The experience of being exposed to Japanese cuisine helps me enhance my understanding of leisure in contemporary society and inspire my consideration of diversity and multiculturalism. My usual mealtime experience is Canadian style cuisine. Typically, my diet includes Canadian food such as bacon, burgers, and beef, berries and cheese. As for the beverages, I usually have coffee and juice. I am going to compare and contrast the Canadian and Japanese food based on my experience on purpose of examining the cultural differences and similarities.
The differences between Japanese cuisine and Canadian cuisine were apparent and noticeable. They are particularly distinct in ingredients, dishes, cooking techniques and dining etiquette. Patel and Sibonney (2016) demonstrate that the most ‘Canadian” foods include bacon, poutine and maple syrup, which are all my favorite; while Japanese food features rice and various kinds of noodles, such as udon, soba and ramen, as well as popular dishes, for instance, the tempura, tofu and yakitori. With regards to the beverages, Japanese cuisine features tea, especially the green tea, beer and sake; while Canadians prefer coffee, soft drinks and beer. Moreover, traditional Japanese table settings and dining etiquette substantially differ from Canadian ones.
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There are a number of Japanese mealtime habits that occur regularly while eating in Japan. In Japan, it is virtually impossible to find one sat at a table without a bowl of rice and chopsticks. Before every meal, the Japanese ritualistically say “itadakimasu!” which translates to ‘I humbly receive this food’ as a show of appreciation for the meal they are about to consume. It is considered bad manners to eat while doing other things such as walking. It is common to wait for everyone to start eating together with the Japanese phrase for ‘I gratefully receive’. However, when a dish is better eaten immediately when others have yet to be served, one is allowed to use the Japanese phrase for ‘allow me to start before you’. When using chopsticks, it is considered improper to cross them or using them to individually to spear or poke together. One is to return chopsticks to their designated rest when done with their meal and never ever should one use their bowl as a chopstick rest. Blowing one’s nose at the table, audibly munching, and burping are regarded as bad manners. It is considered good style to empty one’s dishes to the last grain of rice in Japan. While dining out in a restaurant in Japan, it is not a custom to tip and neither does one get expected or required to tip.
Table manners are comparatively informal and relaxed in Canada. In Canada, continental table manners are employed during meal times and this revolves around the proper use of folks, knives, and spoon. It is commonplace in Canada for individuals to eat while doing other thing such as listening to radio, watching TV, talking on the phone, or surfing the internet. It is considered rude to begin eating in Canada before the hostess starts. Leaving a small amount of food at the end of a meal is generally acceptable in Canada. It is commonplace to tip when dining out in Canada as a show of appreciation for the services offered.
Cultural diversity refers to having different human societies or culture within a specific region. Diversity shows the make-up of a group of people who have different characteristics. Diversity may show its face in characteristics such as, race, country, religion, socio-economic backgrounds and achievement levels. Multiculturalism refers to the difference between cultures. Multiculturalism provides the acceptance and connection among and between the different cultures. Multiculturalism allows for the preservation of a culture’s identity within a larger society. Multiculturalism allows for acceptance and embracement of diversity within human societies.
Conclusion
After being exposed to Japanese cuisine and comparing the culturally-based characteristics and mealtime experiences of Japan and Canada, I find that different societies have diverse cultures. People are different in their set of behaviors and beliefs and it is vital to embrace and accept the differences in human societies.
Cultural diversity is considered as an origin of creativity, innovation and social exchange. Trying to know other cultures and respect their customs helps individuals realize and experience the diversity of culture. We should value and maintain cultural diversity, abandon any form of discrimination on culture. It is also suggested that participation and inclusion of all kinds of people promote social cohesion, peace and the vitality of a culturally diverse society. Within the culturally diverse society, individuals have the opportunity to enrich their recreation and leisure experience, as well as to examine and challenge their cultural values and beliefs.
