Group 1 - Japanese cuisine heavily relies on "dashi," a broth made from kelp and bonito flakes, which provides a rich umami flavor [1] - Soy sauce is a staple in Japanese cooking, often combined with sugar to enhance flavors [1][2] - The perception of Japanese cuisine is that it primarily consists of dashi and soy sauce, similar to how other countries have distinct aromas at their airports [2] Group 2 - Chinese ingredients and seasonings are increasingly available in Japan, with items like sweet bean sauce and doubanjiang being commonly found [4][3] - Authentic Chinese dishes, such as twice-cooked pork, face challenges due to the unavailability of specific ingredients like garlic sprouts, leading to adaptations using onions [5] - Japanese supermarkets offer various sauces, such as ginger and garlic sauces, which can be used as substitutes in cooking [7] Group 3 - The concept of "multicultural coexistence" in Japan promotes the blending of different culinary traditions, reflecting in the kitchen [8] - The popularity of Chinese vegetables in Japan surged in the 1980s, leading to the acceptance of various Chinese greens in Japanese households [23] - The naming and classification of vegetables have evolved in Japan, with official documents standardizing names for new vegetables introduced from China [25] Group 4 - The introduction of Chinese vegetables has led to a cultural exchange, with items like spinach and water spinach becoming more common in Japanese markets [28][29] - The availability of seasonal vegetables, such as garlic sprouts, has increased, indicating a growing interest in diverse culinary ingredients [30]