Japanese food and flavors come to Google Arts & Culture
The Japanese word “meshiagare” means “enjoy your meal.” And don’t we all enjoy our food more when we know its story? “Meshiagare! Flavors of Japan” is a new online exhibition designed to help us do just that. Presented by Google Arts & Culture and 20 partners, including the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, it brings together thousands of photos and videos exploring the people, places and traditions that make Japanese cuisine so special.
Walk with us through Golden Gai, a street lined with nearly 300 tiny bars, where food, culture and the arts have collided for generations. Taste (well, almost) street food in Osaka and travel with us to the future to learn how you can have authentic Japanese food in space.
As well as the sights and sounds of Japan’s food scene, there are insights on how some of your favorite Japanese dishes and ingredients came to be. Did you know that soba was first consumed as dumplings? Or that one way of making udon involves stomping on the dough with your feet to make sure it’s the right consistency?
Ms. Kazuko Ishigaki, president of “Cheerful Mother’s Shop” encourages local female farmers.
Step inside Toyosu Fish Market, the biggest market in the world.
Wagashi are special sweets that reflect the season.
Wakasa are decorated, lacquered chopsticks.
Umami is the fifth taste, joining sweet, sour, salty and bitter.
Many Manga stories are based on food.
With more than 100 online exhibitions and more than 3,000 high-quality images, videos and stories, brought together in one place for the first time, “Meshiagare! Flavors of Japan” is a journey deep into Japanese gastronomy. It's the second major Google Arts & Culture exhibition focused on Japanese culture after “Made in Japan,” which highlighted local craftsmanship.
Craving more? Download the app, join the conversation using the hashtag #Meshiagare, or explore more than 90 smaller collections dedicated to Japanese culture on the Google Arts & Culture website.
