A great day for Japanese Food

Today, and November 24th annually, is Good Japanese Food Day. The Japanese Food Council created the anniversary. The purpose of an annual commemoration is so that people will think of Japan's food culture every year and consider the importance of protecting and perpetuating "Japanese food" culture. "Japanese food" is characterized by using the original taste of food and valuing seasonality, while respecting nature and using local ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and edible wild plants also.

The date was chosen because 11/24 can be read as "good Japanese food"; eleven (11) looks like two 'i' and 'ii' in Japanese means good. In addition, the two (2) can be read ni and four (4) as honsho, add a ku and you have "ii nihonshoku" or "good Japanese food" in English. Also, November is a time when people are thankful for food and there are many harvest related events and anniversaries.

"Washoku", which is specifically Japanese food, was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. Washoku excludes dishes that are not traditionally Japanese, even if they are very popular in Japan today. Examples include ramen or Japanese-style curry, which are considered nihonshoku, but not washoku. 

Do you eat much Japanese food? How about washoku?