The Cultural Affairs Council decided Friday to recommend regional and traditional Japanese food culture be listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage asset. The government will file a formal nomination of ''Washoku: Traditional Dietary Cultures of the Japanese'' to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in March. A decision by UNESCO is not expected before November 2013 at the earliest.
The council, an advisory body to the education minister and also to the commissioner for cultural affairs, indicated the application will highlight such features of Japanese food as ''esthetic presentation of dishes'' and use of ''various fresh ingredients'' owing to changes of seasons in Japan and the country's geographical diversity. UNESCO recognition of Japanese food culture would help regain global trust in the country's farm and marine products, from the damage inflicted by the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and show the world the country's recovery from the March disaster. Currently, 20 Japanese cultural traditions, including the performing arts of Kabuki and Noh, festivals and traditional crafts, are on the UNESCO intangible world heritage list. In terms of food, so far French, Mexican, Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine are among the food cultures honored by being listed.
Published on Monday, 20 February 2012
