Yamato Sample Seisakusyo is, as its name suggests, a company that makes food samples. These are plastic food samples that you see on display in front of dining establishments. It is an art in itself to recreate these as well as possible and truthfully. They also provide workshops for people who want to learn how to make food samples. They have many different kinds of food to choose from. Today, we will be talking to the company behind these products!
Thank you for your time today. First of all, can you please share a bit about the company?
Our company specializes in the design and creation of realistic food displays for restaurants all over Japan. In addition, we regularly host fun and engaging workshops where participants of any age have the opportunity to learn the process and joys of making their very own food samples.
Can you tell us about Yamato Sample Seisakusyo: what is the concept, and when was the company created? How did it start?
Our company was founded in Arakawa City back in 1952. Since then, we’ve been primarily selling and leasing food samples, mainly in Tokyo.
Sushi candles made in plastic – Credit: Yamato Sample
Food sampling is unique to Japan, and this is something very interesting for travelers! How come it’s such a big part of the culture here?
Skillful Japanese people must have taken an interest in mastering the art of food samples and made it into a business. This allowed customers to decide on what to order without even entering the restaurant, making the restaurant business more efficient. Over time, the use of food samples became normalized in restaurants and evolved into a unique aspect of Japanese culture.
All your food samples are made by hand. Can you tell us about the skills you need to be able to do that?
There’s a well-known saying in the world of food samples: “It takes seven years to master the colors of food samples.” Indeed, achieving the right colors to match the real food requires a high level of skill and practice.
Kare rice (Japanese curry and rice) made in plastic – Credit: Yamato Sample
Could you please tell us more about the workshop: How does it work? Can kids join as well?
Everybody is welcome! We offer workshops hourly starting from 10:00, with the last session beginning at 16:00. Prices start at 1,760 yen and vary depending on the experience menu. We kindly ask that all reservations be made in advance. Additionally, we also offer group reservations.
What kind of samples can your guests make? What is the most popular?
We offer a wide variety of samples, including ramen, curry rice, fried rice, tempura lettuce, sushi candles, and various desserts. Among these, our ramen and real-size parfait are the most popular choices.
Ramen plastic sample – Credit: Yamato Sample
Can your classes be offered in English or other languages? Do you have a lot of travelers joining?
While our English may not be fluent, we do offer English sessions, and we’re giving it all we’ve got. Please consider both Japanese and English options. We’ve had the pleasure of many groups and travelers from all over the world joining us.
How do you see the future of Yamato Sample Seisakusyo? Anything specific you would like to share with our readers?
Building on our history and expertise in food samples, we aim to continue offering customers an engaging workshop experience, where they can experience and appreciate the art of food samples.
We want to thank Yamato Sample Seisakusyo for this exclusive interview. We gained great insight into the world of food samples and the company. Be sure to follow them on social media. We wish them all the luck with upcoming projects!
Cupcakes plastic sample – Credit: Yamato Sample
Follow Yamato Sample Seisakusyo sample on:
Instagram: @yamato_sample
Twitter: @yamatosample
Tripadviser: @Yamato Sample Seisakusyo
Website: yamato-sample.com
Featured Photo Credit: Yamato Sample
