TOKYO (AP) The United Nations cultural organization has added traditional Japanese food to its cultural heritage list, making it only the second national cuisine to receive the prized designation.
A UNESCO committee announced the decision Wednesday at a meeting in Azerbaijan.
Previously only French cooking had been distinguished as a national culinary tradition. UNESCO has also recognized specific dishes from Mexico and Turkey, and added the Mediterranean diet the tradition of sharing food and eating together at this week's meeting.
Known as "washoku," Japan's traditional cooking embraces seasonal ingredients, a unique taste and a style of eating steeped in centuries of tradition.
Japan hopes that UNESCO recognition will both send a global message and boost efforts to save washoku at home.