Representations of Japanese Food and Culture on Food Documentaries

Food documentaries like Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and Chef’s Table have shaped global views on Japanese cuisine. These media often construct a specific image of a nation’s cuisine, a concept called gastronationalism (De Soucey, 2010). While food can symbolize cultural belonging, it can also mark national boundaries, preserving national identity. Conversely, it can provide insights into other cultures, acting as a differentiator. Food TV shows with a gastronationalist discourse can romanticize and subtly express these boundaries. This talk examines Japanese food documentaries on Netflix, known for elevating niche interests to global trends. Using multimodal critical discourse analysis, the study explores how these media portray Japanese national identity through shared values, claims of terroir and merroir, and specific dining practices. It shows how these narratives, both overt and subtle, shape perceptions of being Japanese from an outsider’s perspective.