Tokyo Guide : The Art of the RAMEN Bowl (Exhibition)
Do you love ramen? Ever wanted to dive deeper into its world? If yes, this exhibition is for you! Currently on display at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Roppongi, “The Art of the RAMEN Bowl” showcases the beauty and diversity of ramen bowls.
“21_21 DESIGN SIGHT” is a cultural facility located in Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi, dedicated to exploring the possibilities of design. Opened in 2007, the building was designed by architect Tadao Ando and features a distinctive roof structure that incorporates natural light, harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
Ramen, alongside sushi, is one of the most beloved Japanese dishes around the world. This exhibition shines a spotlight on the ramen bowl—donburi—and explores and analyzes it from a design perspective, creating an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
At the beginning of the exhibition, which breaks down various aspects of ramen in detail, visitors are greeted with manga panels featuring ramen scenes and a chronological timeline of ramen’s history. This section offers a broad overview, helping visitors deepen their understanding of ramen itself.
Mino ware is a type of ceramic produced in the Tōnō region of Gifu Prefecture, specifically across the cities of Toki, Tajimi, Mizunami, and Kani. This area, known for its diverse pottery production, is where 90% of Japan’s ramen bowls are made. This exhibition is part of a project to explore Mino ware through the lens of ramen bowls.
Giant Soy Sauce Ramen!
A highlight of the exhibition is the collection of original “Artist Ramen Donburi” bowls, designed by 40 creators including artists, designers, architects, illustrators, and culinary experts. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the world of design through the lens of ramen.
A collection of original ramen bowls from restaurants all across Japan!
The exhibition also thoroughly analyzes elements such as the color schemes and textures of the bowls, the high-pitched sound they make when tapped, the ideal temperature when starting to eat, and the preferred time it takes to finish a bowl. Additionally, it introduces the tools and processes involved in making the bowls.
The donburi exhibits were wonderful, but what I personally found most educational were the parts about the history of ramen, statistical data, the elements that make up its flavor, and the design concepts embedded in the bowls themselves. As someone who teaches ramen in cooking classes, it was a highly meaningful opportunity to revisit and update my own knowledge.
At the end of the exhibition, there was a corner where participants could freely draw their own donburi designs. You might even get a chance to see your own bowl design featured during the exhibition!
Running until June 15, 2025. Don’t miss it!
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The facility is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM), and it is closed on Tuesdays, during the New Year holidays, and between exhibitions. Admission fees are 1,600 yen for adults, 800 yen for university students, 500 yen for high school students, and free for junior high school students and younger.
