Although it is common knowledge that sushi came from Japan, it actually originated in South East Asia. In fact, sushi was basically unheard of in Japan until the early 1900’s. According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, the definition of sushi is “a Japanese dish in which various ingredients such as raw fish are added to vinegar flavoured rice and formed into balls or rolls” (author page number). Though you could say that most of this is true, it is in fact, not Japanese. So why is sushi now a staple of Japan and how has it changed over the past century?
Though different sources have varying timelines (100-2500 years ago), the general idea is that sushi originated in Southern parts of Asia, more specifically in the waterway now known as the Mekong River. This is known to be the birthplace of ‘nare-zushi’ which evolved into the sushi we know and love. This first type of fermented sushi was made with fresh cleaned fish that was then stuffed with salt and stored in a salted wooden barrel. All of the ingredients were then weighed down by a tsukemonoishi, or japanese pickling stone, and would sit for six months to dry. This left the sushi fresh and good to eat for six months later.
This nare-zushi slowly travelled north through southern China until it eventually reached Japan. This became the base for all modern techniques now used to prepare, present, and eat raw fish. In present-day Japan, the most famous form of the original nare-zushi is called funa-zushi, which is made from lake fish. Funa-zushi is quite rare these days and is generally only found north of Kyoto.
When sushi first hit Japan, the Japanese aided the long fermentation process by adding vinegar instead. This change had the sushi tasting fresher and increased th...
... middle of paper ...
...now a commonly eaten meal or snack food. People even make it at home occasionally. Because of the popularity it has spread to other parts of the world where tourists are. I know there are quite a few sushi places here in Bali. Even though hardly any locals dine there, there are certainly enough tourists who are interested. The high demand for sushi in the west has made it easy for sushi to become a global cuisine.
In conclusion, I have found that even though we all believe sushi originated in Japan, it didn’t. And even though lots of us all seem to think sushi is a good California Roll, that really isn’t how it was at first. Maybe the Japanese don’t even know where sushi came from even though it is their staple food and it’s been in their country for so long. It seems that we all have a different idea of what really happened and I’m glad I know differently now.
Food and cuisine is one of the most important and influential aspects of how a country's culture is shaped and by looking at how this has been accomplished, it is clear to see direct links between dishes and aspects of Japanese and Australian Culture. REFERENE By researching a meal from each country, Okonomiyaki and Damper, connections are made and analysed between identity, culture and the communication.
came from the Italians. Their new flavor and pasta dishes won the country over and is
When discussing the origin of the Samurai, an important time in history for their beginning can be seen in the formation of a Feudal System in early Japan. In 646 AD, Emperor Tenji enacted the Taika Reform. This reform allowed the aristocracy to adopt Chinese-Style political structures, bureaucracy, and culture (Farris). Basically, this allowed land to be redistributed among the people and while new taxes were formed. This was because more income was needed to support the newly adopted Chinese style empire. Due to these reforms, many peasants had to sell their land and work as farmers for other people while people who actually owned land were able to gain wealth and power. This resulted in the formation of a feudal system. This system was similar to that of medieval Europe and contributed to the rise of the Samurai social class.
Japan lasted from 1185-1603. During that time Japan had emperors, shoguns, daimyos, samurai, and peasants who were all apart of a social class, and all together it was called the Samurai Society. The emperor was just a figurehead for the shogun. The shogun was a powerful military leader that ruled in the emperor’s name. Daimyo were powerful landlords. The daimyo often led armies of samurai. These samurai were trained professional warriors who served daimyo and shoguns. The samurai had to follow a certain code of rules for samurai called Bushido. One of their rules included to always have self-discipline to become a good samurai. The samurai warriors wore light armor, helmets (usually shaped like an animal), and had two swords around their waist. Their armor had a lot of detail and color to it, like their unique helmets. After the samurai comes the peasants, which included farmers and fishermen. They usually always work, then pay takes to the shogun. They usually gave the shogun what they earned from working like food or crops. What made their jobs a bit difficult was their topography. Japan’s topography included many mountains, undersea volcanoes, and barely any flat land to farm on. The Japanese didn’t only work they also practiced their religion. For example, they practiced Confucianism, Buddhism (...
Most American citizens remember December 7, 1941 and the significance that the incidents of that day had. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a shock to the United States of America and it engaged our country in the Second World War of that century (Pearl, 2009). Unfortunately, due to that incident, many Americans harbor many negative feelings and attitudes towards the country of Japan. While this is an understandable sentiment, it is unnecessary, because Japan is an influence on not on the United States but the entire world. Throughout this paper, we will look at the country of Japan as many have never viewed them before. Their actions of the past are just that, the past. Japan is a thriving and successful country within our environment and it is in our best interest to understand that country better. Japan, as a culture, is the
Japan has a history that dates back thousands of years. Researchers believe the Japanese people descended from many groups that migrated to the islands from other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. As early as 4500 B.C., the Japanese islands
From the animated mega city of Tokyo, to the serene zen gardens with rustic ponds home to the koi fish, Japan has a unique past, present, and future. The alcove ornament samurai houses called, shoin-zukuri are a symbol of the struggling past that Japan escaped. These samurai houses were training centers long ago of judo, sumo, and other martial arts. Lush trees envelope houses, and the religion Shintoism was developed back in 500 A.D. Paintings and drawings capture the grace and beauty the landscape portrays. The Japanese dragons reveal the legends held within themselves, many are associated with rainfall and the ability to reach peace. Seeking farther inland you witness the largest city in the world, Tokyo. Cars, buses, subway systems, taxis, and bicycles are buzzing through every street, going to and from work, quickly advancing technology.
The exact origins of Jujitsu are unclear, as most of its history was passed on in the oral tradition. The few early written references show that its origins date back to Japanese mythology, where it is said that the gods, Kajima and Kadori, used Jujitsu to discipline the lawless and wild inhabitants of the Eastern provinces. Therefore, by definition, the art is nearly 2000 years old, however records do exist which show that the art was being practiced as far back as the 8th Century, over twelve hundred years ago. Jujitsu was formalised and most popular during the Edo period of Japan. This was the era of the Samurai. Jujitsu was the Samurai’s main set of combat techniques, after the sword. Jujitsu was a part of the Samurai’s fighting skills, something he could use when he was unable to use his favourite weapon.
The samurai had existed in modern time for a while before changing. In 1853 the United States came to Japan seeking trade and commercial relationships. It was decided that Japan was ready to give up its old ways and the era of feudal Japan ended in 1868 and the samurai along with it.
“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a documentary about an 85 year old man, Jiro, who is one of the best sushi chefs. Jiro owns a very small sushi restaurant that only seats 10 guests, and earned three stars from Michelin Guide. Three stars is the highest rating you can get Michelin Guide. Yamamato, the food writer, said in order to receive three stars from Michelin Guide you must have all three of the following standards: quality, originality, and consistency. Jiro met all three of the standards so he received the three stars from Michelin Guide. Not many restaurants have acquired three stars from Michelin Guide. You must be one of the best chefs to obtain three stars from Michelin Guide.
First, it all starts with the dried seaweed, known as “Nori”, dried to perfection; crispy, flavorful, and fit to be consumed as a crucial part of sushi. Rice joins in, and is spread out on the seaweed. All the toppings get tossed into the mix, and brought into existence is a bundle of pride and enjoyment: sushi. As a passionate sushi lover, I follow the motto “Sushi is love, sushi is life. If it isn’t sushi, it’s never sushi.” Countless people around in my presence have eaten sushi; I stand by the judgment that it’s simply one of the best foods that exist. It’s not perfect, there are some negligible points that never arrive at the point of being singled out, noticed even, those issues right under your nose. People notice them for a split second and wonder about what could be bothering
Many of us, if not everyone, has heard of the country of Japan through various means. Possibly through popular films such as Godzilla or the renowned horror films which the country produces. Perhaps through the various anime TV shows that have been dubbed in English creating a massive fan base here in the United States, or the massive franchise Nintendo that has filled our child memories with countless hours spent in front of a screen playing Mario or Pokémon. One way or another the Japanese have shared their culture with a huge audience but thats only scratching the surface of the Japanese culture. The country of Japan wasn’t always the islands that we see there today, the formation of the islands occurred during 50,000 BC and ended in 10,000 BC following the end of the last ice age. This is when we find the first signs of civilization in Japan but they are nowhere near the modern day Japanese culture today. The early beginnings of today’s Japanese culture dates back to the year 538 AC with multiple time periods slowly building up to today. The Japanese culture of today shares a few aspects with our American culture we are familiar with, both cultures love baseball, we both have representative democracies as a form of government, and both cultures do not label outsiders differently and accept them just as equally. Even though we may share aspects of our culture with the Japanese our cultures couldn’t be anymore different from each other.
Karate and tae kwon do originated in two different places for different reasons. The Korean peninsula was the setting for the development of tae kwon do. It was 1,500 years ago when a group of young men called the Silla set out to begin a new way of life. The goals of the Silla were to develop the complete mind, body, and spirit. Their daily routine consisted of self-defense, religious and educational training, and physical conditioning. These "knights" laid the roots for the expansion of tae kwon do. On the other hand, karate originated 2,000 years ago in Okinawa. It was a sport taught to the entire population as self-defense against invading armies such as the Samari of Japan. Over time, karate became a way of life for almost all of China.
Japan is presented to the public, specially the American public, as a nation that benefits greatly from all the right dietary habits. In Japan over 95% of the population eats at least three meals a day, in which they consider dinner to be the most important. The Japanese population has dinner at home with their families and loved ones, regardless over 60% of them eat home-replacement mea...
It is important to know how different food trends start. A lot of popular food was first seen in fancy restaurants and slowly made, it ways down to mainstream restaurants. “[Foods] starts