festivore

The Japanese have the world’s longest lifespan. In fact, among the most pressing economic problems in the country today is the aging of the population. With the low birth rate and minimal immigration, the aged are simply not dying off fast enough and there are not enough young workers to take care of them all!

Are there are some aspects of Japanese culture which could be promoting their longevity? Japanese people have always eaten lots of fish. Today, there is a lot of excitement in the press about the health benefits Omega-3 fatty acids, which come from, you guessed it, fish. Japanese also have a passion for freshness, quality and hygiene – all beneficial for health.

But one of the most compelling aspects of Japanese lifestyle is Washoku, the traditional philosophy of food. In Washoku, emphasis is placed on variety, quality, simplicity and respect. Washoku is comprised of five principles, each with five elements:
1. Five Colors (go shiki): every meal should include the colors green, red, yellow, black and white
2. Five Tastes (go mi): sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy
3. Five Ways (go hō): simmering, searing, steaming, frying, and raw
4. Five Senses (go kan): consider taste, sight, sound, smell and touch
5. Five Outlooks (go kan mon):

• Respect the efforts of the farmers and preparers of the food
• Do good deeds worthy of such good food
• Come to table without any bad feeling toward others
• Eat for both physical and spiritual health
• Seek enlightenment each day

At the beginning of each meal, Japanese people bow and say, “Itadakimasu,” an expression of thankfulness in the tradition of Washoku. It is no coincidence that the Japanese are among the healthiest people in the world.