By Huang Jiahua

At 7 p.m. on March 12th, Ms. Kayoko Matsushima from the School of Foreign Languages held a lecture titled WASHOUKU- Japanese Traditional food culture in Lize C408. Mr. Seiya Zhen, Vice Director of Japanese department also attended the lecture.

At the beginning, Ms. Kayoko Matsushima introduced the meaning of the word "wa". "Wa" meaning Japanese, "washoku” refers to Japanese traditional food, but not, in general, Japanese food. Then, Ms. Kayoko Matsushima introduced the difference between washoku and Japanese food. Japanese food refers to haute cuisine which is served in the hotel, while washoku refers to the common meals in Japanese families. Ms. Kayoko Matsushima introduced the characteristics of Japanese traditional food culture to students. Firstly, it requires various fresh ingredients keeping natural tastes. Secondly, its dishes represents the beauty of nature. Thirdly, it is connected to annual events. After that, Ms.Kayoko Matsushima let students experience these features by showing her hometown’s pictures and doing experiments. Finally, Ms.Kayoko Matsushima showed pictures of popular Japanese Anime Bento. Anime Bento is food made into cartoon characters. According to Ms. Kayoko Matsushima, washoku is a social practice based on an essential spirit of the Japanese--respect for nature. It not only contributes to healthy life, but strengthens family and community ties.

Through the lecture, the students had a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture and learned more about the Japanese youngsters.