From the Shopping Cart to the World: A Reflective Journey on Food at Earth Mart

Stepping into the Earth Mart exhibition area at the Osaka Expo feels like entering a supermarket representing the entire planet. There’s no air conditioning, no cashiers, but countless displays of "a family’s meal" and "the truth about food" from around the world. 🌍 The exhibition uses the "shopping cart" as its central symbol, representing the volume of food consumed by people in different countries over a decade. From Ethiopia (0.54) to China (1.92), the data reveals the stark disparities in global food distribution and environmental impact. 📊 Visitors can also see real families’ ingredient lists and photos. For example, the Jamyang family of four from Bhutan primarily relies on rice, chili, and vegetables, while the Abubakar family in a refugee camp in Chad has only basic grains and water on their table. These images are deeply moving and prompt reflection on the relationship between "food" and "human rights." 🍚👨👩👧👦 One of the most eye-catching features is a vibrant wall of glass jars, each containing different pickled items and colorful ingredients, ranging from purple to red. It resembles an artistic representation of Earth’s flavors. Additionally, a calligraphy piece reading "One Bite, One Soul" serves as a reminder that every bite of food carries the weight of life and culture. 🖌️ This is not just an exhibition but a global reflection on food, resources, and lifestyles. Earth Mart helps us realize how our choices can impact people on the other side of the world. 🌐💡