Washoku (和食)、Japanese Dietary Culture

Washoku was added to UNESCO’s intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2013. Wa (和) means Japan or Japanese and shoku (食) means food or to eat. (Other examples are Wagyu means Japanese beef, Wagashi, means Japanese confectionary and so on). What makes Washoku special and why does it mean more than just a Japanese food? Let’s explore and discover the world of Washoku and its flavors.

1.    Characteristics of Washoku - Ichiju-sansai (一汁三菜):

Known as Ichiju-sansai  “One Soup and Three Dishes” , Washoku consists of rice, one soup, one main dish and two side dishes. This structure provides the very foundation from a daily home cooking meal to a full-course cuisine. So if you buy a full lunch box at any of the obento kisok or at the supermarket, you will notice that dish fillings in the spaced case keep to this basic structure of Ichiju-sansai.


Typical Japanese Ichiju-sansai dishes

2. Fresh and Natural Ingredients

Japanese meals and cuisine values the natural bounty and is distinguished by the different types of ingredients available in that season. It is also consumed with minimal cooking with the used of dashi. Dashi is a delicious stock made from boiling flakes of dried bonito and dried kombu (kelp) to create a savory natural umami flavor. Thus, dashi stock made in this way can helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients in washoku dishes with just little seasoning.

3. A well-balanced and healthy Diet

Washoku meals which consist of more fish and vegetable and less meat promotes a well-balanced and low fat diet. Washoku is found to possess the ideal balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, thus contributing to the long life expectancy of the Japanese.

4. Beauty in Presentation

Natural decorations are used to decorate the food. Bamboo leaves are used to adorn the dishes in summer while carrots are made to resemble maple leaves in autumn. The presentation usually reflects the beauty of the changing seasons.

5. Connecting People, Community and Country

Washoku dishes plays an important role on occasions such as New Year’s Day celebration in fostering stronger family and community ties through the harmony of food. Washoku also has important functions to play in the society. Technology to transport fresh and seasonal ingredients is developed, precise touch to cuisine and hospitality are born out of the need to improve. Washoku indeed helps to define the Japanese identity.