Japanese Food Culture

Today, Japanese food is recognized as the one of the world's most healthiest cuisines. As they use rice and abudant marine products at it's mainstream, traditional Japanese diet is impressingly low in cholestrol, fat and calories and high in fiber. That's why the Japanese have highest longevity rate.

During the development of Japan, the Chinise contributed soy sauce, tea, chopsticks and imperal rule which Japanese people influenced later. They also influenced Korea in Buddhism which later became the official religion. For the next 1200 years meat was officially forbidden in Japan. Then in the sixteen century, the Westerns introduced fried foods and the Japanese enjoyed this type of cooking. Tobacco, sugar, and corn were also brought by the traders.

In 1600s Japan's shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu closed the ports and expunded foreigners as he feared the Europens would spark great wars.This was an isolation period, jowever Japan's culture became more rooted. Buddhism and Shinto religions emphasize on the seasons and this was reflected in the foods. Meals feature in five flavors and colours, respectively being, sweet, spicy, salty, bitter and sour; and yellow, black, white, green and red. In Meiji period, a New Year's fest had been designed to embrace the Western world, it was in European in detail and for the first time in over a thousand years, the people publicly ate meat.

 

In Japan, food and dishes are considered to be a type of art. Although there are no marvlling seasons held before the eating, the Japanese people really enjoy the artistic sense and display of the meals so much. More beautiful the food looks, more delicious is it thought to be.

I want to give some exaples of Japanese cuisine which is more familiar and appreciated around the world.

Sukiyaki

Tempura

Sushi

Sashimi

Ramen

Dango (Japanese dumpling made from rice flour)

Sake (an alcholic beverage made from femented rice)

Eating Japanese food is an experience to be enjoyed and remembered fondly for the rest of your life. Having Japan's unique food culture added to the UNESCO list is an excellent way to express how their cuisine is delicious and sufficient.