You may see children leaving Japanese markets and convenience stores with colorful snacks featuring the character Umaemon and wonder what they’re eating. Likely, they’re enjoying umaibo, puffed corn classic Japanese snacks. Umaibo translates to “delicious stick” and is a popular snack due to its affordability...

  Japanese cuisine may be one of the finest in the world, but you haven’t experienced its peak until you’ve tried kaiseki. This is not a single dish, but a multi-course dinner that not only tastes amazing but also looks incredibly appealing. It’s also an...

  Imagine never eating a Japanese snack but having a vivid idea of how it tastes and smells. That is the power of pop culture. It gets people familiar with the traditions, foods, and lifestyles of places they have never visited. Various forms of pop...

  Are you curious to know how Japanese foods get their rich and savory flavors? The answer lies in the traditional herbs, spices, and condiments in recipes. Join us as we explore the role of spice in Japan and all of the flavorful options you...

The key to great Japanese cooking is all about the seasonings. With the right seasonings, you can achieve all those Japanese flavors you know and love in the comfort of your own home! Here are some of the tastiest Japanese seasonings that you can find...

Most ramen dishes are served hot or cold, but tsukemen offers the best of both styles. Also known as dipping ramen noodles, this contrasting dish is a must-try for noodle lovers around the world. In this post, we’ll explore the history of tsukemen, how it...

What makes our Japanese snack boxes the perfect present? Is it the exclusivity of the snacks, or the unique opportunity to explore Japan without ever leaving home? It could be our wide range of selections that fit anyone’s needs, wants, and interests, or it could...

Get ready to experience Japan through regional cuisine! From the seafood treats of Hokkaido to the superfoods of Okinawa, this culinary exploration will expose you to the best of each region. You’ll also learn how you can partake in these flavors from the comfort of...

Kitsune udon, one of the most comforting Japanese noodle soups, offers more than savory flavors. It also shares a close link to Japanese folklore and religious deities. In this post, we’ll explore the role of kitsune udon in Japanese homes, shrines, and restaurants. We’ll also...

If you’re here, you’ve likely been combing the internet for some good intel on kitsune , a beloved and ancient shape-shifting Japanese fox spirit with supernatural powers. Or perhaps you know about kitsune. You love kitsune! You’re just hungry for more information on…what should we...

Experience the earthy taste of the wild with sansai Japanese vegetables. These edible plants lend a fresh perspective to modern cuisine by connecting food lovers with the seasonality of nature. In this post, we’ll explore the concept and types of sansai in Japan, as well...

As the winter chill settles in, Japan comes alive with a cozy tradition: reaching for warm, soothing snacks that chase away the cold. From convenience stores to street stalls, people line up for Japanese hot snacks that warm cold hands and lift winter-weary spirits. Each...

Known in Chinese cuisine as congee and in Japanese cuisine as okayu, rice porridge is one of Asia’s most interesting dishes. This warm and satisfying comfort food is the perfect remedy for a cold or hangover. In Japan, it’s often served to sick and elderly...

What is Togarashi Spice? India has garam masala. China has Chinese five spice. Egypt has dukkah. Japan has shichimi togarashi, or togarashi for short. Whether you have heard of it or not, togarashi is a key ingredient in Japanese cooking. What is togarashi? Technically, the...

Who Were the Samurai? A Brief Historical Bite The samurai, Japan's legendary warrior class, remain one of the most fascinating symbols of Japanese culture. These elite fighters influenced history profoundly through their exceptional martial skills, steadfast loyalty, and strict observance of bushido, or the "way...

The ultimate Japanese snack experience features a blend of tastes, textures, sounds, and seasonal themes. Discover what it’s like to enjoy Japan’s autumn treats from the comfort of your home. Introduction: Tasting Japan with All Five Senses Autumn in Japan brings a lot more than...

Introduction: Welcome to the World's First Ramen-Themed Amusement Park Located in Yokohama city, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction that brings Japan's iconic noodle dish to life. This museum serves up a full sensory experience that celebrates the rich history and cultural significance...

If you’ve never been to an Asian grocery store before, it may seem overwhelming at first. However, if you know what to look for, Asian markets are a great way to find pantry staples that will allow you to cook a lot of different Asian...

The traditional flavors of Japan go beyond what’s created in the kitchen. To discover what makes them so unique you need to take to the land. These traditions begin in home vegetable gardens and farms where plants are tenderly cultivated to yield the purest flavors....

Picture this: you’ve just finished a work project and you’re craving a hot steaming bowl of ramen noodles. You don’t have time to go all the way to your favorite ramen shop for a bowl of handmade gourmet soup. Instead, you’ve got some packets of...