An intangible cultural heritage, "Washoku" is Japanese home food.

Japanese home food, Washoku
Rice, Miso soup, grilled fish, one cooked dish and Japanese pickle
["一汁三菜、Ichiju Sannsai" (One soup and three dishes)]

A registration to the world intangible cultural heritage of the Japanese home food or Japanese cuisine, "Washoku" was recommended in pre-screening the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is formally determined in December.

Onsen Tamago (Boiled egg), Japanese pickle and Natto

Japanese use various seafood and food from a mountain to make Washoku. It is superior in nutritional balance and taste. To present a sense of the season and the beauty of nature, a person who make Washoku gets a little creative with the tableware and food layout. It is also closely-linked to the annual events such as the harvest festival and New Year in Japan.

"To strengthen the bonds of Japanese, Washoku has played an important role" said UNESCO, explained the reason for the recommendation.

The old-fashioned Japanese-style meals, three dishes and one soup is a basic. It is called "一汁三菜、Ichiju Sannsai", one article main dish, 2 side dishes and one soup with rice. You can take a well-balanced nutrition with the side dishes, water with a soup and a carbohydrate that is the energy source in rice. By mingling and entering many nutrients to the stomach alternately, you can expect the effect of better digestion and absorption, discharge excess sugar, fat and salt.

If you travel to Japan, stay in a Japanese traditional hotel. They will serve Washoku for you. If you had never have such a Japanese food except Sushi, you should try to eat Washoku for your health. 

An American food culture journalist, Elizabeth Andoh explains about Washoku more in her book. >>>Washoku: Recipes from the Japanese Home Kitchen
If you want eat Washoku or cook Washoku by yourself, her book come true such your wish.

Thank you so much!