TOKYO, Nov 15 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japan recently recommended two people as its first-ever living national treasures in traditional Japanese cuisine, but the traditions they embody face an uncertain future amid lifestyle changes and a shortage of successors driven by the country's shrinking population, Kyodo News reported.
Japan's Culinary Traditions Struggle To Find Successors
Japan, culinary tradition, national treasure, Jap
BE Bernama 
Key takeaways
Japan named Eiichi Takahashi and Naohiko Noguchi as its first living national treasures in traditional cuisine, hoping to inspire younger chefs amid a shrinking population and succession crisis.
- Eiichi Takahashi (87) of Hyotei and Naohiko Noguchi (93) were recommended as living national treasures.
- Kyoto attracted 12.68 million tourists in 2025, 43.5% seeking culinary experiences.
- The move aims to encourage new generations to preserve Kyoto cuisine and sake brewing traditions.
Summarised automatically by AI from the original article by Bernama. AI can make mistakes, so check the original for details.
Also reported by Malay Mail
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