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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]