Hayashi Razan "Hocho shoroku"

An urgent need for a written fixation of the basic outlines of Japanese cuisine during Tokugawa period provides the background for the emergence of «Hōchō shoroku» («Cook’s notes»), a culinary essay by Confucian philosopher Hayashi Radzan, the translation of which is presented below. The essay reveals the origins of the Japanese food culture, traces the roots of some ingredients and dishes, representing close links of Japanese cuisine with annual events. «Chef’s notes» can be considered one of the most important texts in the history of Japanese food culture.