Japanese Food & Dining: The Culture Behind the Cuisine

Japanese food is built on ideas as much as ingredients — umami and dashi, the balance of ichijū-sansai, the seasons read through a single plate. Our guides to washoku, its flavours and its table manners, and the quiet philosophy that shapes a Japanese meal.

Washoku: Why UNESCO Recognised Japanese Cuisine
Japanese Food Culture

Washoku: Why UNESCO Recognised Japanese Cuisine

3 min read
 Umami: The Fifth Taste Japan Gave the World
Japanese Food Culture

Umami: The Fifth Taste Japan Gave the World

3 min read
 Dashi: The Simple Broth at the Foundation of Japanese Cooking
Japanese Food Culture

Dashi: The Simple Broth at the Foundation of Japanese Cooking

3 min read
 The Fermented Heart of Japanese Cuisine
Japanese Food Culture

The Fermented Heart of Japanese Cuisine

3 min read
 Ichijū-Sansai: The Structure of a Traditional Japanese Meal
Japanese Dining

Ichijū-Sansai: The Structure of a Traditional Japanese Meal

3 min read
 Why Japanese Meals Use Many Small Dishes: The Art of Ichiju-Sansai
Japanese Dining

Why Japanese Meals Use Many Small Dishes: The Art of Ichiju-Sansai

3 min read
 The Aesthetics of Japanese Plating: How Food Becomes Art
Japanese Dining

The Aesthetics of Japanese Plating: How Food Becomes Art

3 min read
 How to Set a Japanese Table: A Beginner's Guide to Authentic Dining
Japanese Dining

How to Set a Japanese Table: A Beginner's Guide to Authentic Dining

3 min read
 Why Japanese People Hold Their Rice Bowl While Eating: The Cultural Meaning Behind the Gesture
Japanese Dining

Why Japanese People Hold Their Rice Bowl While Eating: The Cultural Meaning Behind the Gesture

3 min read
 Sushi History: How Japan's Iconic Dish Evolved From Fermented Preservation
Japanese Food Culture

Sushi History: How Japan's Iconic Dish Evolved From Fermented Preservation

3 min read
 Reading the Sushi Counter: Understanding Etiquette in Japan's Most Intimate Dining Theater
Japanese Dining

Reading the Sushi Counter: Understanding Etiquette in Japan's Most Intimate Dining Theater

3 min read
 Why Japanese People Slurp Their Noodles
Japanese Food Culture

Why Japanese People Slurp Their Noodles

2 min read
 Why Japanese Food Hall Depachika Culture Turns Department Store Basements Into Food Heaven
Japanese Food Culture

Why Japanese Food Hall Depachika Culture Turns Department Store Basements Into Food Heaven

3 min read
 How Shojin Ryori Temple Cuisine Shapes the Modern Vegetarian Table
Japanese Dining

How Shojin Ryori Temple Cuisine Shapes the Modern Vegetarian Table

3 min read