Japanese culture update 

NHK World Japan documentary series continue to be a great source of information about Japanese culture, history and life — including popular culture like anime and manga. Here are some interesting Video On Demand (VOD) that I have recently noticed.

Again, not much news about anime & manga this week, but there is always something interesting about Japanese culture. Now, let’s talk about food. 

In North America, we don’t think much about the use of fermentation to produce food, even though we use it constantly to process beer, bread, cheese, kombucha, wine, yogurt, etc. However, in Japan, they take this process very seriously. Much more of their food uses fermentation (for example in gyoshō, miso, nattō, sake, shōchū, shōyu, etc.).  It was long used not only to preserve food, but also to enhanced its flavour. The funny thing is that I discovered this fact while watching an anime: Moyashimon (about which my wife and I wrote a very interesting article in PA #96: 52-55; the series is available on Crunshyroll; it is based on a manga and has also spawn a live-action TV drama series).

I was reminded of all this while watching an episode of the NHK World Japan documentary series Trails to Oishii Tokyo:

Japan’s Fermented Foods Go Global

“More than just a longer shelf life, Japan’s fermented foods offer enhanced flavor and nutrition. Unlock secrets to the culture’s longevity, starting with koji mold cultivation that dates back 600 years. Get an inside look at how the foods are taking the world by storm as we join a miso workshop in Paris and view the largest sake brewery in the U.S. Introducing Japanese fermentation—the foundation of the island nation’s renowned cuisine.” This episode aired on August 19, 2023 and will be available as VOD only until September 11, 2026. Better hurry watching it !

However, the Trails to Oishii Tokyo series offers many more interesting food documentaries:

Shiso

“Shiso: a Japanese herb gaining fans worldwide. Refreshing shiso is key in Japanese cuisine, which features a lot of raw fish. See how shiso’s leaves, flowers and seeds are all used in oishii dishes.” This episode was broadcast on August 28, 2024 and is available as VOD until September 1, 2027.

Japanese Frozen Foods

“Japan is now a frozen foods powerhouse. Cutting-edge technology and producers’ passion keep the hits coming. Dive into the world of Japanese frozen foods that are turning the world upside down.” This episode was broadcast on August 7, 2026  and is available as VOD until August 7, 2027.

Gourmet Canned Food?!

“Canned food is no longer just for storage or emergencies — it has become fine cuisine. Join us in this special episode as we explore the frontlines of Japan’s uniquely evolved canning industry.” This episode was broadcast on October 17, 2025 and is available as VOD until May 15, 2027.

Some more news from Anime News Network:

Anime & manga update [002.026.249]

/ Clodjee / Leave a comment

Leave a Reply