In-depth sharing of Japanese food culture: Edo style on the tip of your tongue
The beauty of Japanese cuisine, the taste of time
Japanese cuisine is based on the core concept of "the taste of seasonal food", emphasizing the dialogue between the original taste of ingredients and the seasons. From sashimi that has been passed down for thousands of years to deep-fried skewers invented by Edo common people, these five classic foods not only outline the contours of Japanese food culture, but also reflect the island people's awe of nature and the poetry of life.
1. Sashimi: A Symphony of Ice and Freshness
◈ Historical context
Sashimi (さしみ) originated in the mid-Edo period, when fishermen would slice and eat the caught fish directly to preserve its freshness. The "Taikobashi" market in Edo Castle became the earliest sashimi distribution center, and the "Itamae culture" was born.
◈ Selected Philosophy
Seasonal rules: Botan shrimp in spring, salmon in autumn, bluefin tuna in winter are perfect matches
Origin codes: the sweetness of Hokkaido sea urchins, the live eels auctioned at Tsukiji Market in the early morning, and the elegance of Okinawa purple sweet potato puree
◈ Cultural Metaphor
The spirit of Bushido is reflected in sashimi as "one thing, the whole thing" - only the most delicious belly of the whole fish is taken, and the rest is made into salt-grilled or vinegar-cooked dishes. The wisdom of zero waste is admirable.
2. Sushi: The code of civilization in a small space
◈ History of East-West Integration
Chinese documents in the 3rd century BC recorded that "pickled fish sashimi" was introduced to Japan via the Korean Peninsula. During the Edo period, "Hanayashiki" improved the fermentation technology, forming the prototype of modern nigiri sushi.
◈ Classic genre
Edomae-style: The vinegared rice at Yamato Sushi in Tsukiji Market is as distinct as pearls
Kansai Whirlpool: The Art of Salmon Roe Gunkan Sushi with Wasabi Paste at Itamaeya in Kyoto
Modern innovation: Yuzu pepper tuna belly from Michelin three-star "Sukiyabashi Jiro"
◈ Social Rituals
The "hand rolls" in business banquets convey respect, the "Oshishi sushi" in family gatherings symbolizes reunion, and the salmon sushi in the "Ohigan Bento" for unmarried women hides the expectation for a good marriage.
3. Crab Fight: An Ingenious Ocean Theater
◈ The battle between tradition and modernity
Osaka's "Kani Doraku" insists on using freshly-cut Hokkaido snow crab meat, while Yokohama Chinatown's "Kani Doufan" uses crab meat to offer the ultimate value for money.
◈ Cultural symbols
The "Arashiyama Crab Cuisine" in Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, is served with a Kaiseki tea bowl, combining crab meat with the aesthetics of maple leaves. The "Kani General" restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, shows off its dominance with giant crab shell-shaped tableware.
4. Tamagoyaki: Osaka’s Golden Legend
◈ Mystery of Origin
According to legend, in the 19th century, workers at the Osaka shipyard mixed tofu, vegetables and soy sauce and grilled them, accidentally inventing this popular delicacy.
◈ Cultural extension
People in Osaka call Tamagoyaki "お好み焼きの王様", and the image of Kansai TV's mascot "なんちゃん" comes from the Tamagoyaki stall owner.
5. Fried skewers: a fireworks poem under the night sky
◈ Historical Echoes
In the Heian period, nobles used bamboo sticks to grill bird meat, which evolved into a night market snack for the common people in the Edo period. In the Showa period, electric grills became popular due to the oil crisis.
◈ Regional characteristics
Sendai and Miyagi Prefecture’s “Shiogaki-kidori”: Marinated with coarse salt and grilled over charcoal
Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, "Karaage Chicken": Coated with potato starch and deep-fried at 190°C until crispy
Hokkaido, Japan "Sea Urchin Tempura": A Perfect Match of Sea Urchin and Vegetables
◈ Cultural Imagery
The fried skewers in izakayas are a great way to relieve stress for working people, and during summer festivals, you can often see warm scenes of families sitting together and sharing their experiences under the fireworks.
The Eternal Question of Japanese Cuisine
From the "seasonal" persistence of sashimi to the lively and delicious deep-fried skewers, Japanese and Asian cuisine has always been trying to find a balance between "the pursuit of perfection" and "human warmth". When we pick up a piece of tamagoyaki with chopsticks, we are not only tasting the gift of the Kansai land, but also feeling the ingenuity passed down by craftsmen for four hundred generations. This may be the most precious gift that Japanese cuisine has given to the world - to see the depth of civilization in a small space.
Food Map Easter Egg
Sashimi: Yamato Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market (only available during lunch hours)
Sushi: Ginza "すしざんまい" (open 24 hours)
Crab Dump: Kani Doraku Main Store, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture (reservations must be made 3 months in advance)
Tamagoyaki: Osaka’s Tamagoyaki Specialty Store Kaniya (Specialty Crab Tamagoyaki)
Fried skewers: Tokyo, Japan, "Tori no Kizoku" (a must-go for late-night restaurants)
Note: Some shops require advance reservations. It is recommended to bring cash and wear comfortable shoes to explore the food streets.