From the very early history of Japan, cultural traditions and philosophy have influenced how food is prepared, cooked, served and received. Dishes are selected to suit the season and the occasion, and ingredients are prepared to highlight their natural tastes and textures. The first part of this book explores the secrets of this tradition, explaining the history of Japanese food and how a knowledge of these contributes to the pleasure and satisfaction of cooking a Japanese meal. The second part of the book features a comprehensive look at the special ingredients used, fully illustrated throughout. Informative text and photographs cover all the essentials of preparation, equipment, methods and techniques, making this a beautiful and informative guide to the food of Japan.

Includes index.