I think that the Japanese and the British are similar in many ways. Both countries are islands, separated, both geographically and psychologically, from their continental neighbours. Both have a reputation for being terribly polite. Both love social drinking. Both have constitutional monarchies. And both are, current financial crisis notwithstanding, global economic powerhouses. But there is one, very important difference which Japanese people are quick to point out to their British counterparts: whilst Japanese food is widely renowned as one of the healthiest, most delicious cuisines on the planet, British food is, well, not.

Once, on holiday in Spain, I was talking to a Japanese woman who had been travelling to Europe annually for a good ten years or so.

“Have you ever been to the UK?”, I inquired.
“Not yet, no,” she replied, looking sheepish.
“Any particular reason?”
“Well” – and here she covered her mouth and giggled – “I’ve heard that the food is…horrible”.
“Horrible?” I said, feigning shock. “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say that about British food.”
“Really?” she said, genuinely shocked.
“Well, I don’t suppose I can blame you,” I said. “I’ve never been to Japan either, because I hear the food is just awful”.

Now, obviously, I meant it as a joke, but I don’t think she got that, as she looked rather taken-aback and scurried off, never to speak to me again.

Anyway, this blog, in its renewed format, hopes to take an irreverent look at the delicious world of Japanese food, and its role and reputation in the UK and the rest of the world. Britain is showing more and more interest in issues such as sustainability, seasonal eating, and how diet can be a factor in maintaining health and wellbeing – and so it’s hardly surprising so much attention is being paid to the inspiration that Japanese food can provide.