The Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS) hosted the exhibition project "The Magic of Millets" under the supervision of University Research Administrator Saori Ogura. The exhibition celebrated the ability to cultivate millets even in a time of impending global disasters.

　The event was held from April 9 to May 13, 2025 as a traveling exhibition in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, as well as Karumai and Ninohe in Iwate Prefecture. The purpose was to approach the cultivation of millets, which is an important food culture in the Tohoku region, from the perspective of 'traditional knowledge,' and to share with local communities the potential for contributing to the solving of global issues such as climate change and food security.

　Specifically, the exhibition did so by centering on panels introducing a 'dialogue' among millet cultivators from Japan (Iwate and Miyazaki Prefectures), the Indian Himalayas, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Canada. It also displayed recipes for millet dishes from around the world, photos of millet cultivation, and dried flowers and seeds of various kinds of millet. Several of the farmers and cultivators were also invited to take part in a talk session. (Please click here for the collection of recipes)

 

 

 

This project was covered by local media including television, newspapers, and radio, and many people visited the exhibition. Furthermore, as the exhibition in Karumai was a joint effort between the city and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at the University of British Columbia, it also resulted in the building of a foundation for international university collaboration and regional partnerships.
　The CIJS would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the related parties who cooperated with us.