Ryo Iwa– Author –
Ryo Iwa is the founder and editor of foodinjapan.org. Born and raised in Japan, he writes from regional travel, market visits, and Japanese-language primary sources that rarely reach English readers, including brewing institute publications and industry glossaries. Where a figure cannot be traced to a source, the article says so.
He has been a Google Maps Local Guide for over 10 years, with more than 1,800 reviews and over 41,000 photos viewed hundreds of millions of times. He previously spent two decades as an IT consultant in Japan, the US, and the UK.
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Japanese Sushi
Protein-Rich Japanese Foods the Fitness World Is Overlooking
Japanese cuisine values balance and fresh ingredients. While most people think of sushi, rice, and noodles, everyday Japanese dishes also offer good sources of protein. These foods form part of daily meals in Japan and support healthy ea... -
Article
15 Unique Japanese Foods You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Japan's food culture is celebrated around the world, yet most travelers never scratch the surface of its truly unique Japanese food. Sushi, ramen, tempura, tonkatsu: these are excellent dishes, but they represent a narrow slice of what J... -
Ishikawa
Kabura Sushi (かぶら寿司)
There is a moment, usually in mid-November, when Kanazawa quietly announces that winter has arrived. It is not the snow, not yet. It is the thunder. Locals call it "buri-okoshi," the rumbling that signals the start of yellowtail season o... -
Article
Onigiri and the Art of Eating on the Go in Japan
There is something quietly perfect about onigiri. You pick one up at a convenience store, peel back the plastic wrapper in three quick steps, and in under a minute you have a satisfying meal in your hand. No plates. No utensils. Just ins... -
Article
Why Authentic Japanese Dishes Fail Without the Right Kitchen Tools
Authentic Japanese dishes are known for their clean flavors, precise cuts, and careful presentation. Every step in the kitchen matters, from slicing vegetables to handling rice. Preparation is deliberate, and each action serves a clear p... -
Ishikawa
What Is Nodoguro? Taste, Season & Best Restaurants
"I want to try nodoguro, but where can I find it?" Many people have likely had this thought. Every time it's featured on TV, it becomes a hot topic, drawing in locals from fishing ports and tourists from across the country who travel spe... -
Article
Japanese Breakfast: What It Really Says About Daily Life in Japan
When most people picture Japanese breakfast, they imagine something quiet, balanced, and distinctly different from the bacon-and-eggs plates common in Western countries. That image is not entirely wrong — but it is also far from complete... -
Kansai
The Complete Kansai Food Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you're planning a trip to Japan, the Kansai region is probably already on your list. Kyoto, Osaka, Nara are names that almost everyone recognizes. But here's the thing: most travelers spend so much time planning what to see that they ... -
Japanese Seafood
Eihire (エイひれ)
You pass through the noren curtain of an Izakaya and order a beer to start. After the first toast, you open the menu. Often, your eyes will land on "Grilled Eihire." It is not a flashy main dish. However, its simple appearance ... -
Japanese Fruit
Okayama Fruits (岡山県のフルーツ)
Anyone who has visited Okayama has likely heard the phrase "Okayama, the Fruit Kingdom." If you actually try the fruit there, you’ll quickly understand why it’s so famous. The moment you take a bite, the sweetness, juiciness, and aroma h...
