Fish, rice and traditions

Japanese culinary habits have been formed by tradition over many centuries. Though Japan is no longer isolated from the outside world, its gastronomic culture remains very traditional. How we see things is far more important in Japan than how they are. Restaurants and Japanese food radiate an atmosphere of harmony. Japanese gastronomy is based on two basic foods: rice and fish. There are almost one hundred ways of preparing rice. Fats and spices are not used because this would alter the flavour of rice. Sushi is probably the best known Japanese dish. It is no wonder that sushi has a day dedicated to celebrating it (1st November). Apart from rice and fish, a lot of vegetables are also consumed. Pasta and soy beans are also popular, not to mention wasabi. Japanese people visit restaurants quite frequently, as these are the scene of social life.