2022/04/04
Basics of Japanese Food Manners
The positioning of dishes at a Japanese table is based on a set of rules that have been handed down from generation to generation. The base of the serving menu is “ippiru sansai,” which consists of rice and soup (sometimes with pickles), a main dish, and two side dishes, which is the basic menu of […]
2021/09/20
The Japanese Omotenashi Spirit
The Meaning of Omotenashi The meaning of Omotenashi, simply put, is “to treat others with respect and without asking for compensation. It may sound simple, but there is actually an interesting etymology hidden in the word Omotenashi. Etymology of Omotenashi What is the origin of the word Omotenashi? The word “Omotenashi” originally comes from […]
2021/07/27
What is “umami” in Japanese food that attracts attention from all over the world?
“Umami” is indispensable for Japanese food. When you hear the word “Umami”, you think of the gentle taste of dashi, but the “umami” that is currently attracting worldwide attention is not just the flavor that indicates deliciousness. Originally, there were four basic sensory tastes. Sweetness, saltiness, acidity, and bitterness, and it has been said that […]
2021/07/13 Reizake, Kanzake … The taste of sake that changes with temperature.
The taste of Japanese sake changes with temperature. Japanese sake is a beverage whose taste and aroma change depending on the temperature. Some sake are suitable for Kanzake (hot sake), and on the contrary, some sake is better served as Reizake (cold sake). Today, we will introduce the changes in flavor of sake depending on […]
2021/05/25 The various types of Japanese Dishware and how to use them
Have you noticed that Japanese cuisine comes with a wide variety of dishware compared to western cuisine? Today we will explain the types of the many Japanese dishware available and how to use them appropriately so you can incorporate them into their dishes to elevate the appearance of your food. Types and uses of […]
2021/04/14 History of Fermentation in Japanese Food
Fermentation is a staple in traditional Japanese cuisine. Historically used as a preservation technique, fermented food in Japanese cuisine ranges from condiments and household dishes such as soy sauce, miso, vinegar, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), and natto (fermented soy). History of Fermentation Few records are kept of the precise origin of fermentation techniques in […]
2021/03/22 Does sake have an expiration date? Is sake still good to drink after being opened?
There is no clear expiration date or indication for sake. Most foods and beverages have a best-by date or expiration date, but sake does not have a best-by date label. Due to the bactericidal action of alcohol, corrosion does not proceed immediately and the sake can be stored for a long period of time. […]
2021/02/19 “What is Bishamon!?” The origin behind the name
What kind of god is “Bishamon”? The “Bishamon” from Bishamon Group originates from the Buddhist deity known as “Bishamon-ten” in Japanese. The deity is recognized in Japanese culture as a protector of Japanese shrines and temples and even depicted in popular culture such as video games. Also known as Vaiśravaṇa, the name originates from the […]
2021/01/15 Specialty Ramen!! The History of Regional Ramen
“Multitude of Flavors and Ingredients” Ramen is a noodle soup dish with a combination of rich broth, noodles, and toppings to form a perfect trinity. Japanese ramen’s origin traces back to the Chinese noodle soup dish Lamien. While the two dishes share similarities, what separates the two noodle dishes is its soup base. The Chinese […]
2020/12/10 Samurai, Bushi and Ninja: Warriors of premodern Japan
We’re sure there are many people who think of Samurai when they hear the word “Japan.” With their characteristic hairstyles and katana (Japanese sword), Samurai have been featured in many anime and manga. Samurai existed in the Japan until just a 150 years ago, not just in anime. This time, we’re going to talk about […]
2020/11/12 What you need to know when picking a favorite sake! How to read labels
Sake, despite its simple moniker, actually has many different varieties. Have you ever wanted to find a sake that you can enjoy among all of those different types and varieties? What you really need to pay attention when trying to find one is the label. The information detailed in these labels is actually quite important, […]
2020/10/08 Recommended to those who want a deeper understanding of Japan! The traditional arts of Japan
The traditional arts of Japan, developed in an isolated island country in the far east, have been drawing attention from the rest of the world. This time, we’d like to introduce the world of Japan’s traditional arts to those of you who want a deeper understanding of Japan. What are the Japan’s traditional arts? While […]
2020/09/09 What local sakes are brewed in different regions around Japan? We’re going to talk about each type and about what makes each region special
Recently, sake has been growing in popularity along with the boom that Japanese food has been experiencing. We’re sure many of you have been able to experience Japanese sake. As with wine, the taste of a sake changes along with the region in which it’s produced. In this entry, we’d like to introduce local sakes, […]
2020/08/17 Japan is the birthplace of karaoke! Karaoke has evolved in the world, but what is it?
There are probably quite a few people who enjoy singing karaoke in a bar with a mic in their hand. Did you know that, much like anime, karaoke is a subculture that started in Japan and spread to the rest of the world? In Japan, the home of karaoke, you can find karaoke parlors all […]
2020/07/10 Why are seasonal ingredients important in Japanese food? The link between Japanese food and the four seasons
One of the characteristic aspects of Japanese food, which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage, is that it incorporates seasonal ingredients. Differences between the four seasons are distinct in Japan, and each season has its own respective seasonal ingredients. Bringing those seasonal ingredients into Japanese food shows care not just for the flavor, but […]
2020/06/10 Did Japan’s Tradition of Toasting Originate in Europe?: On the Roots and Meaning of “Kanpai”
Alcoholic beverages are essential when it comes to social gatherings such as meals with friends and weddings. And in these situations, one almost always sees people raising their glasses in a toast. Japan has always incorporated alcoholic beverages such as sake in Shinto religious rituals, but did you know that the style of toast now […]
2020/05/11 Why did Akihabara, a town where anime fans and otaku gather, become sacred ground?
Japanese animation, also known as “anime,” has fans all over the world, and there is one place where many anime fans say they want to visit at least once. That is Tokyo’s “Akihabara.” Akihabara is treated as a “sacred ground” where otaku, those who are crazy about anime, games and cosplay (dressing up as one’s […]
2020/04/10 The essentials of Japanese food! Three popular Japanese foods that can be eaten even in America!
Japanese food is getting more popular, along with a growing shift towards healthy thinking. The number of Japanese restaurants is growing, even in America. While the taste is a reason for the popularity, the colorful plating of items that allows for dishes to also be enjoyed visually is another. This time, we hope to introduce […]
2020/03/12 Just what is sake to Japanese people? The sake used in ceremonies
In general, sake signifies three different things to Japanese people. First, it’s an offering to the gods. Second, it’s something used to entertain people. Third, it’s used medicinally or as an analeptic. This time, we’d like to talk about the relationship between sake and the gods. Your view of sake might change once you understand […]
2020/02/18 The Japanese enjoy alcohol at seasonal events! The alcohol imbibed during cherry blossom viewing and festivals
Events in Japan have long had deep ties with enjoyment of alcohol. The experience that gathering around delicious food and gazing at cherry blossoms with a drink provides is a staple of cherry blossom viewing, an event synonymous with spring. Alcohol is a requirement for summer events, too. Festivals go without saying, but people even […]
2020/01/03 Japanese people didn’t eat meat in the past? The history of Japanese food and roots of why it’s called healthy
Japanese food was registered as a UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Intangible Cultural Heritage in December of 2013. Under UNESCO, it was registered as the traditional dietary culture of the Japanese. Japanese food, making the most of the flavor of its ingredients and allowing diners to enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors, is garnering […]
2019/12/09 The amazing Japanese bento box gains attention overseas
The Japanese bento box has been gaining attention overseas of late. There are actually many different types of bento box, and some well known examples include the luxury bento boxes produced by luxury hotels and restaurants, healthy bento boxes that boast a nutritional balance, diet bento boxes that are low in calories, and homemade bento […]
2019/12/09 What kind of drink is sake? An easy-to-follow explanation covering everything from ingredients to different production methods
Known as nihonshu in Japan, sake is one of Japan’s most well known products and is loved for its superb mouthfeel and quaffability. Although it goes well with cuisine from different countries, there are probably many people out there who still wonder what, exactly, sake is. If you like sake but aren’t sure about how […]
2019/12/09 The history of sake: for a deeper appreciation of sake’s flavor
Did you know that the history of sake, which is consumed not only in Japan but around the world, stretches back 3,000 years into the past? Sake, or nihonshu as it is known in Japan, is a beverage with a long history indeed. This article provides an introduction to the origin of sake, a history […]