JAPANESE FOOD
JAPAN FOOD Japanese cuisine encompasses the regional and traditional foods of Japan , which have developed through centuries of political, economic, and social changes. The traditional cuisine of Japan ( Japanese : washoku ) is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes; there is an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Side dishes often consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth. Seafood is common, often grilled, but also served raw as sashimi or in sushi . Seafood and vegetables are also deep-fried in a light batter, as tempura . Apart from rice, a staple includes noodles, such as soba and udon . Japan also has many simmered dishes, such as fish products in broth called oden , or beef in sukiyaki and nikujaga . Historically influenced by Chinese cuisine , Japanese cuisine has also opened up to influence from Western cuisines in the modern era. Dishes inspired by foreign food—in particular Chinese food—like ramen and gyōza , as well as fo