Japanese 'Washoku' famous among foreigners

Japan's famous "Washoku" is a traditional practice based on a set of skills, knowledge and traditions relating to preparation and processing of food. It has an intangible cultural heritage status provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). These dishes are made with seasonal ingredients and colourful serve. In recent years, many tourists coming to Japan look for Washoku food as the country's food culture is getting attention across the world.

This is a contest for cooks in Japan and it takes place every year. In the "Sushi Cup" and "Japanese World Challenge" competitions, chefs who are not Japanese but foreigners from many countries around the world take part. Kyoko Nishi, an official from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries said, "I think to introduce the charm of Japanese Washoku, chefs activity is important rather than the characteristic of Japanese ingredients."

Through these chefs, Japanese food is introduced to people all over the world. Apple produced in Japan is lined up in the Indonesian market. Japanese fruits have been attracting consumer's attention in Southeast Asia. This is an apple field which is typical production area in Aomori Prefecture in northeast Japan.

"We ship apples to the world with the latest technology selection machine to get the best quality apples. The farmers who produce them have the same feeling," said Makoto Saitou, Representative of Japan Agricultural Cooperatives, Tsugaru Hirosaki. In addition, various sweets making companies in Japan have also started introducing their items through social media.

One of the charms of these Japanese sweets is the arrangement of local specialities. The soft serve ice cream especially has different flavours and is unique in each region. 

(With inputs from agencies.)