40. Foods of the japanese

Rice and noodles are the two primary staples of the Japanese diet. Rice, either boiled or steamed, is served at every meal. Noodles come in many varieties. Among the most popular are soba, thin brown noodles made from buckwheat flour; udon, thick white noodles made from wheat flour; and ramen, thin, curly noodles, also made from wheat flour . Soy sauce and other soybean products are also staples in Japan. These include miso (fermented soybean paste) and tofu (a soybean curd that resembles custard). Other common ingredients in Japanese food include bamboo shoots, daikon (a giant white radish), ginger, seaweed, and sesame seed products. Japanese pickles called tsukemono are served at every meal. Seafood is also plentiful in this island nation. Green tea is the national beverage of Japan, although black tea is also available. Sake (SAH-kee, wine made from rice, usually served warm) and beer are also very popular.

Two uniquely Japanese foods are sushi (fresh raw seafood with rice) and sashimi (fresh raw seafood with soy sauce); both rely on freshly caught fish or seafood. Dishes prepared in a single pot ( nabemeno ) are popular throughout Japan. Sukiyaki is a dish made up of paper-thin slices of beef (or sometimes chicken), vegetables, and cubes of tofu cooked in broth. Shabu-shabu is beef and vegetables, also cooked in broth but then dipped in flavorful sauces. Each region has its own selection of favorite foods. People living on the cold northern island of Hokkaido enjoy potatoes, corn, and barbecued meats. Foods in western Japan tend to be more delicately flavored than those in the east.

The Japanese are known for using very fresh ingredients in their cooking. They prefer using fresh, seasonal foods for their meals, buying it the same day it will be cooked. The Japanese are also famous for their skill in arranging food so that it looks beautiful. The people of Japan live long lives and have a low rate of heart disease because of healthy eating habits.

MEALTIME CUSTOMS

The Japanese eat three main meals a day. The main ingredient in all three, however, is rice (or sometimes noodles). Miso soup and pickles are always served as well. Meals eaten early in the day tend to be the simplest. A typical breakfast consists of rice, miso soup, and a side dish, such as an egg or grilled fish.

Noodles are very popular for lunch (and as a snack), and a restaurant or take-out stand referred to as a noodle house is a popular spot for lunch. A typical lunch would be a bowl of broth with vegetables, seaweed, or fish. The bento is a traditional box lunch packed in a small, flat box with dividers. It includes small portions of rice, meat, fish, and vegetables. Stores sell ready-made bento for take out and some even have Western-style ingredients like spaghetti or sausages. A favorite among young people, and as a take-out food, is a stuffed rice ball called onigiri.

Many Japanese have turned to Western-style food for breakfast and lunch, especially in the cities. However, traditional dinners are still eaten by most people in Japan, such as rice, soup, pickles, and fish. Seasonal fresh fruit makes a great dessert. Sweets are more likely to be served with green tea in the afternoon.

Food is grasped between chopsticks and lifted to one's mouth. Chopsticks should never be stuck into a piece of food or used to pass food back and forth. It is not considered impolite to sip one's soup directly from the bowl. At a Japanese meal, people at the table fill each other's drinking glasses but never their own.

The Japanese do not eat while they are doing other things, such as walking or driving. A Japanese car company once claimed that some of its seatbelts didn't work properly in the United States because Americans spilled so much food in their cars. They believe people should not eat and drive cars at the same time.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony - Defining Japanese Culture

The Japanese tea ceremony is a unique Japanese cultural tradition which began in the 15th century. It has evolved and changed over the centuries, and today there are many different styles and schools of tea ceremony in Japan. Despite the differences, they all share the same overall philosophy which has been shaped by its origins in Zen Buddhism.

The guiding philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony rests on the principles:

'Wa'- Harmony

'Kei'- Respect

'Sei'- Purity

'Jaku'- Serenity

Sen no Rikyu

One of the key historical figures in the Japanese tea ceremony is Sen no Rikyu. He is believed to have emphasized these principles in the development of the tea ceremony. Sen no Rikyu is credited with developing all the steps in the tea ceremony and with turning it into a ritual which he passed down to his students. Sen no Rikyu emphasized the spirituality and the simplicity in the art of drinking green tea.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Today

Today the Japanese tea ceremony is studied by students of all ages. There are tea ceremony clubs in high schools, cities and the countryside. Although in the past the Japanese tea ceremony was restricted to the wealthy, today it is something everyone can take part in.

Apart from people studying the tea ceremony as an interest, they are also held to mark a special event such as a wedding, or time of the year (New Year). Most Japanese people have experienced the tea ceremony by being a guest at one.

The Setting

The Japanese Tea Ceremony usually takes place in a traditional Japanese tatami room. A traditional tea room has a raised alcove at the front of the room, which is simply and elegantly decorated with a hanging scroll and a flower arrangement.

The hanging scroll usually has a simple poem written in Japanese calligraphy, which has been carefully chosen by the host to set the mood and atmosphere of the tea ceremony.

The Ceremony

There are many steps which the host will carry out during the tea ceremony. The most important thing for the host to do is to create an atmosphere of tranquility and calm.

Initially the host will greet the waiting guests by serving them some traditional Japanese sweets.

The host will then bring in the tea and tea utensils to be used in preparing the tea There are many unique utensils used only in performing the Japanese tea ceremony.

The host will then tell the guests to relax, and enjoy their sweets while the tea is prepared.

During this time there are usually no words spoken, and the guest can observe the host preparing the tea.

Once the matcha green tea has been prepared, it is served to the guest.

The host will ask the guest 'How do you like the tea?', to which the guest replies, "It is very delcious."

After all the guests have enjoyed and finished drinking the tea, the host cleans all the utensils and then invites the guests to hold and look at them. Each utensil including the tea container, the tea scoop and bowl are handmade by skilled craftsmen. At this time, the guest can ask the host questions about each utensil (artist, style etc.).

Finally, the host will take all the utensils and tea out of the tea room and thank the guests for coming, marking the end of the tea ceremony.

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