Investigating the History of Japanese Cuisine

Travelling to Japan can be a thrilling experience – the culture, the history, the style and the cuisine! Japan has long been known for its creative and delicious dishes and it's often said that the country is a foodie heaven. But did you ever wonder what exactly makes Japanese food so special?

We're here to explore the history behind Japanese cuisine and uncover some of the secrets behind its success! So without further ado, let's dive right in.

Origins of Japanese Cuisine

At the risk of oversimplifying things, it's likely that Japanese cuisine evolved from the combination of different tribal eating habits and later Chinese influence. In the 3rd century, Japanese culture adopted Chinese forms of etiquette, specifically the traditional Chinese practice of consuming lots of fish and rice. During this time, certain ingredients, including soy sauce and wasabi, were already in popular use. It's clear that these elements were already in use when Japanese cuisine first began to form.

By the Heian Period (794-1185 AD), Japanese cuisine had become more complex and had grown further and further away from its Chinese roots. The new cuisine was highly stylized and became heavily associated with religious rituals and sacred occasions.

Evolution of Japanese Cuisine

As the centuries passed, the menu at meals gradually shifted toward simpler ingredients, including white steamed or boiled rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables and a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as the popular egg dish, tamago-yaki. This was reflective of a shift in the role of food in Japanese culture. No longer was food seen as something primarily associated with solemn ceremonies and rituals, but rather something to be enjoyed day-to-day and to be savored and discussed in social settings.

The 18th century saw a new kind of court cuisine known as "kaiseki ryori," which relied on a large number of courses and served as a precursor to modern Japanese cooking. During this time, the Japanese were heavily influenced by the Chinese notion of combining flavors from all five elements.

The Meiji period (1868-1912) saw an increased openness to the outside world, which brought about further changes in Japanese cuisine as foreign items, such as beef and wheat flour were imported into the country. It was out of this period that some of Japan's most famous dishes were born, such as tempura and sashimi.

Eating Habits in Japan

In the years since, Japanese cuisine has developed into the delicious, creative and diverse food we know and love today. Eating habits in Japan today show a tendency towards frugality when it comes to food – meals often include many small dishes but few heavy, filling ones. This is due in part to Buddhist values which emphasize the need to limit one's desire for food and other material things.

Meals are traditionally enjoyed while seated on the floor around a sunken fireplace called a sunken hearth. The traditional etiquette dictates that only three pieces of food should be eaten at once and hands should be washed before and after meals.
Redd F @ Unsplash

Exploring Japanese Cuisine

From its humble beginnings, Japanese cuisine has evolved over centuries to become the acclaimed and diverse food it is today. It's possible to explore different aspects of Japanese cuisine in many different ways, such as food tours or in classes. There's something for everyone, no matter one's tastes.

By uncovering the history of Japanese cuisine, one can gain greater understanding and appreciation for this beautiful culinary culture. So why not take the time to explore and learn more about the unique flavors and delightful ingredients that make Japanese cuisine so special?
Peter Nguyen @ Unsplash