A series of types of sushi were presented at an exhibition centering on traditional Japanese food which was mounted at the National Museum of History. In the opening of the exhibit titled “I Love Sushi”, Japan’s Ambassador to Moldova Yamada Yoichiro said that food is closely connected with the culture of a country and shows this country’s attitude to life through the used ingredients, the way of preparing food and practices associated with food, IPN reports.
The diplomat noted that even if sushi can seem a simple type of food, in Japan fishermen during several hundred years have developed a set of skills to clean and conserve fish since it is caught so as to keep it fresh and tasty. As the Moldovans and many other peoples with culinary traditions, the people of Japan are proud of their national cuisine that in essence reflects aspects of their life. In 2013, the traditional Japanese food Washoku was inscribed by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to the vice director of the National Museum of History of Moldova Livia Sârbu, the concept of the exhibition was designed by the Japan Foundation and is clearly stipulated in a manual based on which the exhibition was mounted. This is divided into three sections: introductive part about sushi, which is devoted to different discoveries related to this food; sushi in the Edo period that marked the culinary differences of this art, and sushi nowadays. The exhibition deserves to be visited and enjoyed popularity wherever it was staged. Earlier, it was mounted in Bucharest and will then travel to Spain.
Ana Varzari, secretary general of the Ministry of Culture, said that Japan and the Republic of Moldova last March celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, underlining once again the importance of this partnership for Moldova. Consequently, both of the diplomatic missions made substantial effort to strengthen and promote the national culture. The Japanese gastronomic culture is represented by naturalness, beauty and tradition. Sushi became a famous creation of the Japanese cuisine and changed customs in the West. By cultural and gastronomic tourism, the ties between countries will be strengthened and the cultural values will be promoted.
Spokesman for the Cabinet Daniel Vodă said that this exhibition underscores the Japanese gastronomic value – the sushi. In Tokyo, there are at least two Moldovan restaurants that promote the national gastronomic culture. Moldova and Japan are situated far from each other, but are very close by values. Through this exhibition, the friendship between Moldova and Japan becomes stronger and is based on the support that Japan offers to Moldova in the European integration process, including in terms of food culture.
The exhibition “I Love Sushi” can be visited by the general public until August 15.
