Ryo Iwa– Author –
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Fukushima Sake (福島の酒)
Fukushima sake is one of Japan’s most highly regarded regional sake styles. The prefecture is known for soft water, rice-growing areas, skilled brewers, and repeated success at national competitions. Many drinkers now connect Fukushima J... -
Japanese Yakiniku Guide: How to Eat Japanese BBQ, Cuts, Sauces & Best Regional Styles
Yakiniku is one of Japan’s most enjoyable food experiences. It feels casual, warm, and a little exciting. You sit around a grill, cook small pieces of meat, and eat them hot. The sound, smoke, and smell become part of the meal. At first,... -
Shiraoi Beef (白老牛)
Shiraoi beef is a premium Hokkaido Wagyu brand from Shiraoi Town, made mainly from Japanese Black cattle raised under local standards in southern Hokkaido. The beef is known for fine marbling, mellow fat sweetness, tender texture, and de... -
Yamagata Sake (山形の酒)
Yamagata sake is a Tohoku regional style known for fruity aroma, clean texture, and careful cold-climate brewing. The prefecture has built a strong reputation around Ginjo, Junmai Daiginjo, GI Yamagata, and local rice. In short, many dri... -
Kurashiki Bukkake Udon (倉敷ぶっかけうどん)
Kurashiki bukkake udon is a local Japanese udon dish from Kurashiki, Okayama, served with thick soy-based sauce poured directly over chewy noodles. Although the bowl looks simple, the sauce, toppings, and noodle ... -
Akita Sake (秋田の酒)
Akita sake is a refined sake culture from northern Japan. It comes from Akita Prefecture, a rice-growing region in Tohoku. Cold winters, abundant water, local rice, and careful brewing shape its character. As a result, the style is often... -
Japan’s Street Food Must-Eats: 10 Iconic Snacks from Takoyaki to Taiyaki
Japanese street food hits you before you even see the stall. First comes the smell: charcoal, sweet soy glaze, and something sizzling on a hot iron plate. You follow your nose without a plan. That's how most great matsuri food memories s... -
Hyogo Sake （兵庫の酒）
Hyogo is one of Japan’s major sake-producing prefectures, especially because of Nada Gogo. Its sake culture grew from water, rice, winter climate, ports, and brewer’s craft. The best-known examples often taste dry, firm, and clean. Inlan... -
Maturibayashi Watermelon (まつりばやし)
Maturibayashi watermelon is a large, sweet Japanese melon known for its crisp texture and rich flavor. It shows up every summer in Japanese markets, and people look forward to it all year. You may never have heard of it before. But one c... -
Kyoto Sake (京都の酒)
Kyoto sake is known for smooth texture, fragrant sake aroma, and an elegant finish. The center of this regional sake culture is Fushimi, a historical brewery district in southern Kyoto. Soft water, Kyoto brewing tradition, and the city’s...