a bull statue from a bankrupt meat processing company due to food fraud (May 22, 2008).
5. Tokoname, Aichi: A showcase of food manufacturing technology where a robot packs side dishes into bento boxes (June 1, 2021).
6. Observation of government rice sales by former Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (June 1, 2025).

Notes for the Press on the Featured Photographs

1. These photographs may only be used for the introduction of this exhibition.
2. Please refrain from altering the provided photographs in any way, including cropping.
3. Do not save these images in your company database.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.