The Art of Ingredient Handling: Elevating Japanese Cuisine to a Spiritual Experience Japanese cuisine is deeply revered for its beauty and delicacy, captivating many around the world. However, it is not merely about combining ingredients but is rooted in the heartfelt handling of ingredients. This art form is central to Japanese culinary culture, transcending simple cooking methods to elevate dining into a spiritual experience. Japanese cuisine is built upon seasonal ingredients, requiring chefs to draw out the unique characteristics of each item. This process involves cherishing the messages received from the ingredients themselves and treating them with utmost respect. For example, when preparing sushi, the emphasis is on the freshness…