History
Japanese cuisine has been influenced by many different cultures. The first influence on Japanese cuisine was China in 300 BC when the Chinese brought rice cultivation to Japan. The Chinese also brought soy sauce, chopsticks, and Buddhism to Japan. The rise of Buddhism in the 8th century led to the Japanese taking up the Buddhist philosophy of not eating meat, which ultimately led to vegetarian dishes and sushi, or raw fish with rice. Later, in the 13th century, western countries brought their influence to Japan. The Portuguese brought tempura frying food and the Dutch brought corn and potatoes. Other western influences followed, but the traditional Japanese dishes were not changed.
A Typical Meal
- A bowl of soup (clear or miso)
- A bowl of rice
- Vegetables
- A main course of seafood or meat
- Sometimes a noodle dish