この教材で英語力アップ！語彙から始めて、理解チェックやまとめ、ディスカッションに挑戦してみましょう。
Vocabulary
Transparent– Clear enough to see through.
The chef used a transparent sauce so the colors of the vegetables remained bright.
Innovation– A new idea, method, or product.
Many food companies focus on innovation to attract new customers.
Incorporate– To include something as part of a whole.
he restaurant incorporated Japanese ingredients into its European menu.
Exceed– To go beyond expectations or limits.
Sales of the new product exceeded the company’s expectations.
Pinnacle– The highest point or greatest level of achievement.
Winning the award was the pinnacle of the chef’s career.
Article
Clear Soy sauce a Twist on Tradition
A transparent soy sauce developed in Kumamoto, Japan, has become an unexpected global success. Since its release in 2019, more than 1.6 million bottles have been sold in Japan and overseas. The product has attracted attention because it combines traditional techniques with modern innovation.
The product, known as “clear soy sauce,” was created by Fundodai Co., a long-established soy sauce maker founded in 1869 in Kumamoto’s Kita Ward. The company developed the sauce to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Their goal was to create a seasoning that children could enjoy without worrying about food stains while allowing the natural colors of dishes to remain visible.
To make the sauce, traditionally brewed dark soy sauce is processed to remove its color in the final stage of production. Despite its transparent appearance, it still keeps the rich flavor and aroma of regular soy sauce.
The response from customers has exceeded expectations. As Japanese cuisine continues to gain global popularity, chefs overseas have begun incorporating the product into their cooking. The soy sauce is sold in a small 100-milliliter bottle that is easy to hold and is priced at around 500 yen, making it popular as a souvenir among tourists.
Fundodai has also expanded its product line. New items include yuzu ponzu with clear soy sauce, dashi with clear soy sauce, and truffle clear soy sauce. One of the company’s latest products releases soy sauce as a soft foam from a spray bottle. This unique format has been particularly popular in the food service industry for decorative dishes.
Around the same time, the company introduced another product called “Heisei soy sauce,” which uses carefully selected ingredients such as soybeans and wheat from the Kyushu region along with traditional wasanbon sugar. According to the company, this product represents the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship.
Today, Fundodai exports its products to 36 countries. The company hopes its seasonings will blend into cuisines around the world while sharing the rich food culture of Kumamoto.
Source: Japan Times
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions following the article in English.
- Where was the clear soy sauce developed?
- How is the soy sauce made transparent?
- What new products has the company developed using clear soy sauce?
- To how many countries are the company’s products exported?
Summary
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.
Discussion
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.
- Why do you think people are interested in unusual or innovative food products?
- What foods from your country could become popular internationally?
- What role do souvenirs play in promoting a country’s culture?
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