Tokyo: Chefs from many countries participated in the final Washoku competition to popularize the traditional Japanese food worldwide and the winner of the previous event, Jaran Deephuak from Thailand was invited as a presenter of the award to the winner.
"Washoku continuously develops and never stops progress. Its technique and taste has become higher. In Thailand, there are many Washoku restaurants but only excellent restaurant are surviving and prospering. If there is a restaurant different from Japanese traditional style, it will not be successful and are likely to shut down," said Deephuak.
Currently more than 50,000 Japanese expatriates live in Bangkok. Especially, Thong lo area thrives with Japanese expats.
Nanohana restaurant, Thong lo Branch offers authentic Japanese cuisine. It has an extensive menu featuring many different dishes, ranging from Sashimi, Sushi to noodles and rice dishes. Since its inception in Bangkok in 1998, Nanohana restaurant stands out in Thong lo for its traditional menu and perfect Japan-like preparation.
Washoku world champion, Deephuak, gained his expertise as Washoku chef for 18 years at Nanohana. His renowned career now satisfies both Japanese and Thai customers.
"I've had the awarded menu from the last year's winner. It was very delicious with authentic Japanese taste. I couldn't believe it was created by a Thai chef!" said Sayuri Kuroshima, a customer of Nanohana.
Shikoku is an island in the southwest of Japan. Many people have visited here, from about 1200 years ago, as a place of pilgrimage called 'Ohenro'. Ohenro is a spectacular pilgrimage road of the overall length extends to about 1400 km.
It was opened in the 8th century by a Buddhist monk Kukai, who walked along for training for Buddhism practice. It is a pilgrimage to visit eighty-eight locations of temples.
Initially, Ohenro was practiced only by the Buddhist monks. In recent years, many people visit to experience Ohenro journey as for their work out, outdoor recreations, and as a relaxing journey escaping from the hustle of the city.
"I was in bad shape until recently. I took five months break from work. I began a pilgrimage for rehabilitation so to return to my workplace. It helps me to settle down my mind, calm and relaxing," said a pilgrim.
It usually takes about 40 days to complete the journey for all of the eighty-eight locations on foot. But there's no rule of the orders or numbers of the temples to visit, even the tour period can be determined freely by each oneself.
Completion is not a must - each participates can decide by their own pace, some people takes bicycle, bus or driving themselves.
Ohenro - Shikoku Pilgrimage welcomes anyone to participate freely, there's no restrictions such as religious background or dress codes.
Ohenro Pilgrimage is a journey of experience authentic Japanese culture.
