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Japan'straditional cuisine, celebrated for its centuries-old cooking techniques and seasonal ingredients, has been added to the United Nation's cultural heritage list. The decision to protect Japan's traditional cuisine, known as "washoku", was made against a backdrop of rising concerns that fast food and western dishes are increasingly eclipsing the nation's culinary heritage. Japan will become only the second nation after France to have its national cuisine designated heritage status, a decision made by officials at a UNESCO meeting in Azerbaijan. While Japan has long been famed for its sushi, one of its most successful culinary exports, the nation has an expansive repertoire of traditional dishes beyond the raw fish snack. | 
