Japan: A Global Gourmet Giant Dominating the Michelin Rankings and Winning Hearts of Food-Loving Tourists
Japan is renowned worldwide as a gourmet powerhouse. In the Michelin Guide (2022-2023 edition), Tokyo ranked first in the world for the most Michelin stars, followed by Paris, Kyoto, Osaka, and London. Additionally, when asked what they were most looking forward to before visiting Japan, 84.9% of foreign tourists said "Eating Japanese food." The fact that three Japanese cities are in the top five of the Michelin Guide and that the majority of foreign tourists anticipate enjoying Japanese cuisine proves that Japan is indeed a gourmet giant.
The Birth of Japan as a Gourmet Powerhouse: How a Tofu Cookbook Sparked a Culinary Revolution
But what made Japan a gourmet powerhouse? While there are many factors, I believe one major reason is the publication of the cookbook "Tofu Hyakuchin: 100 Tofu Recipes (豆腐百珍)" in 1782. This tofu recipe book became a bestseller among the common people of Edo. Following its success, sequels and other "Hyakuchin" (100 Recipes) books covering ingredients like daikon, sea bream, sweet potatoes, and eggs were published, eventually totaling around 200 books. "Tofu Hyakuchin" was not only Japan's first gourmet book but possibly the world's first as well.
"Tofu Hyakuchin" is a cookbook that introduces 100 tofu dishes divided into six categories. These categories range from "ordinary dishes" (26 dishes) commonly cooked at home, "standard dishes" (10 dishes) typically sold in stores, "excellent dishes" (20 dishes) that are both visually appealing and flavorful, "unusual dishes" (19 dishes) with unique preparation methods, "superior dishes" (18 dishes) that surpass the unusual ones in both form and taste, to "ultimate dishes" (7 dishes) that achieve perfect harmony and bring out the true flavor of tofu.
From Survival to Sophistication: How 'Tofu Hyakuchin' Ignited Japan's Gourmet Revolution
The publication of "Tofu Hyakuchin" marked a turning point from eating for survival to the era of "cuisine" and gourmet culture. The fact that 200 "Hyakuchin" books, each featuring 100 recipes for a single ingredient, were published during the Edo period means that 20,000 different dishes were created. To develop 20,000 recipes, chefs had to be highly creative, and this spirit of innovation is likely what elevated Japan to the status of a gourmet powerhouse.
Discover Japan's Culinary Heritage: Hands-On Tofu-Making Experience in Shinjuku
Our company offers a tofu-making experience (culinary class) in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This class is conducted under the guidance of a tofu meister (master) from Katsuno Tofu Shop, established in 1942. By making tofu yourself while reflecting on "Tofu Hyakuchin," you may gain a deep understanding of why Japan became a gourmet giant. We hope that the many foreign tourists looking forward to 'Eating Japanese food' will see tofu-making as a gateway to discovering Japan's rich food culture.
Book Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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