The Japanese like nothing more than to be recognized internationally for their achievements, which is why the popularity of anime/manga creators like Hayao Miyazaki or Shirow Masamune soar in Japan when their works achieve acclaim abroad. One of the highlights of 2013 was when Mt. Fuji was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which caused all Japan to swell with pride. Now another institution has received special recognition: 和食 washoku, or traditional Japanese cuisine, known for its beautiful presentation as much for its delicious taste. One problem facing modern Japan today is how to maintain interest in traditional food culture in a world where the “mind-share” of Japanese food is shrinking due to globalization and the rise of convenient alternatives. Consumption of fish and rice, two staples of the country for centuries, has fallen by half since the 1960s, and today the most popular foods among children are curry rice, spaghetti and “hamburg” (Salisbury) steak, none of which are Japanese. Hopefully the official UNESCO recognition will cause more people to turn to traditional dishes in the future.
Japanese cuisine receives recognition by UNESCO.
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