The complete backstory of Japanese cuisine explained in richly illustrated manga style!

This book explores the fascinating history, lore and practice of Japanese cooking through the eyes of Manabu, a young man who aspires to become a professional Japanese chef. Each chapter presents a new set of topics which help the reader to appreciate the great depth and complexity of Japan's amazing food culture.

• Dozens of mini essays with hundreds of charming color illustrations and photos explain:
• The importance of fundamental ingredients like rice, soybeans, seaweed and fish
• The beauty of traditional utensils including lacquer ware, ceramics and knives
• The key role played by fermented ingredients like miso, soy sauce and sake in Japanese cooking
• The history of sushi, which developed from a traditional method of preserving fish
• The concept of "umami" as one of just seven flavors that can be detected by the human tongue
• How all these elements come together in a multicourse Kyoto-style Kaiseki dinner

There is even a quiz at the end so you can see how much you've learned along the way!

Author/Artist: Hiroshi Nagashima
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Page Count: 192pp
Size: 6 x 9
Notes: softcover, color
Release Date: May 14, 2024
ISBN: 978-4805317624