Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
(AP) - CULTURAL HONOR: Washoku, the traditional cuisine of Japan, is being considered for designation as part of the world's cultural heritage by the U.N. this week. But even as sushi and sake booms worldwide, purists say its finer points are candidates for the endangered list at home.
THE CUISINE: Washoku embraces seasonal ingredients, time-consuming preparation and a style of eating steeped in centuries of tradition. At its heart is savory "umami," recognized as a fundamental taste along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter.
BURGERS AND PIZZA: Fast-food chains have become ubiquitous in Japan, including Domino's Pizza and the perennial favorite McDonald's. Their reasonable prices and fast service are attracting the workaholic "salaryman" and OL, short for "office lady."
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
