Exploring the Healing Power of Yakuzen
With the recent success of NHK's drama "Shiawase wa Tabete Nete Mate" that started in April, interest in Yakuzen, or medicinal cuisine, is trending in Japan. One book capitalizing on this phenomenon is
"Karada ga totono u Ichiju Ichisai" by Nami Yamada. This innovative title emphasizes easy-to-prepare Yakuzen recipes, prompting readers to explore the culinary avenues of healing from home.
Yamada, an International Qualified Chinese Medicine Yakuzen Practitioner, and a fermentation cuisine expert, specializes in crafting simple recipes that promote wellness. Her insightful book provides suggestions for ingredients tailored to alleviate various physical ailments, thus attracting a diverse audience eager to improve their health through cooking.
The Book's Concept: One Soup, One Side Dish
"Karada ga totono u Ichiju Ichisai” focuses on preparation of one soup and one side dish suitable for targeting specific health concerns. This concept not only simplifies meal preparation but also encourages readers to educate themselves about the health benefits of specific ingredients.
For instance, when addressing
fatigue, Yamada suggests incorporating foods like black sesame seeds and walnuts, known for their energy-boosting properties. On the other hand,
digestive issues can be improved with the use of ingredients such as ginger and yams, recognized for their digestive benefits.
Understanding Food Choices
Yamada’s approach is to provide readers with easily accessible food items that can be found at local grocery stores. This accessibility enables readers to experiment quickly with her recipes, bridging the gap between traditional Yakuzen cuisine and modern-day cooking. Her engaging presentation of food recommendations for issues related to exhaustion, digestive health, women-specific needs, skin and beauty, and emotional balance makes the book relatable to many.
Furthermore, Yamada includes detailed explanations of the recommended ingredients to help readers understand how they can positively impact health. Each recommendation comes with a simple recipe, ensuring that individuals of all cooking skills can take part.
Meet Nami Yamada
Nami Yamada is not just an author but also a well-regarded Yakuzen and fermentation cooking specialist. Holding a degree in Chinese medicine, she trained under the renowned Takane Sumi, deepening her understanding of Eastern medicine, Yakuzen philosophy, and dietary wellness. She holds various cooking classes, such as those centered on Yakuzen and fermentation, in her home and studio, "Kokuya 1681," providing teachings that resonate across different age demographics.
Her other notable works include
"Hajimeru, Tsuzukeru. Nukazuke no Kihon" and
"Kantan de Oishii Sato Nashi Oyatsu" among others. These publications have also gained popularity, reflecting her ability to connect with her readers through informative and enticing recipes.
Upcoming Release Details
The latest addition,
"Karada ga totono u Ichiju Ichisai," will be released on
December 20, 2024, priced at
1,760 JPY (tax included). The title carries an ISBN of
978-4-391-16345-2, and it’s published by
Shufu to Seikatsu Sha.
Readers can also purchase it through various platforms like
Amazon or
Rakuten Books.
In conclusion, with its straightforward and effective recipes,
"Karada ga totono u Ichiju Ichisai" is positioning itself as a must-have guide in the realm of modern Japanese healing cuisine, encouraging individuals to make wholesome choices in their daily meals. As Yakuzen continues to gain traction, it’s clear that the focus on health through natural foods is more relevant than ever.