Ryo Iwa– Author –
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Namagenshu (生原酒)
Namagenshu is Japanese sake that is both unpasteurized and undiluted. “Nama” means the sake skips pasteurization, while “genshu” means no water is added after brewing. Because of this, namagenshu tastes fresh, rich, lively, and often str... -
Morioka Jajamen (盛岡じゃじゃ麺)
Morioka jajamen is a rich mixed noodle dish from Iwate Prefecture. It features chewy flat noodles, savory meat miso sauce, fresh cucumber, and a final egg soup called chitantan. Messy, customizable, and deeply comforting, it has become o... -
Taruzake (樽酒)
Taruzake is Japanese sake briefly stored in a cedar barrel. During that short contact, the sake absorbs a fresh woody aroma. The result is crisp, fragrant, and deeply tied to Japanese celebration culture. This style is also called cask s... -
Noda Shio Ramen (野田塩ラーメン)
Noda shio ramen is Japanese salt ramen made using Noda salt from Iwate Prefecture. It features a clear broth, mineral-rich flavor, and handmade-style noodles. The taste is clean, dry, and smooth. The broth feels light at first, but then ... -
Tokubetsu Junmai (特別純米酒)
Tokubetsu junmai, also called special junmai, sits comfortably between everyday junmai and aromatic ginjo sake. It keeps the rice depth of junmai while offering a cleaner, more polished finish. That balance makes it a practical premium s... -
Sasuke Pork (佐助豚)
Sasuke Pork is a premium pork brand from Ninohe in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is known for tender meat, sweet melting fat, and careful farm-based production at Kuji Farm. This Iwate pork is also called Oritsume Sangenton Sasuke. “Sangen... -
Nyuzen Jumbo Watermelon (入善ジャンボ西瓜)
Nyuzen Jumbo Watermelon is a giant rugby-ball-shaped watermelon from Toyama Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its enormous size, crisp texture, refreshing sweetness, and traditional straw wrapping. This Toyama watermelon is also called... -
Futsushu (普通酒)
Futsushu is the everyday sake most commonly drunk in Japan. You can find it in supermarkets, izakaya, convenience stores, and family dinners. It represents the casual side of Japanese sake culture. This is not low-quality sake. Futsushu ... -
Junmai Daiginjo (純米大吟醸)
Junmai Daiginjo is considered one of the most refined styles of Japanese sake. Made with highly polished rice and no added alcohol, it is known for delicate fruity aroma, silky texture, and elegant balance. This style often appears in fi... -
Donko Nabe (どんこ鍋)
Donko nabe is a rich winter hot pot from Japan’s Sanriku coast, made with donko fish and its creamy liver dissolved into miso broth.Popular in Miyagi and Iwate, this rustic seafood stew delivers deep flavor from the sea and a warming tas...