[Toyohashi] Japan's First Exhibition Dedicated to Quail, "Quail - The Bird That Cries Auspiciousness -" to be Held

Quail, often strongly associated with "quail eggs" found in dishes like Hachisai, are not widely known as birds themselves.

Did you know that they appear in the Kojiki and Manyoshu, and were valued in the Edo period as "lucky birds" due to their calls?

In Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, the quail industry has flourished due to the warm climate being suitable for breeding, and the city now boasts the largest production of quail eggs in Japan.

The Toyohashi City Museum of Art (commonly known as Bihaku) will host the exhibition "Quail - The Bird That Cries Auspiciousness -" starting July 25, Reiwa 8 (2026), in honor of "quail eggs," one of Toyohashi's representative agricultural products.

Koki Tosa, "Quail and Autumn Grasses," Collection of Toyohashi City Museum of Art

This is likely the first exhibition in Japan to focus solely on "quail."

The exhibition will feature approximately 50 items, including the Important Cultural Property "Folding Screen of Quail and Autumn Grasses," Japanese poems about quail, paintings delicately depicting their brown feathers, and realistic craft works. It will also introduce the history of quail farming, which flourished in Toyohashi.

Through this exhibition, why not explore the relationship and charm of quail, which the Japanese people have loved for ages?

Various related events will also be held, such as a photo session with Toyohashi's mascot character "Uzlucky," collaboration menus using quail eggs, and opportunities to receive gifts from sponsoring companies.

Please be sure to visit!

Toyohashi's Egg Production is Number One in Japan! What Kind of Bird is the Auspicious "Quail"?

"Kamonari to Uzura Koro" (Incense burner with quail on a turnip), Collection of Aichi Prefectural Museum of Ceramics

Quail are the smallest birds in the pheasant family.

It is estimated that there are about 700 wild quail, and they are rarely seen, but they have had a deep relationship with humans since ancient times.

In Japan, many poems were written combining "quail" and "fukakusa" (deep grass) because quail inhabited grassy areas in large numbers. They are mentioned in ancient texts like the Kojiki and Manyoshu, and a Japanese poem by Fujiwara no Shunzei in the late Heian period is particularly famous.

Furthermore, their calls were heard as "Gokitcho" (great good fortune), making them considered auspicious birds, and quail farming became a boom in the Edo period.

Recordings of their calls will also be played at the venue, so please listen closely.

[Highlight 1] Important Cultural Property "Folding Screen of Quail and Autumn Grasses" to be displayed only during the first half of the exhibition

Important Cultural Property, "Folding Screen of Quail and Autumn Grasses (Right Panel)," Collection of Nagoya City Museum

The "Folding Screen of Quail and Autumn Grasses," which was passed down in the Date family, lords of the Sendai domain, and is now owned by the Nagoya City Museum, will be exhibited (displayed only during the first half of the exhibition).

This work, painted in the early Edo period, is one of the masterpieces of quail paintings in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country.

[Highlight 2] Craft works of quail, from realistic to cute, gathered together

"Awabi Uzura Gacho Netsuke" (Carved ivory netsuke of quail and millet), Collection of Tokyo National Museum, Image: TNM Image Archives

Various craft works featuring quail as a motif will also be exhibited, including realistic incense burners, colorful Bizen ware, and small, cute netsuke with round eyes.

Details of the Special Exhibition "Quail - The Bird That Cries Auspiciousness -"

Exhibition Period: July 25, Reiwa 8 (2026) - September 13, Reiwa 8 (2026) Closed on Mondays

*Some exhibits will be changed during the exhibition period.

First Half: July 25 (Sat) - August 16 (Sun), Second Half: August 18 (Tue) - September 13 (Sun)

Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last admission 16:30)

Admission Fees: General/University Students ¥800 (¥600), Elementary/Junior High/High School Students ¥400 (¥300)

* ( ) indicates advance ticket or group rate for 20 or more people.

Venue: Exhibition Rooms 7-9, Exhibition Corner, 2nd Floor, Museum of Art

Exhibition Overview: Approximately 50 items including paintings, craft works, and classical texts related to quail will be exhibited.

Lectures on Japanese paintings depicting quail, sponsor days with prizes, and more! Various related events are packed!

Commemorative Lecture "Quail in Paintings"

Date & Time: August 2, Sunday, 14:00 - 15:00

Lecturer: Mitsuko Honda (Associate Professor, Aichi University of the Arts)

Capacity: 70 people (first-come, first-served basis)

Application: Starts July 3 (Fri) on the museum's website

Rakugo Performance

Enjoy Rakugo stories related to quail for just 500 yen.

Performer: Santa Misosai (Toyohashi Rakugo Tengu Ren)

Admission: ¥500

Capacity: 70 people (first-come, first-served basis)

Application: Starts August 1 (Sat) on the museum's website

Limited Collaboration Menu Featuring Quail Eggs, Such as Taco Rice, Available

You can enjoy limited collaboration menus with the cafe, including taco rice and pizza made with quail eggs, which can only be tasted here.

Location: Neo Costarica Museum Cafe

TEL: 0532-56-0556 (Direct line to cafe)

Let's Take a Photo with Uzlucky & Make an Uzlucky Button Badge

Uzlucky

Date & Time: July 25 (Sat), August 15 (Sat)

10:30 - 11:00 / 13:30 - 14:00 each day

Participation Fee: Free

Capacity: 50 people each session

"Uzlucky," the mascot character born to support Toyohashi's quail, will be visiting!

Won't you take a photo together? (Please bring your own camera, etc.).

First 150 people to receive a gift! Sponsor Day

There's also a chance to receive wonderful gifts from the following sponsoring companies for visitors!

As it's on a first-come, first-served basis, please try to visit as soon as possible.

1 Toyohashi Quail Farming Agricultural Cooperative: August 1 (Sat) & August 29 (Sat), first 150 people each day

2 Smile-Link Co., Ltd.: July 26 (Sun) & August 23 (Sun), first 200 people each day

3 Tengu Can Company, Ltd.: August 8 (Sat) & August 9 (Sun), first 150 people each day

4 Toyohashi City Agricultural Planning Division: August 22 (Sat) & September 6 (Sun), first 200 people each day

Gallery Talk

Date & Time: July 25 (Sat), August 15 (Sat), 14:00 - 15:00 each day

Participation Fee: Free (Admission fee required, no application needed)