Cool Japan: Sandwiches

■Cool Japan: Sandwiches 

NHK Cool Japan: "Sandwich" edition.

It's a Western thing. It's bread, and the fillings are mostly Western.

This food developed in Japan and became a unique Western cuisine.

Cool Japan, similar to spaghetti Napolitan and crepes.

Will such Japanese sandwiches take off around the world?

Can it create a boom similar to that of sushi or ramen? We want to explore that possibility.

"Popular Sandwich"

Last week, I spent the whole week in England eating nothing but sandwiches.

Cucumber sandwiches or sandwiches with just cheese on brown bread are so much tastier in Japan.

This may be because I am Japanese, but Japanese people like soft textures and consider them luxurious.

That's why I use white bread for sandwiches and discard the tough crust.

White, soft bread is rice.

Because it's white and doesn't have a strong flavor, it goes with anything and can also be used to sandwich Japanese side dishes.

It's easy to eat, like a rice ball.

"Moe-dan Housewife"

Appearance is important. Japanese people enjoy food with their eyes.

Unlike overseas, they don't use a variety of breads, but stick to white bread.

It makes the colors of the ingredients stand out, just like white paper.

The triangular sandwich is said to have originated in Japan, but it was invented at Korakuen Stadium in 1961, the year I was born, after a customer said it would be convenient to have a sandwich that allowed you to see what was inside.

Triangular sandwiches are also becoming more common overseas. I think fun-looking sandwiches will become more popular.

"Portable Sandwich"

Here too, technology and development challenges abound.

In Japan, where bento culture is strong, developing food that can be carried around is what makes it a hit.

Because the humidity is high, it is also important that it can be preserved.

It can be used as a lunch alternative to rice or rice balls, is portable, won't spoil, and the contents are less likely to spill when eaten outside.

A typically Japanese product that has been the result of extensive research and development.

To be honest, I think Japanese sandwiches are delicious.

However, it is still not well known overseas.

People from all over the world, please come to Japan and try our sandwiches.