Do you like Japanese food? Many people may imagine sushi or ramen when they think of Japan. In Japan, there is a traditional food culture of washoku, which is unique to Japan.
In this article, we will talk in detail about the Japanese culture of washoku.
Let’s learn more about Japanese food and try some new Japanese dishes on your next trip to Japan.
“Washoku” Registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Japan is a long archipelago stretching from north to south, with a variety of landforms including oceans, rivers, mountains, and plains.The climate and local customs vary across regions, blessing each area with seasonal delights from the sea and mountains.
Over time, Japanese cuisine has been developed by incorporating the flavors of nature, cherishing and savoring the bounties of the land.To minimize waste in using ingredients, culinary techniques and preservation methods have been refined.Attention is paid to the presentation of dishes, utensils, and room decorations to appreciate the changing seasons. Special feasts are crafted to align with events such as New Year’s.
By respecting the blessings of nature and skillfully integrating foreign ingredients and culinary practices, Japan has nurtured a unique culture. This cultural fusion has earned recognition as Washoku, designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Japanese food with a focus on rice
The basic form of Japanese food is a combination of “Gohan” (rice), “Shirumono” (soup), “Okazu” (side dish), and “Tsukemono” (pickles).
For example, “Ichiju” means rice with one soup, such as miso soup. A large side dish (usually meat or fish, called the main dish) and one or two smaller side dishes such as Japanese-style dishes or soaked vegetables are called “Nisai” or “Sanzai” (pickles are not included in the sanzai category). The combination of these dishes is called “Kondate,” and has been handed down from the end of the Heian period to the present day.
Unique adaptations of foreign cuisines
Japanese cuisine includes dishes that have been adapted over time from foreign cuisines, in addition to traditional recipes. Dishes such as Curry rice, Curry udon, Ramen, Croquettes, Omurice (rice omelet), Tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet), Spaghetti napolitan, and Anpan (sweet red bean paste-filled bun) are examples of Washoku (Japanese cuisine) that have been crafted by incorporating foreign ingredients and flavors to suit Japanese culinary preferences. Even dishes like Nikujaga (simmered meat and potatoes) and Sukiyaki, seasoned with soy sauce, have undergone transformations by incorporating ingredients from overseas into Japanese cuisine.
Japan is a small island nation, but each region and season has its own traditional Japanese cuisine.
Therefore, not only for foreign tourists, but also for us Japanese, traveling in Japan is a great opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine of each region. Let’s find your favorite traditional cuisine while interacting with the locals!
I hope this blog has been of some help to all of you. Thank you for reading until the end.
Reference:https://www.meiji.co.jp/meiji-shokuiku/japaneseculture/washoku/
