Itadakimasu! The Food Culture of Japan: !

Itadakimasu! is a college course in Japanese culture that explores the country's cuisine through themes such as regional specialties,annual festivals,traditional foodways,prominent tea masters,culinary expressions,restaurant menus,dining etiquette,mealtime customs,and culinary aesthetics. It also addresses current events in the food industry and agribusiness, health and nutrition, dieting trends, fast food, and international and Western influences. Resources include autobiographical essays, literary excerpts, general comprehension questions, and critical and analytical thinking. Itadakimasu! is designed for students with little to no background in Japanese language, culture, literature, or history, and can be used for composition and conversation courses, the Writing Across the Curriculum series, and introductory Japanese literature offerings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Japan's culinary culture is a captivating journey for those with little to no prior knowledge of the country's language, history, or literature. Unlike traditional cultural texts, "Itadakimasu!" takes a unique approach to understanding culture through the lens of food. This comprehensive account takes students on a thrilling exploration of Japanese food culture, spanning both the past and present. It delves into themes such as regional specialties, annual festivals, traditional cuisine, renowned tea masters, culinary expressions, restaurant menus, dining etiquette, mealtime customs, and culinary aesthetics.

Furthermore, "Itadakimasu!" addresses current events in the food industry and agribusiness, health and nutrition, dieting trends, fast food, and international and Western influences. To enrich this cultural material, the book includes autobiographical essays written by guest contributors and diverse literary excerpts featuring food themes across different genres, spanning centuries of literature. Each reading is accompanied by general comprehension questions and more probing queries that encourage critical and analytical thinking, guiding students from a cursory understanding of a new culture to reflections on their own experiences and other world cultures.

In addition, resources highlight food-centric films, allowing students to witness the lessons they are learning in an authentic cultural context. Teachers and students alike can enjoy food-tasting labs in the classroom, fostering yet another authentic experience for the students.

"Itadakimasu!" is designed with a broad audience in mind, including students majoring or minoring in Japanese or Asian Studies, students learning English as a Foreign Language, or anyone with an interest in exploring the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine and culture. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a novice explorer, this book will captivate your senses and inspire your culinary adventures. So, let's embark on a delicious journey together and discover the fascinating world of Japanese food culture!

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 173 x 245 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367903572