Ryo Iwa– Author –
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Survival Guide: How to Order Food in Japan with No English Menu
Picture this scenario. You find a cozy, hidden alleyway eatery in Tokyo. The smell of grilled soy sauce is irresistible, so you step inside and sit down. You open the menu and suddenly freeze. There are no pictures. There is no English a... -
Echigo hime (越後ひめ)
When you think of strawberries in Niigata Prefecture, Echigo hime is the undisputed star. However, many people in Tokyo or Osaka may have never even seen them. In fact, this rarity is one of the defining characteristics of the Echigohime... -
How Japanese Coffee Culture Influenced the Global Specialty Coffee Movement
Ask a tourist what Japan drinks, and they will say 'Matcha.' Ask a local, and they might just point you to a fifty-year-old coffee shop hidden in a basement. While the tea ceremony captures the global imagination, the coffee counter capt... -
It’s Not Just Hiroshima! Dive into the Hidden Culinary World of Western Honshu Food
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ve probably already researched restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto. But what about Chugoku region food? When you hear "Chugoku," did you think of China? To be honest, I did too at first. It’s confusing ... -
Japanese Coffee (日本のコーヒー)
Japanese coffee is not just about the drink itself but also the atmosphere, precision, and surprising variety that surround each cup. For many American visitors, it feels like a unique blend of Old World charm, modern design, and everyda... -
Japanese Gift Sweets 101 – Omiyage Packaging and How to Choose
Omiyage is not a souvenir. At least, that’s not how it’s treated in Japan.It is a Japanese gift; more specifically, it’s a tool for smoothing out human relationships. Since I started working in Japan, I’ve felt this firsthand many times.... -
Mille Crepes in Japan: Why It Became a Cafe Staple (and Where to Start)
I still remember the first time I saw a mille crepe cake in a Tokyo cafe window. Dozens of paper-thin layers stacked perfectly, each one visible in cross-section like tree rings. The cake looked almost too delicate to eat. These days, yo... -
The Ultimate Kyushu Food Guide: 10 Local Dishes You Must Eat
About the Kyushu Region and Its Food Culture Kyushu is a region blessed with a warm climate, located at the southwestern tip of the Japanese archipelago. Comprising the seven prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyaza... -
10 Local Dishes You Absolutely Must Eat in the Chubu Region
About the Chubu Region and Its Food Culture What comes to mind when you hear "Chubu Region"? Located right in the middle of the Japanese archipelago, this area actually boasts the most diverse natural environment in Japan. From the 3,000... -
Why Protein Powder in Japan Looks Different Than Australia: Culture, Convenience, and Clean Labels
You’d think protein powder is protein powder. Same goal: get more protein in. But Japan and Australia do it with totally different vibes. In Japan, products are often marketed as lighter, cleaner, and more convenient. In Australia, you’l...