The Japanese are an incredibly loyal and passionate nation when it comes to food. Listen to someone talk about visiting a certain region of Japan and it will almost always be centred around the local dishes that were on offer, and travelling to eat is all the rage.
Many towns and cities are known first and foremost for their regional speciality, whether it be a type of fish, noodle, seaweed, tofu or dessert. Attentive preparation and meticulous composition are paramount in Japanese cuisine. Food is seen as an art form, and even the simplest dishes are often prepared by chefs who have trained for many years.
The Japanese are very proud of their four very distinctive seasons and each one marks the beginning of more delicious offerings. The country has its own catalogue of comfort food which is particularly popular, especially when hungry cooks are keen to recreate the dishes of their childhood. Here are just a few of the stews, soups and curries enjoyed in Japan.