Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith on Bake Off
Bake Off aired its first ever Japanese Week (Picture: Channel 4)

Great British Bake Off2020 viewers have been left disappointed after Japanese week featured bakes inspired by other countries, including China and India.

GBBO featured its first ever Japanese themed episode, with the bakers being challenged to make steamed buns, matcha crepe cakes, and kawaii-inspired show stoppers.

However, some pointed out that the steamed buns that were featured in the signature challenge, originated in China rather than Japan.

Some bakers also opted to include Chinese style fillings in their buns, including Laura, who opted for Chinese style pork.

One viewer wrote: ‘This week is coming across a bit tone deaf I can’t lie. Maybe they should have called Pan-Asian week instead?’

Another added: ‘Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t bao Chinese, not Japanese?’

‘Disappointed with Japanese Week so far! Completely ignored the Chinese roots of Japanese steamed buns and the technical is French but they deem it Japanese because they threw matcha in it,’ another said. ‘A huge disservice to actual Japanese baking.’

It’s the first time Bake Off has had a week dedicated to all things Japanese and kawaii bakes – although past bakers have chosen to spotlight the country in previous series.

Kim-Joy Hewlett, who appeared on series nine of the show, was well-known for her love for kawaii.

The phenomenon also made a brief appearance back in 2014, when contestant Jordan Cox produced a Kawaii-inspired Swiss roll back in the show’s cake week opener.

Metro.co.uk has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

Great British Bake Off airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.

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