Traditional Japanese Cuisine Photography Series

Being of mixed Asian descent, I thought it was appropriate to create a series based on traditional ethnic foods. You may find some foods that you may be familiar with, but mostly you’ll find traditional foods that originated in tiny villages.

Japanese Food

Japan’s social and economical changes throughout the centuries have helped develop the country’s dishes. A combination of food staples like rice and broths are the beginnings of an unforgettable meal. This series will help us explore what makes Japanese food so sought-after in Western culture, and how the Japanese bring together traditional and modern era flavors.

Food Stories

At my family’s dinner table, it was the time when we got together and discussed the daily happenings of life. We told stories, heard stories from our parents and grandparents, and then hoped we would have an amazing one to tell our future families. Since family is important, we’ll also look at dishes that have been passed down through generations.

The Meaning of Foods

Just like Americans have made turkeys a traditional Thanksgiving dish, Japan also has traditional feast day dishes. because the foods the Japanese use are seasonal, you’ll see foods as Botamochi served in the spring and Ohagi in the fall. Both are sweet foods and served for dessert. For New Year’s Eve, special Soba noodles are cooked as well.

Through this series, we’ll discover a rich culture filled with history and delicious foods. So stay tuned for this series to go live. In the meantime, what are some traditional foods that your family cooks?