From the usual favorites such as sushi,
tempura, and ramen to the traditional sweets like wagashi and taiyaki, the
abundance of gastronomical delights in Japan has earned them a spot in United
Nation’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Its growing popularity has even reached
many places around the world including the Philippines, where Japanese cuisine
currently ranks as the fifth most searched cuisine by Filipinos on Google.
In that regard, Google Arts & Culture
has collaborated with 20 partners including the Japanese Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to bring to life a digital exhibit called Meshiagare! Flavors of Japan. This online gallery peeks into the roots
and deep traditions behind Japan’s most celebrated and world-renowned dishes.
“One of the best ways to know a country is
through its cuisine, and that experience becomes even better when you know the
story behind each local dish,” said Mervin Wenke, Communications and Public
Affairs Lead, Google Philippines. “We called the exhibit ‘Meshiagare’ because
it means ‘enjoy your meal’ in Japanese, and it aptly serves as an invitation
for everyone to discover the flavors of Japan.”
The newly launched website features over
100 online exhibitions and more than 3,000 high-quality images, videos, and
stories that spotlight on Japan’s diverse food scene and history.
Those visiting the digital exhibit can look
back at the Edo period and discover how the flavors and colors of
modern Japanese food came to be. Learn more about the bar-hopping culture of
Shinjuku with an exciting walkthrough of the historic Golden Gai District. They can even take a virtual
trip to Toyosu Market, one of the largest fish markets in the
world where tourists can get a chance to witness a live tuna auction.
More than the interesting sights, the
exhibit also offers insights to the origins and evolution of global favorites sushi and ramen. Know more about the art of Japanese tea and watch how the elders practice a
traditional tea ceremony.
After Spain: An Open Kitchen and Come Chop Belleful: Taste of
Nigeria, Meshiagare! Flavors of Japan is
the third Google Arts & Culture exhibit that is dedicated solely to a
country’s unique cuisine. Meanwhile, this is the second project that features
Japanese culture, following Made in Japan which was launched in 2016 and highlighted
the nation’s craftsmanship.
The exhibit is accessible in Google Arts
& Culture website and in the app that is available for
download on the Play Store or the App Store.
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