Unearthing the Yayoi Diet: A Culinary Journey Through Time
Discover the fascinating evolution of Japanese cuisine at the Aichi Asahi Site Museum’s special exhibition, focusing on the Yayoi period’s food culture. This era witnessed a pivotal shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture, marked by the widespread adoption of rice cultivation. But what did the Yayoi people actually eat?
The Asahi Site’s rich archaeological record provides a unique window into this period. Excavations have unearthed a diverse array of remains, from carbonized rice seeds to the bones of wild boar and deer, and the shells of carp, crucian carp, black sea bream, clams, and oysters. This abundance reveals a surprisingly varied diet beyond simple rice farming.
This exhibition goes beyond simply displaying artifacts. Through cutting-edge scientific analysis—including impression replica analysis, use-wear analysis of soot and scorch marks, and residual lipid analysis—you’ll explore the real story of Yayoi food. See how these techniques unlock secrets hidden within ancient pottery, revealing details about cooking methods and ingredients.
Come and experience a unique journey through the culinary landscape of the Yayoi period. What will you discover?
Practical Information:
- Dates: Ongoing (check website for end date)
- Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
- Closed: Every Monday (The following weekday if Monday is a public holiday). Exception: Open Monday, November 25th and closed Thursday, November 28th for "Aichi Week."
- Venue: Aichi Asahi Site Museum
- Admission:
- General: 300 yen
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
- Free admission during "Aichi Week" (November 21st-27th)
- Contact: Asahi Site Museum Joint Venture, TEL: (052) 409-1467
- Website: https://aichi-asahi.jp/
- Access: JR Nagoya → Biwajima Station → 9-minute walk from Owari Hoshinomiya Station on the Johoku Line
- Accommodation: 🛏️ See hotels near the event
*1 Impression replica analysis: A method where silicone is poured into microscopic holes on pottery surfaces to create molds, allowing detailed shape observation.
*2 Residual lipid analysis: Analyzing lipids remaining in artifacts like pottery to reconstruct ancient food practices.
What is the Yayoi period?
The Yayoi period, spanning from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE, marks a transformative era in Japanese history characterized by significant cultural, technological, and societal developments. Named after the Yayoi district in Tokyo, where the first artifacts from this period were discovered, it succeeded the Jomon period and paved the way for the subsequent Kofun period. One of the defining features of the Yayoi period was the introduction of wet-rice agriculture, which had a profound impact on the lifestyle and social structure of the people. This agricultural advancement led to the establishment of more permanent settlements and facilitated population growth.
Technologically, the Yayoi period saw the introduction and proliferation of metalworking, with both bronze and iron becoming integral to society — not only for tools and weapons but also for ceremonial objects. The period is also noted for advancements in pottery, where the Yayoi people produced distinctive, decorated earthenware that was often simpler and more functional than its Jomon predecessors.
Socially, the Yayoi period was characterized by increasing complexity, evidenced by the emergence of social stratification and the development of more organized communities. These changes laid the groundwork for the rise of powerful clan-based societies and the eventual unification of Japan. This era is also depicted in Chinese historical records, which describe the land of Wa (early Japan) and its interactions with neighboring regions.
Overall, the Yayoi period was a crucial phase in Japanese prehistory, setting the stage for the cultural and political developments that shaped the country’s history.
