Food Reseach Paper Eng 201

Allamby 1
Omahri Allamby
Dr. Smith
English 201
1/26/23
Japanese Food and How it Relates to Their Culture
Japanese food and how they eat, is heavily influenced by their traditions, environment
and “symbolizes for them generally represents a reverence for nature” (Lee et al). Shintoism is
one the major religions Japanese people practiced in Japan and is a tradition passed down from
many generations and some of their worship is revolved around food. “An important part of this
indigenous Japanese religion is something called shinsen, or food offerings presented to their
deity” (Lee et al). Generally, when worshiping their deity, the offering given are mostly “rice,
sake, rice cake, seaweed, water, vegetables and more” ( Keiko, Lee et al). In Shinto, Japanese
people worship the sea and mountains, therefore, they use fresh and seasonal ingredients from
these sacred grounds to prepare and make their food for offerings. (Lee et al)
Presently, Shintoism is worshiped in a calm and professional manner. At home, people
usually have a small shrine also called “kami-dana” inside their house where they pray and offer
a bowl of rice accompanied with flowers (BBC). The religion is a great example of how food can
be integrated into a culture and can be used as a form of practice through tradition. From
Shintoism, stems many well-known cuisines that are beloved by many people around the world.
For example, mochi or rice cake, is a popular food item that is now made commercially even for
its unique flavor and texture. Food had a great influence on Japanese culture through religion and
is used as a symbol for “reverence of nature.” (Lee et al)

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Moreover, Shintoism is not the only religion or tradition that influences Japanese culture,
for example, Buddhism. In Buddhism, practitioners were not allowed to “kill animals for human
consumption” and their food is revolved around vegetarianism (Savor Japan). Buddhists had to
live a way of life known as “shojin ryori”, which was created in the 6th century (JAPANESE FOOD).
In the 15th century, numerous products being made, such as, soy sauce, miso, tofu, and other
products made from soybeans (Web Japan). Additionally, with the progression of the people,
formality and elaborate style of banquet cooking developed that was derived from the cuisine of
the court aristocracy became popular and was known “honzen ryori” (JAPANESE FOOD). Food in
Japan changed as their tradition developed over time as needs of certain groups became more
prevalent and needed to be met.
Despite, people associating veganism with bland food, the Buddhist ate healthy, full
meals. “The monks use the “rule of five” when cooking, so that every meal offers five colors
(green, yellow, red, black, and white) as well as five flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and
umami), which are drawn out naturally from the ingredients rather than added via additional
flavorings. (Savor Japan)” Furthermore, the balance within their meals were bringing balance to
the body with the seasons as they used seasonal ingredients (Savor Japan). Their main
ingredients are soy related products that they use to make various food items. The people of
today have also adapted this style of eating and it has become more prevalent in everyday lives.
Japanese culture was a catalyst for many food items people eat today. Many people in Japan,
especially those who are vegans appreciate they have access to healthy meals that did not restrict
them to boring bland vegan options people usually think of. Their culture gave way to people
being more adventurous with their options and integrating Asian cuisines into their own.
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In conclusion, Japanese culture food is often revered as symbol of nature and
was a key component of how the Japanese people worshipped their deities.
Shintoism is a major religion that respects nature and spirits and use food to honor
them. While in Buddhism, food for them is eaten out of necessity and were taught
not to eat meat because that takes away the life of another. Shintoism also requires
that practitioners do not eat meat, but it is because they view meat unclean.
Furthermore, because of the influences these religions had on Japanese culture,
they made other ingredients more appetizing for people who may not eat meat.
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Reference
Lee, Pole, et al. “Japanese Food Metaphysics – PHIL 285.” PHIL 285, 11 May 2020,
scholarblogs.emory.edu/philosophyoffood/2020/05/11/japanese-food-metaphysics.
Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.
Keiko, Oda. “What Do Japanese Kami Eat? - the History of Shinto Offerings.” 供 TOMO
ONLINE STORE, 16 Apr. 2021, tomo.life/en/blogs/shinto-and-shrines/shinsen-
story_2104151.
“JAPANESE FOOD CULTURE.” web-japan.org,
web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/36JapFoodCulture.pdf.
BBC - Religions - Shinto: Shinto Worship.
www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/ritesrituals/worship_1.shtml#:~:text=Private
%20and%20public%20worship,something%20good%20that%20has%20happened.
Japan, Savor. “Shojin Ryori: Japan’s Sophisticated Buddhist Cuisine.” SAVOR JAPAN, 6 Aug.
2019, savorjapan.com/contents/more-to-savor/shojin-ryori-japans-sophisticated-buddhist-
cuisine/#:~:text=Principles%20of%20Shojin%20Ryori&text=Buddhist%20tradition
%20forbade%20killing%20animals,flavors%20like%20garlic%20and%20onion.
---. “Shojin Ryori: Japan’s Sophisticated Buddhist Cuisine.” SAVOR JAPAN, 6 Aug. 2019,
savorjapan.com/contents/more-to-savor/shojin-ryori-japans-sophisticated-buddhist-
cuisine.

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Allamby 1

Japanese Food and How it Relates to Their Culture

indigenous Japanese religion is something called shinsen, or food offerings presented to their

Presently, Shintoism is worshiped in a calm and professional manner. At home, people

is used as a symbol for “reverence of nature.” (Lee et al)

prevalent and needed to be met.

In conclusion, Japanese culture food is often revered as symbol of nature and

Furthermore, because of the influences these religions had on Japanese culture,

Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.

ONLINE STORE, 16 Apr. 2021, tomo.life/en/blogs/shinto-and-shrines/shinsen-

“JAPANESE FOOD CULTURE.” web-japan.org,

BBC - Religions - Shinto: Shinto Worship.

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