Random Japan

See, hear and taste at the L’art de Rosanjin exhibit, where projection mapping meets fine cuisine

Kay

If you have an interest in modern Japanese art, you may be familiar with the nameKitaoji Rosanjin (1883 – 1959). As it happens, the versatile Japanese artist is currently the subject of a an innovative and unique exhibit being held at the Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in the Coredo Muromachi shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

Rosanjin, who was known not only as an artist, but as a very discerning food connoisseur and a man well ahead of his time, is considered to have had a huge influence on modern Japanese art and cuisine. He has even been the inspiration behind one of the central characters in the popular gourmet comic Oishinbo, so when we heard that the exhibit combined digital technology with elements of both his art and love of food, we knew we had to go and experience it ourselves. And from what we’d already heard,  this was going to be an exhibit that you not only see, but hear and taste as well!

The L’art de Rosanjin exhibit is actually a digitally revamped version of an exhibit by the same name that was held in Paris, France in 2013, which apparently was well-received enough for the show to be brought to the artist’s native country.

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YOU DON’T SAY

• The good news: A food importer in Osaka voluntarily recalled 70,000 packages of strawberry ice cream.
• The bad news: Executives failed to mention that the recall was prompted by the discovery of mold in the products.
• Toho Studios marked its 83rd anniversary with an exhibit in Setagaya featuring memorabilia from the Godzilla films and Seven Samurai.
• Staff at a literary museum in Hokkaido say they’ve come upon letters that describe the “brutal death” of celebrated novelist Takiji Kobayashi (1903-1933) following his arrest and torture by the Tokkō police.

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Burger King has cologne for hamburger lovers in Japan

TOKYO —

For hamburger aficionados who want the smell even when they can’t get a bite, Burger King is putting the scent into a limited-edition fragrance.

Burger King said Friday that the Whopper grilled beef burger-scented cologne will be sold only on April 1, and only in Japan.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s not an April Fools’ Day joke, though the company chose the date deliberately.

The limited “Flame Grilled” fragrance can be purchased at 5,000 yen, including the burger. There will be only 1,000 of them.

Burger King said it hopes the scent would also seduce new grill-beef burger fans.

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