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Celebrate Japan's Maritime Heritage with Unique Parfaits

The much-anticipated 'Traveling Lighthouse Parfait' exhibition is set to take place from November 1 to November 8, 2025, coinciding with Japan's Lighthouse Memorial Day. Organized by the Ocean Cultural Creation Forum, under the auspices of the Japan Foundation's 'Sea and Lighthouse Project,' this one-of-a-kind event will be held at the Social Issue Gallery SIGNAL in Minato, Tokyo. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive parfaits created in collaboration with SIGNAL that reflect the treasures of Japan's coastal lighthouses.

Concept of the 'Traveling Lighthouse Parfait' Exhibition

Japan is home to approximately 3,000 lighthouses, once critical for safe navigation but now seeing their roles shift with the advent of GPS. Despite this, lighthouses continue to hold immense cultural value, each telling a story shaped by the history, landscape, and lifestyle of their regions. At this exhibition, these tales are transformed into exquisite parfaits, where each layer and topping reflects the unique characteristics and memories associated with these lighthouses. As you savor these delightful desserts, let the gentle glow of the lighthouse's light inspire your culinary journey.

Exclusive 'Lighthouse Parfaits' and Exhibition Details

During the exhibition, five uniquely crafted 'Lighthouse Parfaits' will be available:
1. Kamoi Cape Lighthouse Parfait from Shakotan, Hokkaido
2. Hiyoriyama Lighthouse Parfait from Otaru, Hokkaido
3. Kannonzaki Lighthouse Parfait from Yokosuka, Kanagawa
4. Omaezaki Lighthouse Parfait from Omaezaki, Shizuoka
5. Muroto Cape Lighthouse Parfait from Muroto, Kochi

Each parfait draws inspiration from the shape and features of the respective lighthouse, as well as the local scenery and products, making for a layered experience that is both delicious and educational.

Additionally, the exhibition space will include informative displays about each lighthouse and interactive experiences featuring a personified character known as 'Akari-no-Moribito.' Attendees can enjoy audio dramas featuring these lighthouse characters and capture their memories at designated photo spots.

A Taste of the Sea with Parfait Offerings

For instance, the Hiyoriyama Lighthouse Parfait features charming red and white stripes representative of the lighthouse. This parfait layers jelly made from locally produced red wine with yogurt cream. The cherry on top represents a glass float used in the herring fishing industry, a symbol of Otaru’s maritime history. Each parfait is available in limited quantities at a price of 1,200 yen (tax included).

About the Japan Foundation's 'Sea and Lighthouse Project'

The relationship between people and the sea has historically been delineated by lighthouses, serving essential roles in maritime safety and today expanding their significance to cultural anchor points. This project aims to explore the meaning of lighthouses while excavating the local maritime memory, fostering connections between different regions, sectors, and cultures—forging new oceanic experiences in the process. The Sea and Lighthouse Project is part of the broader Japan Foundation initiative, 'Sea and Japan Project.'

Learn more here!

About the Japan Foundation's 'Sea and Japan Project'

The sea supports our lives in numerous ways, often providing a sense of tranquility and excitement. This project encourages individuals, especially children, to engage with pressing challenges facing the sea and to join in actions that aim to ensure its future. It aspires to create a nationwide movement to involve everyone in these crucial goals. Discover more here!

'Traveling Lighthouse Parfait' Exhibition Overview

• - Dates: November 1 (Saturday) to November 8 (Saturday), 2025
• - Hours: Saturday to Monday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Tuesday to Friday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• - Admission: Free (food and beverages, including parfaits, are available for an additional charge)
• - Location: Social Issue Gallery SIGNAL, 1-2-11 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6205-8220
• - Website: SIGNAL Official Site
• - Instagram: Follow Us
• - Getting There: A 5-minute walk from the A2 exit of Toranomon Hills Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line), or a 3-minute walk from the 2a exit of Toranomon Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) Google Map.

Event Information

In conjunction with the exhibition, a special event titled 'Akari-no-Moribito Presents Lighthouse Radio' will occur, featuring a live recording on November 2, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free with a drink or parfait purchase. The event will host renowned guests from the fantasy storytelling world, including Sōnosuke Hattori and Takada Hikaru, and presents an opportunity for attendees to engage in the creation of the show.

More details about the event will be announced soon on the Akari-no-Moribito official social media accounts. Be sure to follow us on X for updates!

About Social Issue Gallery SIGNAL

SIGNAL is a gallery that emphasizes both information input and output, where visitors engage with societal issues through art. By providing a platform for reflection and dialogue, the gallery collects visitors' thoughts through surveys, which helps transform these voices into actionable ideas for addressing social challenges. Upcoming exhibitions include works by artists such as Ayaka Oozono and Yōji Sakuma.

The deadline for participating in social change initiatives is now; we encourage everyone to come and experience the fascinating world of lighthouses through taste, sound, and visual storytelling. Join us to ensure a brighter future for our seas.