Geography & Climate
What type of landform makes up most of Japan?
Mountains, about 75% of the land is mountainous
What is the Japanese word for respect or politeness in daily life?
Rei
What is the primary traditional religion of Japan that emphasizes nature and ancestor worship?
Shinto
What grain forms the base of almost every traditional Japanese meal?
Rice
What common Western fast food has become popular in Japan, especially around Christmas?
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
How does Japan’s climate affect what people eat?
Japan’s four seasons influence seasonal eating (for example: cold noodles in summer, hot soups in winter)
What is the traditional Japanese garment worn during festivals?
Yukata or Kimono
What traditional food is often eaten on New Year's (Oshōgatsu) for good luck and longevity?
Osechi Ryōri (a set of traditional foods with symbolic meanings) or Toshikoshi Soba (buckwheat noodles).
Name a popular dish made of vinegared rice and raw fish / seafood.
Sushi
How has globalization influenced the availability of food in Japan?
Increased food imports and variety in supermarkets.
Which natural disaster often affects Japan and impacts food security?
Earthquakes and tsunamis
What is the traditional Japanese tea ceremony called?
Chanoyu or Sado
Name a major Buddhist or Shinto celebration in which special foods are prepared for the deceased.
O-bon (Festival of the Dead).
What is Umami and how does it relate to Japanese food?
Umami is the fifth basic taste, it's prevalent in Japanese ingredients like dashi, soy sauce, and miso, forming the foundation of many dishes.
What is one example of a fusion dish created in Japan by blending Japanese ingredients with Western techniques?
Wafu Pasta or Japanese-style curry
How do coastal areas influence Japanese cuisine?
Seafood is a major part of the diet because Japan is surrounded by ocean
What is the Japanese term for the way food is beautifully presented?
Kaiseki or simply “presentation aesthetics”
What is Shōjin Ryōri?
Traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
What essential soybean based condiment is used to flavor soup and many other dishes?
Miso (fermented soybean paste)
How has the Japanese diet, influenced by globalization, led to modern health concerns?
Increased consumption of processed foods, sugar, and fats has led to a rise in lifestyle related diseases, which were less common on the traditional diet.
How does limited farmland affect food imports in Japan?
Japan imports much of its food due to limited farmland and high population
How do social customs influence meal etiquette in Japan?
There are specific manners, saying “Itadakimasu” before and “Gochisosama” after eating
During which celebration is mochi (rice cake) pounded and consumed?
Mochitsuki (the traditional ceremony of pounding rice into mochi), often done around New Year's
What famous savory pancak like dish is prepared on a griddle, literally meaning "as you like it"?
Okonomiyaki
How have Japanese dishes like Sushi and Ramen become globalized cultural exports?
They have been adapted and commercialized worldwide, making Japanese cuisine one of the most recognizable globally.