Japan eyes have added "living national treasures" to culinary masters

Japan is proposing the classification, today restricted to traditional art performers and artisans, of highly qualified masters of Japanese food and sake brewers as ' living domestic jewels, ' sources familiar with the topic said Friday.

Through rising culinary craftsmanship and local cuisine, the government hopes that Japan's foreign interest will rise, boost tourism and exports of goods. The Company now plans to add loc....