Food Porn: What We Can Learn from Japan

Ramen Heads, Jiros Dreams of Sushi, Tampopo, Food Luck, Le Chocolat De H. 

All amazing movies showcasing expert chefs celebrating their craft in making food whether it’s Ramen, sushi, chocolate or Yakiniku (Japanese bbq beef). 

These can be seen as food porn. But what these  movies also reflect is the perfectionism, the hard work and dedication that makes Japan at the best the traditional arts and crafts. 

It shows how dedication and love makes the food so delicious. It also shows the obsession necessary to be the BEST at something. The ramen chef in Ramen Kings goes to visit other ramen shops on his day off, despite winning multiple awards & top rankings. Jiro has literally been making sushi for over 60 years and hates taking days off work. That is an obsession. Yet it works, it’s the most highly ranked sushi place in the world. 

I’ve long been in love with Japan and Japanese culture. The incredible manners, service and complete immersion in pursuing perfection. I’ve seen janitors, subway conductors and bus drivers do their work with incredible passion and pride. Something that is clearly missing in almost everywhere else in the world. 

There is this term I learned called Shokunin: a craftsman or artisan in pursuit of perfection. The official definition is “mastery of a profession”. Whatever it is that you do, go all out. Hold nothing back. And work at your craft with dedication, no matter how menial or useless others think it is. Actually who cares what other people think. Really. They don’t pay your bills and it’s YOUR Life. We need more Shokunin in the world.