Global in and global out in regard of food industry in Japan - Research Paper Example

?Global In and Global Out In Regard of Food Industry in Japan Japanese Food History and Culture Formation and Its Transforming Process Along With Globalization: Globalization Effect on the Changing Japanese Diet Table of Contents I. Introduction 3 Japanese Food Culture and History 3 Spread of Japanese Food 4 II. The Spread of Japanese Cuisine and Innovation Outside of Japan 5 III. The Foreign Culture and Food Invasion 7 IV. Globalization: Same Food in Different Structure. The Emergence of Fusion Food 7 V. Conclusion 8 References 10 I. Introduction Japanese Food Culture and History The practice of Whaling is considered to be a vital part of Japanese society for over 1000 years. It dates back to 17th century during the Yamato-Asuka period in ancient Japan. For instance, it has been viewed that one of the oldest books in Japan that exists called the Kojiki provides evidence that the first emperor of Japan ate whale meat. In addition to Kojiki, the practice of hunting whale as a part of Japanese culture has also been stated in numerous books1. According to experts, the basic reason behind hunting whale is determined to be because of scarcity of food, oil and other materials and as these things can be obtained from whale. Thus, it is not regarded as an illegal practice in Japan2. It is worth mentioning that according to a report by International Whaling Commission, it has been estimated that there has been an increase of almost 8% in the total population of whales in the oceans, which proves that hunting a limited number of whales would not create imbalance in the eco-system3. However, it has been viewed many countries such as Australia, Russia and Spain among others are implementing various policies to stop hunting as they argue that whales are amongst the most endangered species and must be protected. Additionally, it has also been stated that supplements such as food, oil and other materials that can be extracted from whale can also be extracted from other natural sources4,5. By making a comparison of the food habit of Japanese with other countries, it has been determined that the Japanese people mainly consume rice and fish as this two food items provides them adequate amount of calorie that is essential for an average human body6. Spread of Japanese Food The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market generally known as Tsukiji Market is considered to be one of the biggest wholesale fish markets around the globe. The market is situated in Tsukiji city of Tokyo and is determined to be a major attraction for many foreign visitors because of its large variety of fish and seafood7,8. The contribution of Tsukiji Market for spreading Japanese food culture globally is considered to be noteworthy. Not only the market provides a wide variety of fish to the nation but it is also a global provider of various fishes to some of the most renowned restaurant chain businesses and hotels around the globe. A few of the most well-known Japanese cuisines that have gained considerable amount of likings globally include Sushi, a food item that consists of cooked vinegared rice with a combination of other ingredients such as raw food or other sea foods and meat occasionally, Tempura, dish prepared of sea foods or vegetables that is battered and deep fried along with ramen; a type of white noodles served with meat and fish and often flavored with soy sauce or miso9. According to many critics, it has been stated that the main reason behind the rapid globalization and adaption of Japanese culture and practices worldwide is the result of its manga and animations series that are being telecast in various regions of the world. However, it has been viewed that it is not only the Japanese culture that is establishing its trends in other nations however the culture of different nations including their food habits are being invaded in Japan as well. For instance, in a research conducted by Kamei, M., Ki, M., Kawagoshi, M., and Kawai, N. (2001) it was viewed that 24 out of 100 lunch boxes in Japan contained food items such as hamburgers, pizzas, noodles and other types of food which are mainly observed to be consumed in western countries. This proves that it is not only the Japanese food habit that is being followed in western countries but Japanese are also being invaded by the food habits of western countries10. The paper aims to provide a lucid picture of the Japanese food industry and their implementation on other nations. Additionally, the paper would provide a complete food history and cultural formation that have inspired western countries to implement and adapt Japanese culture and food as a part of their society. The paper would also tender suggestions that can facilitate in identifying the value of consuming healthy food items. II. The Spread of Japanese Cuisine and Innovation Outside of Japan Japan is today considered amongst the most competitive and admired countries in the global context. The country not only excels in factors such as technology and management, but Japanese culture, cuisine and food items are also being adopted by people specially in the western countries. The spread of Japanese food items globally has generally materialized because of its health awareness and an increased appreciation of healthily Japanese cuisine. According to a research conducted by Kovacs (2013) it has been viewed that an average adult who consumes Japanese food is likely to live longer than an adult who consumes western style of food11. However, the growing demand for the food items including sushi in the western countries has motivated a number of people to develop a new kind of sushi that is mainly based on the food items that are mostly liked by the western people. These sushi’s are considered to be less healthy but more enjoyable as they are made of such items that are most preferred by the western people. For instance, British Columbia rolls, California roll and spider roll among others are sushi’s that have mostly been invented in America. Although it has been found that they are more enjoyable however they tend to be less healthy than the sushi that is consumed in Japan. Moreover, it has also been viewed that the serving procedures also differ to a great extent. For instance, in a sushi bar in the western countries, chefs do not prefer using bluefin tuna as they believe that the excess use of the fish would result in extinguishing the fish species. However, the scenario seems to be different in Japan. Furthermore, in America, chefs prefer using modern fish and shell-less fish as the people find it tastier. However, in Japan, chefs prefer using more traditional and shell fish as they are more flavorful and less fatty. Furthermore, they tend to contain less mercury and are more productive than the fish that is used in western countries to make sushi12. III. The Foreign Culture and Food Invasion Sushi is considered to be one of the most common foods when international food items are referred. Although it is the national food of Japan, today sushi is being made by different chefs putting food items according to their national preferences. Hybridized and locally made sushi of America is now being reversed imported to Japan as a genuine American product which replicates the changing paradigm of food habit of the Japanese people. Additionally, it has been determined that western culture is claiming that sushi’s such as California roll and spider role are their creation and belong to America which has raised a topic of debate amid the Japanese and the Americans food industry related people13. IV. Globalization: Same Food in Different Structure. The Emergence of Fusion Food Japanese people are measured to amongst those who have more longevity rate than people who reside in other parts of the world. Research conducted earlier has proved that the main reason behind their longevity rate is the result of their food consumption habits. Additionally, it has also been viewed that the Japanese people also implement scientific approaches to understand the various aspects of their daily living habits in order to understand them better. Furthermore, the Japanese people also tend to use products that are high in calorie which can help in increasing the immunity of the people. However, when compared with Americanized food habits, it has been viewed that American people tend to use those food products that are much tastier irrespective of the fact that they do not contain ingredients that might help in building the immunity system more powerful. Japanese people are not only known for their innovative ways of producing products considering technological features but they are also known for the uniqueness of their food products. Japanese people tend to consume those food items that would help in providing them the daily supplement needs irrespective of the fact that they may be taste-less at certain point of time. The influences of their cultural practise are also witnessed in all the activities they perform. Considering this facet, it has been determined that Japanese people tend to transform a few of the western goods when imported which is termed as domestication. For instance, Japanese people tend to use soy products, egg and blue-backed fish with any food as they think that this would help in enhancing the taste of the food they consume14. Many people prefer having Italian style pasta as a side dish with Japanese style noodles15. V. Conclusion The aspect of globalization is considered to be a vital constitute in today’s society. It has been viewed that the advent of globalization has not only changed the way one does business but has also brought drastic alterations in the cultural and religious facets associated with an individual. One such crucial facet is the change in the food habits of people. Japan which is regarded as one of the most renowned countries in the world, specially for their food habit that help the people to live long, has been facing rapid challenges due to globalization of the food industry. This has not only resulted in changing the food habits of an individual but has motivated other nations to invent new food items following their steps that are affecting the health aspects of the civilians in the nation. With reference to the above discussion, it can be viewed that the way in which modern food industry has motivated people to adopt food items as their daily supplementary provider that are less healthy. However, if proper steps are taken by the government to promote the difference in the ingredients amid western and Japanese products along with highlighting the disadvantages of consuming some unhealthy food items then the issue can be mitigated to a great extent. Thus, it can be concluded that practices such as campaigns and government programs to create awareness would not only stop people to adapt such food habits but would also facilitate people to return to their traditional eating habits and culinary methods by reducing the risk of nutrition related diseases to a great extent. References Arch, Jakobina. “From Meat to Machine”. The Nineteenth Century Development of Whaling in Wakayama (No Date): 39-56. Bestor, C. T. Tsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2004. Corson, T. “American Sushi.” Accessed December 04, 2013. http://archive.is/rcVwf. Facts About Japan. “History of Japanese Whaling.” Accessed December 04, 2013. http://www.facts-about-japan.com/history.html. Greenpeace. “Whaling.” Accessed December 04, 2013. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/oceans/whaling/. Hoshi, Tanji, Motoyuki Yuasa, Suwen Yang, Sugako Kurimori, Naoko Sakurai, and Yoshinori Fujiwara. “Causal Relationships Between Survival Rates, Dietary and Lifestyle Habits, Socioeconomic Status and Physical, Mental and Social Health in Elderly Urban Dwellers in Japan: A Chronological Study”. International DOI Foundation, 5(2013): 1303- 1312. Hotels.com L.P. “Japanese Food on the Tip of the World’s Tongue.” Accessed December 04, 2013. http://press.hotels.com/en-gb/press/japanese-food-on-the-tip-of-the-worlds-tongue/. International Whaling Commission. “Whale Population Estimates.” Accessed December 04, 2013. http://iwc.int/estimate. Kamei1, Masaharu, Masami Ki, Masako Kawagoshi, and Nobuko Kawai. “Nutritional Evaluation of Japanese Take-out Lunches Compared with Western-style Fast Foods Supplied in Japan”. Department of Food Science and Nutrition 15 (2001): 35-45. Kovacs, J. 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