Blog

  • Cups of cold tea sit in front of cold noodles and a bowl of tsuyu dipping sauce

    Hot Weather Noodles: Tsukemen, Zaru Soba, and Nagashi Sōmen

    Now that the weather’s finally getting warmer and we're coming out of winter hibernation, you may be looking for cooler dishes to beat the heat. If you live anywhere like our hometown of Osaka, it gets quite humid, with summer temperatures reaching up to around 37°C (98.6°F). So what’s a noodle lover to do?
  • A view of Okinawa with the cliffs, waters and mountains

    The Cuisine of Okinawa: Japan’s Tropical Paradise

    What makes Okinawa cuisine so special in Japan? With Chinese, Southeast Asian, and American influences, Okinawan dishes feature a range of ingredients not often found in mainland Japanese cuisine. Okinawa has the highest number of centenarians (people who are at...

  • A basket of many yellow yuzu sits on a table

    What is Yuzu? The Tasty Citrus Japan Loves

    Lovers of Japanese snacks and Japanese ramen might have encountered a tasty, yellow citrus fruit that looks like a lemon but doesn’t quite taste like one. That fruit is called yuzu and it can be found in all kinds of tasty Japanese foods and treats.
  • Many carp streamers hang from a line for Children's Day and Golden Week

    Golden Week: Japan's Springtime Mega Holiday

    Working in Japan can be intense, which is why Japan loves its holidays. It’s both a chance to relax and unwind while also observing parts of Japanese culture. One of the biggest times to let loose is during the super fun long holiday known as Golden Week!

  • A dorayaki over a plate cut in half to show the castella and red bean layers

    Dorayaki: Japan's Traditional Dessert Sandwich

    When it comes to traditional Japanese sweets, things like mochi and daifuku tend to dominate the conversation. However, when you actually come here, you’ll find plenty of tasty options to satisfy your sweet tooth. One delicious treat that has spread from traditional Japanese shops to convenience stores is the tasty pancake sandwich—dorayaki.
  • A plate with a couple of mini daifuku with one cut in half to show the red bean paste

    Daifuku: A Mochi Treat Stuffed with Deliciousness

    When we talk about Japanese ramen, it is often a savory affair. That being said, ramen can leave you craving something sweet afterward. Some opt for sweets like chocolate or something healthy like fruit, but one traditional Japanese sweet option...