History
Before Japanese people consume a meal, they put their hands together in a praying position and say "Itadakimasu". What does this mean?
To show appreciation for the meal
At a Japanese sushi restaurant, you will always find ginger garnish on the sushi plate. What is the purpose of this garnish?
Ginger is meant to be eaten after eating each piece of sushi to cleanse your mouth and refresh the palate before eating the next piece. Ginger garnish is not supposed to be eaten with sushi at the same time.
Miso soup, a commonly consumed soup with a meal in Japan, is served in a small bowl with a base at the bottom. What is the base for?
You are supposed to consume a bowl of soup by picking up the bowl. The base is to protect your hands from getting burnt.
One of the Japanese seasonal dishes is called "Toshikoshi soba". What date is it served in Japanese culture?
Hint: Toshikoshi involves "changing or crossing something"
The night of December 31st just before the New Year
Japan is known for consuming this particular food, which is associated with reduced risk of dementia among elderly people. What is the food?
Fish
There are noises that can occur when eating food that are considered impolite, including burping and chewing food with your mouth open. However, there is one noise when eating that is considered acceptable and is a sign of appreciation. What is it?
A slurping sound (when eating noodles for example)
The Japanese diet, known as Washoku, was recognized by UNESCO as "intangible cultural heritage" in the year of ______.
Hint: Surprisingly it was sometime in the last 10 years
2013
People in Okinawa, Japan are very healthy and physically active even past the age of 100. Their home cooked foods often include pork. What micronutrient is particularly high in pork that helps people stay active and energized?
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
In Japan, it is considered taboo to pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another. Why?
It is in relation to the custom of picking up bone remains and passing them between chopsticks (people) and placing them into an urn after a cremation service.