B2 – Upper Intermediate
There is an old saying, ‘we eat with our eyes’. Many instances we’ve proven that this could be true.
Realistic-looking food are used as an advertising tool all over Japan. Various food items on display are not real but they look so tempting, you’d want to eat them!
Watch the video and read the transcript to know more about this Japanese culture that is both an art and a business.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tasty-to-the-eyes-japans-fake-food/
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think of realistic-looking food displays?
- Do you agree or disagree that when it comes to food, “before you eat, observe it”?
- According to the video, why is plastic food important in Japan?
- Based on the video, how are some of the food made? What are some of the equipment they use?
- Have you been to Japan? Would you like to visit?
8 replies on “Japan’s Fake Food”
1. What do you think of realistic-looking food displays?
Honestly, I find them a bit strange, but I think that’s mostly because of the cultural differences between our countries. From a practical point of view, they can be very helpful for tourists who don’t speak or read Japanese. It makes it easier for them to choose what they want to eat. It’s similar to the photos you see in restaurants in popular tourist areas in Barcelona, like pictures of paellas or sangrias.
2. Do you agree or disagree that when it comes to food, “before you eat, observe it”?
I totally agree. Not only when you’re travelling, but also in your own town or even at home. You should always check if the food is safe to eat. The first sense you use is sight, then smell, and finally taste.
3. According to the video, why is plastic food important in Japan?
Plastic food plays a crucial role in Japan for several reasons. First, it helps overcome language barriers. Customers can simply point to the realistic-looking food models to indicate what they want. These replicas have been used for over 78 years and are a trusted part of the dining experience.
Second, they serve as a visual guide to show portion sizes and how dishes are presented, helping customers know exactly what to expect. Finally, plastic food acts as an effective advertising tool, attracting people with its realistic-looking appearance and enticing them to enter the restaurant.
4. Based on the video, how are some of the food made? What are some of the equipment they use?
The process of making plastic food in Japan is a remarkable display of craftsmanship. Each item is carefully handcrafted using a special type of artisanal plastic that allows for incredible detail and realism.
In addition to manual techniques, specialized machines are also used to enhance the realism—helping to mold precise shapes and apply finishing touches that make the replicas look almost identical to actual dishes.
5. Have you been to Japan? Would you like to visit?
I’ve never been to Japan, but I’d love to visit someday. In fact, I’ve heard that now is a great time to go because the yen is quite low, making travel more affordable. Beyond the cost, there are so many reasons to visit—experiencing a culture that’s so different from ours, exploring unique places, and trying delicious new foods. Japan has always fascinated me, and I hope I get the chance to discover it in person.
Good job sharing your insights about Japan’s fake food displays.
Here are a few minor revisions you can make in the following sentences:
Impressive work with your answers!
What do you think of realistic-looking food displays?
I think is very usefull for tourist, specially when they don’t know the language. Sometimes the menu translation is not accurate and is better if you can see what you can eat.
Do you agree or disagree that when it comes to food, “before you eat, observe it”?
well, it depends, I don’t need to see the food before observed if I know what I will eat, but I think it is a good idea when you ask for something new in a restaureant in a country with different culture.
According to the video, why is plastic food important in Japan?
To help customers to sell unfamiliar dishes.
Based on the video, how are some of the food made? What are some of the equipment they use?
with plastics and using airbrushes and permanent markers.
Have you been to Japan? Would you like to visit?
Yes I’ve been there for my honeymoon.
You gave good answers to the discussion questions. Well done.
See how this response can be written as a full sentence:
Keep practicing to continue with your progress.
1. What do you think of realistic-looking food displays?
I think that it’s a very good piece of marketing. There’s nothing better than seeing your food before ordering it. In my opinion, all big chains of fast food should be forced to do that with their burgers, because one thing is seeing a picture, and another is what you actually get when you order it.
2. Do you agree or disagree that when it comes to food, “before you eat, observe it”?
Yes, I think that food enters through the eyes.
3. According to the video, why is plastic food important in Japan?
Based on the video, plastic food is important in Japan because many years ago, new food was introduced, and as people were not used to it, they started making plastic food to show how the dishes looked before ordering them.
4. Have you been to Japan? Would you like to visit?
No, I haven’t been to Japan. Yes, definitely, I would like to visit it. Japanese culture is one of my passions.
Consistent practice brings progress.
Here is just an alternative way to express this idea in a different structure and with different vocabulary:
Keep up the good work!
What do you think of realistic-looking food displays?
I was impressed by how realistic some fake foods are.
I think everything is too shiny.
Do you agree or disagree that when it comes to food, “before you eat, observe it”?
Yes, I think we eat with our eyes.
If something is ugly, we have the predisposition to think that it is bad.
According to the video, why is plastic food important in Japan?
As advertising
and to overcome the language barrier
Based on the video, how are some of the food made? What are some of the equipment they use?
Have you been to Japan? Would you like to visit?
YES. i ‘d like to visit japan
A very different place
A very interesting culture
The food is very good
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