Using their loaf: Japanese elevate humble art of making toast www.theguardian.com

The latest culinary obsession gripping Japanese people and cafes such as Galant, which has been sustaining Tokyoites for more than 40 years, is how to perfect the art of making toast.
While eating bread has become an established practice, the act of making a simple slice of toast is an increasingly hi-tech affair.
Using a toothpick, spoon and tiny piping bag, she turns simple slices of shokupan into colourful works of toast art that really do look too pretty to eat.
Data compiled last year by the Nomura Research Institute group found 51% of Japanese preferred bread to rice for breakfast.
Photograph: Justin McCurry/The GuardianManufacturers improved bread-making technology and came up with a product that was baking’s answer to sticky white rice, said Kajita.