Factors of Choice
Factors of Choice
Material Culture
Symbolic Culture
Celebrations & Festivals
Globalization
100
This island nation's geography means seafood is a much more common protein than red meat.
What is Japan?
100
This fermented soybean product is a high-protein staple, often served in blocks or used to make miso soup.
What is tofu?
100
The careful, artistic arrangement of food on a plate reflects the broader Japanese cultural value of this, which is an appreciation for beauty and simplicity.
What is aesthetics or wabi-sabi?
100
On New Year's Day (Oshogatsu), families eat ozoni, a soup with mochi, which symbolizes the wish for this in the coming year.
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100
Japan adapted a Portuguese dish to create tempura, and more recently, adapted American steakhouse culture to create this dish of breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet.
What is tonkatsu?
200
Japan's climate is perfect for growing this short-grain staple, which is the foundation of almost every meal.
What is rice?
200
Dashi, the essential umami-rich stock, is often made from shavings of this dried fish.
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200
The phrase "itadakimasu," said before eating, symbolically expresses this, showing respect for the life of the plants and animals being consumed.
What is gratitude or thanks?
200
During the spring festival Hanami, people enjoy picnics under blooming cherry trees, eating pretty boxed lunches and these sweet, pink rice cakes.
What are sakura mochi?
200
Japanese cuisine has globally influenced health trends, popularizing foods like this fermented soybean dish, known for its probiotics.
What is miso?
300
The Buddhist principle of not taking life historically limited meat consumption, making this a dominant dietary practice for centuries.
What is vegetarianism or a plant-based diet?
300
This long, thin noodle made from buckwheat is often served chilled with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth.
What is soba?
300
In Japanese food culture, slurping noodles loudly is not rude; it is a symbolic way to communicate this to the chef.
What is that you are enjoying the meal?
300
In July, the Obon festival honors ancestors' spirits, and a common offering is these cucumber and eggplant sculptures believed to serve as spirit animals.
What are shoryouma (spirit horses)?
300
The global popularity of sushi has led to both positive cultural exchange and this negative effect, which is the overfishing of certain species like bluefin tuna.
What is environmental strain or depletion of natural resources?
400
The concept of "ichiju-sansai" (one soup, three sides) demonstrates the importance of this social factor: balance and this, which refers to the visual presentation of a meal.
What is harmony or aesthetics?
400
This iconic dish consists of bite-sized pieces of raw fish served over seasoned rice.
What is sushi or nigiri?
400
The use of seasonal ingredients, like maple leaves in autumn sweets, symbolizes a deep cultural connection to this and the changing environment.
What are the seasons (kisetsu)?
400
On Setsubun, the day before the start of spring, people throw these roasted soybeans to drive away bad luck and invite good fortune.
What are fukumame (fortune beans)?
400
While Japan exports its food culture, it also imports Western diets, leading to an increase in these types of health issues related to higher meat and fat consumption.
What are lifestyle diseases (e.g., obesity, heart disease)?
500
In modern, fast-paced cities like Tokyo, this economic factor (lack of time) has made convenience stores like 7-Eleven a major source for quick, quality meals.
What is the rise of fast food or convenience food culture?
500
A signature material object, this lacquered wooden box with compartments is used to present a variety of foods in a single, elegant meal.
What is a jubako (bento box)?
500
The symbolic importance of rice is so profound that the word for "cooked rice" (gohan) is also the general word for this.
What is a meal?
500
For Children's Day, families fly carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) and eat kashiwa-mochi, which symbolizes this hopeful trait for children.
What is success or rising to a challenge?
500
This term describes the process where international products, like pizza, are modified with local ingredients like corn and mayo to suit Japanese tastes.
What is glocalization?