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Japanese cuisine added to world heritage list

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UNESCO is a waste of time and money. Stupid to add a whole cusine (which is anyway constantly evolving) into a cultural heritage thing.

-3 ( +17 / -21 )

Well done Japan! A heritage listing for foods and a tradition of mislabeling them. The best cuisines use a lot of manure to create.

-5 ( +15 / -21 )

To me (at least), what they call "Japanese cuisine" is totally tasteless. It might look good, but it has no flavor.

-6 ( +21 / -27 )

Good news! Well deserved Japan! It's one of the few (industrialized) countries where traditional cooking and foods are still regarded as something very precious and important. Japanese cuisine is great but there is too much western food influence inbound, in particular foods from the US. That's one reason why you cannot find decent bread at a regular supermarket in Japan.

8 ( +16 / -10 )

Japanese food (traditional, that is) is indeed relatively unique, is delicious, and relatively good for you. For those reasons alone it should be added. But the reasons stated by the committee were a bunch of crap. If it "plays a role in strengthening the cohesion of the Japanese people while providing them a sense of identity and belonging" what right does the committee have to promote it internationally? If I take a bite am I supposed to say, "This isn't MY food!" even though I made it?

Anyway, I do believe washoku deserves to be listed if anything else does, but I'm tired of hearing all these rather sad reasons for why Japan deserves this and that. I'm surprised they didn't say it would help recovery in Tohoku.

7 ( +21 / -14 )

@Mariam it's a result of eating too much artificially spiced up junk foods. Your taste buds lose the sense for real food.

9 ( +20 / -12 )

Japanese food (traditional, that is) is indeed relatively unique, is delicious, and relatively good for you. For those reasons alone it should be added.

I agree, and nice of you to recognize this. I'd like to be able to give you credit for saying something nice about Japan. Unfortunate that you didn't stop at the above.

6 ( +15 / -9 )

This is actually pretty cool, especially because the two cuisines that have been granted recognition are completely the opposite in many ways (butter vs dashi, fish vs red meat, etc). Now I'm thinking we need something nice and spicy to add to the mix. Korean cuisine?

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@Spender: Sorry but I don't eat junk food. I come from a Mediterranean country where everything has a taste. Vegetables taste better, fish tastes better and spices taste better! I find Japanese food really overrated.

0 ( +16 / -15 )

Very nice to hear! Living in Japan I take Japanese food for granted, but hopefully this recognition by UNESCO serves to remind people the subtleties and uniqueness of the food they are eating and the effort that's gone into the making of it.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

I am all for the classification but will the Chinese and Korean owners of Japanese restaurants follow?

Been to too many J-restaurants where the owner never been to Japan, etc.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

I think what makes Japanese cuisine kind of unique is the very fact that the presentation of the food is a very important aspect of the cuisine. Indeed, that's one of the things that make ekiben sold at train stations so enticing--the way they pack in the food into a small bento box is an art form in itself.

I do hope that the various types of Chinese cuisine and Italian cuisine will be recognized by UNESCO in future years.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

I couldn't give a toss about which food is on the UNESCO cultural whatever. I go to reasonably-priced places in Japan and find decent food which people have taken some care to prepare at a reasonable price. I can think of a few countries where I can also do that but I can think of a few more where I certainly can't. I get sick of the constant vacuous nonsense about food on TV and from my coworkers but I think it's a bit churlish to say Japanese food is rubbish.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Japanese news said this was added to the "intangible cultural asset" list (I'm not sure about the English). It seems to me that food is very tangible.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

i really don't understand the need for this "recognition" and the opaque criteria unesco used to determine it.

and those people who say that japanese food has no taste should eat at better restaurants.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Only 2?

How is Chinese cuisine not on the list???

2 ( +7 / -5 )

@oldman_13 'How is Chinese cuisine not on the list?' Possibly because they, like most people, couldn't particularly give a toss. Chinese food hardly needs promoting.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Mariam - hear hear. I agree with you. Bland, tasteless (or drenched in soy sauce) and massively overrated. Give me the mediterranean diet any day.

-4 ( +13 / -16 )

Where are you people eating??

4 ( +5 / -2 )

I used to think Japanese food was a bit bland. Fast forward several years, now I mainly eat the Japanese food that my wife cooks for me at home. We have two kids and my wife is concerned about salt intake / making sure they eat healthy, so she cooks "usu-aji" and in a way to make the most of the "sozai no aji." She makes sure to always use "shun no mono." I have learned to enjoy the taste of each element of each dish, which is what I think Washoku is all about. Of course I enjoy the occasional burger but I could never go back to eating the strong-tasting foods I was used to. Not trying to sound snobbish, just sharing my experience and saying that it takes a bit of getting used to.

10 ( +16 / -7 )

ozymandias, I totally agree. I have never been so disappointed with any nation's food as I have been with Japan's. Japanese cuisine has 2 basic varieties: bland and slightly salty. I admit it's healthy, but that's about it. They're really welcome to it as far as I'm concerned, especially the vegetables that taste like they've been in the sea for a while.

-1 ( +12 / -13 )

I have to agree with the people saying its overrated. I love chawanmushi and sometimes I'll be in the mood for lightly flavored foods, but there's really not much to Japanese cuisine beyond presentation. It's all just shoyu, dashi, and mirin.

I don't buy the whole "younger generation is turning away from it due to busier lives" thing either. It's more likely increased exposure to better foods.

-1 ( +10 / -10 )

I also come from a country where vegetables have taste, it is just a different taste from that in Japan. Japanese cuisine (preparation of food) pays respect to the natural taste of the ingredients that's why some people used to spiced or herb-seasoned food cannot/do not appreciate the natural tastes and flavors of the Japanese dishes. To such people I would say: find better places and be more open to what you are not used to. Truth is nobody expects you to eat J food every day.

For me, Japanese food provides a good getaway when I get tired of too much oil, spice and herb.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@Saxon There's another taste category existing. It's called Umami and is even original to Japan.There are many different Japanese foods, incl. sweet, salty, spicy, sour, bitter, umami... you probably have only tasted the tip of the iceberg.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

OK, so Japanese food is not for some of you. Just say you don't favor it, there is no need to jump up an down insulting it. Some of us love that tast style.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

I didn't mean to insult Japanese food. Just saying it's a little overrated. @CGB Spender - Umami isn't original to Japan. They simply identified and named it. It has always existed in almost all cuisines throughout the world.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Look, I've lived here for 18 years and eaten Japanese food from Hokkaido to Okinawa. It's bland. A lot of food from other countries takes food in season, uses local ingredients and develops the local food culture over centuries. They just don't have this deep-rooted need to have other people say it's the best in the world, better than any other country's, and unique.

Oh, and it often tastes of something other than salt, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce.

You eat it if you want. I hope you like it. You apparently do. I just think this insecurity of needing approval from faceless organisations really rather pathetic.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

CGB Spender > Umami is a name (which can be roughly translated to 'deliciousness' if your not putting on airs) given to the flavor of soy sauce by a Japanese chef. Soy sauce is from China originally. Hence, this authentic Japanese flavor of 'Umami' could be explained more accurately as the delicious flavor of a Chinese food. I love Japanese cuisine but I agree that UNESCO is ridiculous. But then again, I am kind of an anarchist.

0 ( +7 / -6 )

"Thus, umami taste is common to foods that contain high levels of L-glutamate, IMP and GMP, most notably in fish, shellfish, cured meats, mushrooms, vegetables (e.g., ripe tomatoes, Chinese cabbage, spinach, celery, etc.) or green tea, and fermented and aged products (e.g., cheeses, shrimp pastes, soy sauce, etc.).[25]

Many humans' first encounter with umami is breast milk. It contains roughly the same amount of umami as broths."

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japanese food is good but it's hardly unique. Soon they'll want to add everything about the country as being unique. Just something else to add to their passive-aggressive behavior about how great they think they are compared to the rest of the world. Maybe they should move UNESCO's HQ here or to Paris.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

What separates washoku from a lot of other cuisines is how it does so much with so little (historically, out of necessity). There is a quiet confidence and elegance in its (traditional) presentation. Humbleness is befitting of such cuisine, and I'm afraid that titles like 'World Heritage cuisine' will only add fuel to the current 日本を取り戻す fire.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Great news Food that you can hold down. KFC special Christmas .should be next It's special. CHICKEN NUGGETS , must be next next They contain all the most tasty ingredients

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japanese cuisine is bland? Nonesense!

Takoyaki with pickled ginger, Okinawan stirfried bitter melon, Tonkotsu ramen, Matcha desserts and wagashi, shabu shabu and nabe, Nagasaki champon etc . There's just too many flavoful dishes. Visit youtube's cooking with the dog channel and explore more becase you're missing out.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

hidingout: "Unfortunate that you didn't stop at the above."

In other words all you want is the praise without the ugly facts? How is it then TRULY praise? I give Japanese food praise, absolutely, and you and other Japanese can pat yourselves on the back for it all you like, but I still think what the committee said to try and rationalize it was nonsense.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

@eniumfields - The article and comments are talking about traditional washoku, like the stuff they serve at expensive ryokans. I agree, the stuff you mentioned are examples of awesome Japanese food though.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Pointless. As has been pointed out, if the Japanese had enough confidence that their food was the schnizz, they wouldn't need a certificate to prove it. Some Japanese food is fantastic, some of it bleeding terrible. Can't be doing with all the boiled vegetables though.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

MrBum.

Takoyaki at a Ryokan(huh), Nagasaki champion can be had at Ringer Hut( fast food franchise). Might want to recheck that list as it is mostly fast food.

Nagoya, etc food is more favourable.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

@It'S ME - Umm, I think you misread my post...

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Pls, define traditional washoku.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

"Known as 'washoku,' Japan’s traditional cooking embraces seasonal ingredients, a unique taste and a style of eating steeped in centuries of tradition."

Takoyaki, ramen, stir fried bitter melon, etc. are all Japanese foods, but I wouldn't call them traditional washoku.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Nice Wiki copy & paste. Why exclude and NOT mention the lack of Beef prior to 1860.

How about kaiseki from the same wiki as well the mention that washoku is nearly impossible to define.

Of to my local place that serves the same food as a ryokan(hotel).

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I think many of the comments here are from people who, like me, are sick to death of hearing about delicate tastes, umami, uniqueness, blends and similar yawnfests. I switch off the moment a Japanese people start twittering on about the same bloody thing ( is this recited like a creed in schools or just media- created? ) and can finish their sentences for them. Then again, that doesn't mean that the food isn't good. And yes, I can eat umeboshi, natto....zzzzzz.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

So UNESCO seems to endorse the practise of relabeling food, advertising one thing and passing of another and the many other scandals surrounding food here.

As someone else stated the art that is the bento lunch box is amazing too.

Personally I like some Japanese food but find some of it utterly disgusting, call me culturally insensitive if you like I really don't care.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

It's actually copied from the article. The one above the comments.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

And, above all, Japan caters fully radiated food to ensure you receive continuous energy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And, above all, Japan caters fully radiated food to ensure you receive continuous energy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There is something very special and delicious about Japanese food. I brought oden to a potluck in the US last year and it absolutely disappeared before I could turn around. Maybe significant that it was in San Francisco, where sushi is like mother's milk but most people's tastes run to the spicier Asian and Latin cuisines. The surprising pleasure (is it the umami?) of food that also does not burn has much to be said for it.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

JAPANESE CUISINE???????????????????????????? Awardet by Unesco, What is, a first of april jocke? We will offer to UNESCO people some dishes of LASAGNE or MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANA, or BUCATINI ALLA MATRICIANA, or an infinity of prelibate ITALIAN DISHES, they will change opinion immediately. ITALY is famous all over the world for two undiscussable primary good things: FASHION and CUISINE. (corruption and Berlusconi are the bad things). So please give the palm of supremacy to the italian cuisine, for a sense of justice. marcello passagrilli

1 ( +8 / -8 )

Tomorrow I will celebrate by going to Matsuya for one of their set meals! A good sized bowl of hot rice with meat and vegetables. Oh Yeah!!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Marcello: "So please give the palm of supremacy to the italian cuisine, for a sense of justice."

I'm with you. I think Italian food is FAR superior to Japanese, and one reason why Italian food is so popular here. Now, to my Japanese friends and posters on here, that is NOT an attack on Japanese culture -- Japanese food also has a lot of wonderful dishes. That is just my person taste. Same as I put Mexican (South American in general), Indian, Korean, Mediterranean (particularly Greek), Middle-Eastern, and other foods above it. As I said before, Japanese food is unique, delicious, and the traditional stuff relatively good for you (none of this takoyaki or things covered in factory-made sauces), but to each their own. ALL unique foods should be recognized. Some for varying reasons.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Who cares what the UN thinks? Japanese cuisine is their "traditional heritage" weather the UN says so or not. I guess since they are all but useless in the global-political arena, they have to stay "relevant" somehow.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

My knowledge is limited but everything I have tried has been really good. So to expand my knowledge and taste buds on Nihon Cuisine. I just ordered 4 Nihon Cookbooks since I'm in Florida and not Nihon. =D

3 ( +5 / -2 )

best food in the world

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I'm with you. I think Italian food is FAR superior to Japanese, and one reason why Italian food is so popular here. Now, to my Japanese friends and posters on here, that is NOT an attack on Japanese culture -- Japanese food also has a lot of wonderful dishes. That is just my person taste. Same as I put Mexican (South American in general), Indian, Korean, Mediterranean (particularly Greek), Middle-Eastern, and other foods above it. As I said before, Japanese food is unique, delicious, and the traditional stuff relatively good for you (none of this takoyaki or things covered in factory-made sauces), but to each their own. ALL unique foods should be recognized. Some for varying reasons.

I'm with you. I think Italian food is FAR superior to Japanese, and one reason why Italian food is so popular here. Now, to my Japanese friends and posters on here, that is NOT an attack on Japanese culture -- Japanese food also has a lot of wonderful dishes. That is just my person taste.

Italians didn't think so for they basically lead the way and rounded up with their Meditterinean neighbors to get accepted in the World Heritage as Mediterranean diet. Traditional Mexican Food was accepted as well. Korean food? No. Please. Only if you want to numb your taste buds for life. There's a reason why Koreans overseas operate Japanese restaurants. They know better.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

I love all types of cuisine, but for those extolling spicy food as having taste compared to Japanese, remember that spices were basically introduced into food to hide the taste of rotting meat/vegetables in the old days. Japanese food is delicate and needs a palate that hasn't been overwhelmed by excessive use of spices.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@smithinjapan , it seams you really dont get it , the level of differences in complexity of preparing, making and eating those food is what makes them unique ,but the most important part is , the history , and thats what this means , they acknowledged the long time existence of Japan cuisine , and in that way, to preserve it. I am from Europe , but I do feel negative energy from you, specially when you told :

But the reasons stated by the committee were a bunch of crap. If it "plays a role in strengthening the cohesion of the Japanese people while providing them a sense of identity and belonging" what right does the committee have to promote it internationally? If I take a bite am I supposed to say, "This isn't MY food!" even though I made it?

Ever seen collinear shows on TV ? Ever seen people make foreign dishes ? They dont say , its MY food , they say, we make Turkie , Holland , Italian , Chinese, or Japan dish today . Did you get it ? And thats why this it made, so that someone else would not labbel something from Japan as their own , today in the world that is most important , brand name , and every country try to protect their foods and cuisine , that is future .

0 ( +5 / -5 )

What, no Italian cooking?

No Chinese cooking?

Go almost anywhere in the world and you can find restaurants serving those 2 cusines.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I didn't mean to insult Japanese food. Just saying it's a little overrated

MrBum, surely what you are saying is, "Japanese food is extremely popular and is widely considered to be an excellent cuisine, but I personally do not like it."

Fine - it is all about personal tastes, but you appear to imply that those who appreciate Japanese cuisine are wrong.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It is ok, but I do find some Japanese food are too salty. Also, depends on when, sometimes I fell like eating Korean (Pork Bone soup), Vietnamese food (Pho), Chinese Food (some stir fry and dim sum as long as it is not too oily), like pizza (but not the Pizza Hut or Domino crap), Lasagna or even Shepherd pie. I have no issue of having Japanese food or any food being put on the heritage list as long as it is not burgers/fries/hot dog as no matter how they spin it with any expensive ingredient on them, they are just not up to par with any real cooking.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good points here... de Gustibus and all that, maybe the original sense of 'no accounting for taste'. Everyone thinks their native cuisine is the greatest (with the likely exception of the Anglo-Saxon races). But nobody has commented on another important quality of Japanese cuisine, which is the high nutritional value that accounts in large part for the low obesity rates and high longevity. Not being completely addicted to sugary drinks helps a lot too, but Michelin doesn't give stars for that.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Hmmm, lot of folks commenting here who don't seem to know what the word 'heritage' means...

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

A quick look at the Unesco website indicates that any traditional practice, anywhere in the world, could get this status - always assuming that somebody can be bothered to nominate. For example, I liked shrimp fishing on horsebank in Belgium. Or carol singing in Moldova. Or the history and use of the abacus in China. Or traditional winemaking in Georgia. Think of your own countries and I am sure you can come up with several things that would probably qualify.

Dolphin hunting and whaling probably wouldn`t make it though.....

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

but I still think what the committee said to try and rationalize it was nonsense.

I don't disagree. But here was a chance to give Japan an unqualified pat on the back for something as uncontroversial as cuisine. As usual, you just couldn't do it.

In other words all you want is the praise without the ugly facts?

No praise needed or wanted by me. And after some years of reading your posts, I know you never let the "facts" get in the way of a good narrative.

and you and other Japanese can pat yourselves on the back for it all you like,

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of Japanese food. I like the tempura. I like the red miso. I like the noodles. Not too much for the seafood, but I'll go out for sushi now and then because as your original post said. its good for you and even though I live here, it always feels like a nice change of pace.

And I keep telling you I'm not Japanese, so kindly stop referencing me as if I were.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

nigelboy: "Traditional Mexican Food was accepted as well. Korean food? No. Please. Only if you want to numb your taste buds for life. There's a reason why Koreans overseas operate Japanese restaurants. They know better."

Racist drivel. And anyway the Korean method of pickling foods is down in UNESCO, or at least it's been nominated, as being unique. And hey, I like what I like, and you have no grounds to say anything wrong about it. Numb your tastebuds? go eat some okonomiyaki lathered in sauce, mayonaise, bonito flakes, seaweed, and full of pickled daikon, flour, and meat.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Even though I like Japanese food I am against it being added to the cultural heritage list. Frankly, I don't think any food should have that honour at all. It breeds arrogance. No food should be rated higher than another because food is culture and all cultures are important to their people. I am sure that people in every country feel that their food should be at the top of the world's list of great cuisines but such a list should not exist. I wonder who paid who for that so-called honour.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

nigelboy: "Traditional Mexican Food was accepted as well. Korean food? No. Please. Only if you want to numb your taste buds for life. There's a reason why Koreans overseas operate Japanese restaurants. They know better."

People are entitled to like what they want, my friend. If you want to numb your tastebuds, fine, head on down for some okonomiyake lathered in sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, and bonito flakes and filled with different kinds of meet, pickled ginger, flour, and fried in oil.

And FYI, nigelboy, Kimjang was also accepted by UNESCO (essentially the making and sharing of Kimuchi) as an integral part of the culture.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

People are entitled to like what they want, my friend. If you want to numb your tastebuds, fine, head on down for some okonomiyake lathered in sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, and bonito flakes and filled with different kinds of meet, pickled ginger, flour, and fried in oil.

I don't want to numb my taste buds so I don't purposely go and consume some "minor" food which is prevalent in your areal. But let's face it. "Korean food" does not belong in the same setence just from a global perspective. Just pointing out the reality.

And FYI, nigelboy, Kimjang was also accepted by UNESCO (essentially the making and sharing of Kimuchi) as an integral part of the culture.

And...? No bashing? What's the reason they gave to the committee to get an approval?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

it's foods, folks. Why all those hate speeches!!!

I believe most if not all people in this forum are living in countries that neither have food shortages nor in a war zone. So can you all stop your EGO.......and just enjoy eating!!??

It's time to read Toriko with some sushi and Kimchi side dishes.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I think most people are missing the point. It's cultural food... They never said anything about it being the best tasting food in the world.

I eat Japanese for dinner usually, when I am working I have vegemite toast, and for lunch ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato sangas. I still can taste the delicious Japanese food. I guess it comes from personal taste.

I find Japanese food delicious.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

has china / korea complained about this yet?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Tom ThompsonDEC. 07, 2013 - 06:51AM JST has china / korea complained about this yet?

Soon!

Cortes ElijahDEC. 06, 2013 - 04:38PM JST I think most people are missing the point. It's cultural food... They never said anything about it being the best tasting food in the world. I eat Japanese for dinner usually, when I am working I have vegemite toast, and for lunch ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato sangas. I still can taste the delicious Japanese food. I guess it comes from personal taste. I find Japanese food delicious.

You nailed it! World Heritage, a great emphasis in the word World. Japanese cuisine may not be your number one in your list of the best food in this planet but certainly it is a treasure that has been a part of the people in the past to present. Without it, history can never be the same. Imagine if Japan did't have Wasshoku and instead it had Italian or Mediterranean or American and even Chinese cuisine. Wasshoku deserved the title as it is one of mankind's historical heritage.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

David FoleyDec. 05, 2013 - 04:22PM JST CGB Spender > Umami is a name (which can be roughly translated to 'deliciousness' if your not putting on airs) given >to the flavor of soy sauce by a Japanese chef. Soy sauce is from China originally. Hence, this authentic Japanese >flavor of 'Umami' could be explained more accurately as the delicious flavor of a Chinese food. I love Japanese >cuisine but I agree that UNESCO is ridiculous. But then again, I am kind of an anarchist.

Umami is not a name given to the flavor of soy sauce. It is used to describe a "tastiness" derived from certain blends and combinations. An example would be the three main ingredients to make Japanese stock, or "dashi". More recent examination of "umami" has shown that certain amino acid compounds seem to be behind it. For example, sushi has umani because of the reaction between the protein in the neta (topping) and the vinegar in the rice. It is a concept that has no other culinary equivalent even in the highly developed Chinese cuisines which have far ,ore available base ingredients than Japanese.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The year of heritages for Japan. Hilarious. What's next? Japanese porn?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It is good news for Japan. Washoku is very healthy and low calories Japanese eat it old time. Also these days washoku is eaten all over the world. I think it makes good use of materials.it does not add too much seasoning. I hope we can save washoku cuisine.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I love Japanese food, but this is ridiculous. How about the UN simply declares EVERYTHING a world heritage and get it over with.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

While I love Japanese food, UNESCO should have noted the lack of spices or seasonings and the high sodium content.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yep, the problem with UNESCO is that there are so many things listed in it now, it has become pointless. UNESCO listed things also tend to be the more traveled or well known things, which means the actually REALLY excellent stuff gets missed off. Personally, I prefer it that way, because the second something gets onto an UNESCO list it becomes more expensive and over commercialised. There's some very unique places I've been, and very unique foods I've eaten, that I'm glad will never make it onto an UNESCO list, and I'm thankful for that.

As for Washoku, yeah, it's interesting and there's a lot of history and tradition to it. But I'd rather have some cous cous off the streets of Fez or a Kleftico in Paphos thanks. Those foods have taste, and living culture/tradition imbued in them.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Heritage, meaning that this type of cuisine will disappear. I believe it, most of young Japanese prefers much more a western style meal than a washoku meal. Almost only the elderly makes washoku restaurant alive.

Perfect diet except the high level of sodium, but in the past the fridge did not exist. No wonder why Japanese life expectancy is the best. .

Thank you Washoku !

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Yes, I agree.you. Thank you Washoku - this beautiful food.!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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