#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Sweets #Confectionery Exhibition #Minato Museum

The Sweet Journey Through Time: A Special Exhibition at Minato City Museum

From October 18th to December 14th, 2024, the Minato City Museum of History will host a special exhibition titled "The Confectionery in Everyday Life." This remarkable showcase aims to highlight the evolution of Japanese sweets, tracing their transformation from exclusive delicacies enjoyed by the imperial family, nobility, and samurai to the diverse treats available to the general public today.

Over the years, the confectionery realm in Japan has grown to include a wide variety of shapes and flavors, pleasing the eyes and palates of people throughout the ages. Historically, sweets were often associated with significant events and rituals, serving as offerings for deities and embellishing festive occasions. The exhibition provides visitors with a detailed look at how these confectioneries have transitioned through time, reflecting societal and cultural changes.

Featured Highlights of the Exhibition

Attendees will be immersed in the enchanting narrative of sweets in Japan, beginning with their origins and showcasing their current forms. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can view stunning ukiyo-e prints depicting traditional seasonal events and celebrations involving sweets. In addition, there will be visual displays of sketchbooks and wooden molds used for creating confections, emphasizing how traditional practices have contributed to the art of sweet-making.

Furthermore, the exhibition will delve into the history of sweet shops in the Minato area, illustrated through shopping guides from the Edo period and advertisements from the Meiji period onward. This exploration illuminates the connection between everyday life in the community and the ever-present role of sweets within that lifestyle.

Practical Information for Visitors

• - Location: Minato City Museum Special Exhibition Room
• - Address: 6-2, Shirokanedai 4-chome, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Opening Hours:

- Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturdays until 8 PM
- Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

• - Closed: November 20th (Thursday)
• - Admission Fees:

- Adults: 400 yen (320 yen for groups of 10 or more)
- Children (Elementary, Junior High, High School): 200 yen (160 yen for groups of 10 or more)
- Special rates are available for local residents. Free entry for local children and seniors over 65 years old, along with one caregiver, with proper identification.

This exhibition is an opportunity for attendees to engage not just with the delicious world of Japanese confectionery but also with the culture and history it represents. Don't miss this chance to appreciate how sweets have intertwined with the fabric of Japanese life through the ages.

For more information, visit the official website: Minato City Museum Exhibition