Welcome to TabemonoBois!

Hello there!

Welcome to the TabemonoBoiss blog! Here, we'll be discussing the theme of food in Japan! We hope to cover a variety of topics included (and probably limited to) fruits, street/festival foods, bento, and local cuisines! Your hosts on this wondrous food journey will be none other than Andrea (21), Lucia (20), Nicha (22), and Sarah (21) ~

Food and Culture

            Food makes up a big part of our culture. Things like the ingredients we choose or how we prepare our food can speak volumes about who we are as people. The way one culture views a certain food may differ dramatically from how another culture views the same food. For example, Japan’s regard to fruits contrasts quite strongly with Canada’s regard to fruits. Some specific types of food may also form the foundation for certain aspects of a culture. Bento and regional delicacies can be quite local to Japan. Finally, there are cultural aspects with associated foods that differ by nature of a difference in culture. For example, while many cultures may have street vendors and may host festivals, the street and festival foods of Japan are unique to Japan.

            We hope you enjoy joining us as we explore Japanese food and how it contributes to Japan’s culture!

Fruits（果物）

            Lucia (aka Boi 4) will be handling this subtopic! I feel like, as a Canadian, I often take fruits for granted. Sure, there are fruits that go in and out of season, and prices often inflate against my will, but the culture around fruits in Japan is totally different from here.

            The fruits in Japan are known for being comparatively more expensive than the fruits we have access to in Canada. I have heard that a cause for this price difference is the limited real estate Japan can allocate to growing fruit. As a result, only a limited amount of fruit can be grown at a time, and so resources are dedicated to the quality of those few fruits. Additionally, to uphold the tradition of high quality production, the cultivation of fruits in Japan became incredibly resource- and labour-intensive. The high price may therefore be due to a combination of the high demand of the massive Japanese population, the low supply of fruit due to limited resources, and the intense labour required to reach a desired quality. In contrast, fruits are considered an essential part of the diet here in Canada and are much more readily available to the common person. 

            While there are indeed some fruits specific to the country of Japan, as well as some non-native fruits honed to Japanese perfection, I anticipate the bulk to my research to be focused on fruits as a commodity. Throughout these next four weeks or so, I hope to further investigate other possible underlying reasons behind the high prices of fruits, the history of fruits rising to the status of a luxury good in Japan, and how the Japanese and Canadian viewpoints compare in regards to fruit.

Street and Festival Foods (屋台と祭りの食べ物)

            While delicious trying food is undoubtedly a huge part of travelling, Japan has much more to offer than just restaurants. A large part of the allure are the unique and infamous street and festival foods available all around the country. Many different ‘yatai’, or street vendors, can be found around Japan, often changing with the season, current festivals, and location, there are many varieties of yatai and with them many delicious foods to sample! You’ve likely heard of many of the famous treats that you can get at these vendors, such as takoyaki, ikayaki, yakitori, and so much more. While in Japan it’s essential to experience this unique part of the culture and eat some delicious food while you’re at it!

Bento（ベント）

            Bento is unquestionably a commodity that is strikingly unique in Japanese culture. Derived from the Chinese word, ‘bento’ is used in meaning ‘useful’ or ‘convenient; with evidence of its accessibility found all over Japan, such as in train stations, convenient stores, and even at the airport. However, the most prevalent use for bento is conceivably from common Japanese households itself; Japanese homemakers usually spend huge amounts of time and effort in preparing these meal boxes for their loved ones, whether it’d be their spouses or their children. Other variations of this charming package exists, taking on many labels, namely ekiben (sold at train stations), hayaben (“early bento”, eaten before lunch”), hokaben (take-out bento), noriben (simplest form of bento; with just nori, soy sauce and rice), and soraben (sold at airports). Presently, bento has made its way across the globe, and has become immensely popular, with its presence being a necessity in most Japanese restaurants abroad. But the most satisfying approach to learn about this wonderful meal box, and the culture that comes with it, is perhaps from its country of origin, Japan.

Local delicacies（ご当地グルメ）

            It is clear to many that choices of food can vary depending on the countries and cities which we visit--Canada’s cuisine is very different from Japan’s. However, have you ever wondered why this is so? What causes our foods to differ? These factors can include the weather, the amount of sunlight, and the amount of rain that the area receives. Landforms, terrain, and soil quality also have an effect on what can be grown. The presence of lakes, rivers, and oceans determines whether an area will be have plenty of water for their resources and allows for fresh fish. Most importantly, the culture of the people plays an important role in cuisine--their history, religion, and beliefs will determine the choices made regarding what should and should not be eaten. Japan may not be such a big country in comparison to Canada, but the island’s stretch from cold and frigid temperatures to warm and sunny climates allows for a vast array of specialties to come to fruition. From Hokkaido’s plentiful ikura to Okinawa’s mixed Goya Chanpuru, Japan has all sorts of local delicacies to offer to its residents. This section’s research will investigate the similarities and differences that cuisine in Japan and Canada may have, and how these factors came to be. Were there any specific events that made the Japanese realize that raw fish wrapped in seaweed would become a dish that would take the world by storm? And how come Canadians haven’t joined the “rice is life” movement? Stay tuned to find out more!