JAPANESE FOOD AS A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
JAPANESE FOODS
17.12.2019
JAPANESE FOOD
AS A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
When researching what to expect in Japan before my move to the country, a common theme that kept popping up was how amazing the food is. Much like other parts of the world, food makes up an integral part of the Japanese culture and a seemingly lasting impact on tourists who have sampled the cuisine.
My previous exposure to Japanese food prior to my move was limited to what is possibly considered the most mainstream dishes, mainly sushi, ramen, and miso soup. My expectations were therefore mainly shaped by feedback from people who had traveled to the country. Within my first few weeks in the country, I quickly came to realize that the cuisine is indubitably vast and exciting, and that meticulous attention to detail and careful presentation are undeniably critical elements. The preparation is also varied, and I have so far sampled simple traditional food and interesting international fusions. One thing that is evident is the pride the Japanese have in the food that is locally sourced and produced. Rice, which has been a staple food for over two thousand years, is one of the main accompaniments for most dishes, and has many popular variations, including onigiri (small parcels of rice wrapped in seaweed), kayu(rice porridge), mochi(pounded rice cakes), omurice(plain egg omelet draped over rice cooked with tomato sauce), just to name a few.
Another staple is fish, with fishing villages doting islands all over the country, and the Japanese seem to have tried every possible method of preparation under the sun. In true Japanese fashion, they have innovated the presentation and eating experience, and unique experience can be had in one of the numerous conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, locally known as kaiten zushi, located all over the country. Meat is also another staple, with Kobe beef a globally renowned delicacy, and the price a clear indication of the superior quality. For the vegetarians, fear not, as there is a plethora of vegetables and vegetarian dishes on offer in the country. One experience that is different from its counterparts in the west, is the popularity of family restaurants, which surprisingly offer good service, delicious food options, and great value. All in all, I am fully sold on how special the Japanese cuisine is, and every meal is a further dive into the colorful Japanese culture.
Hello, my name is Catherine from Nairobi, a city in Kenya. I recently moved to Japan for work with Pasona group on Awaji island. My move was inspired by my interest in exploring unique Japanese culture. I love reading, mainly fiction, and have recently started reading biographies of people I consider influential, I enjoy dance and will occasionally hike, mainly for the health benefits. I am interested in work that allows me to creatively find solutions to problems. My interest food is mainly driven by the health benefits I can derive from the meals, and for this reason Japanese cuisine is very appealing, given the wide scope of innovation in creating diverse dishes even from the simplest and easily sourced ingredients. Given that this is my first visit to the country, I am very excited to explore everything the country has to offer, including the people, food, various places, and gaining more experiences. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have managed to see a lot of the country.
