Message from mhagiwara

[Anonymous]

I have been lucky enough to have traveled throughout Japan and experienced the food culture there. Japan has a very rich food culture with various types of foods depending on the region. The northern most island, Hokkaido, has great seafood along the coast but also has horse meat dishes inland; they also are known for their dairy. In Tokyo you can find an international array of foods. Osaka has a phrase, "kuidaore" that literally translates to eat until you drop. Osaka's is known for their variety of restaurants that showcase everything from traditional Japanese foods to Japanese fastfoods like "takoyaki." Kyoto has a rich tradition and it shows in its food. Kaiseki ryouri, which is elaborately prepared using only in-season ingredients, is a unique experience that will make you appreciate the preparation that goes into the multiple-course meal. When I teach about diversity in my AVID classes, for example, I want to teach it through different ways. One way I am able to do this is is through food. Most students think of Asian foods as being Chinese food. I want to teach them that each culture is different and, although they may have simiiar pasts, is unique.