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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Article
Japanese Sweet Potato (Satsumaimo): Nutrient-Packed Superfood Guide
Japanese sweet potatoes, also known as satsumaimo, are nutrient-dense root vegetables with reddish-purple skin and creamy, sweet flesh. Unlike regular sweet potatoes, they offer a drier texture and chestnut-like flavor, making them ideal... -
Aichi
Sukeroku Sushi (助六寿司)
Often found in supermarkets and convenience stores, Sukeroku Sushi is a familiar and comforting sight in Japan. But behind this simple sushi box lies a clever origin story rooted in a popular Kabuki play. A classic combination of inari-z... -
Japan
Turning Up the Heat: A Japanese-American Fusion Chili Sauce You Can Make at Home
Let’s get one thing straight: not all chili sauces are created equal. Some bring the burn but forget the flavor. Others chase complexity but skip the punch. And then there are the ones that hit both—sauces with a sharp edge, deep charact... -
Japan
Nitamago (煮卵) – Japanese Soy-Marinated Egg
Nitamago (煮卵) is a Japanese soy-marinated soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk, commonly served as a topping in ramen. The name means "simmered egg," and it is made by marinating boiled eggs in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar unt... -
Japan
From Izakayas to Kaiseki: How Japan’s Dining Culture is Adapting to the Digital Age
There’s an unspoken rule when it comes to Japan’s dining culture: if you know, you know. The best izakayas? Hidden down alleys with no signage. That tiny kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto? Good luck getting a seat if your grandfather’s friend ... -
Japan
Yakumi (薬味) : The Unsung Heroes of the Dining Table
Yakumi are small Japanese flavor accents that brighten, balance, and refresh a dish. Think of them as Japanese garnishes with purpose. They are not the main ingredient. Instead, they are the finishing touch that makes everything click. F... -
Japanese Ramen
How To Eat Ramen Like A Japanese Person?
Eating ramen in Japan is more than just having a bowl of noodles—it’s a cultural experience rooted in rhythm, respect, and subtle etiquette. While ramen shops are fast-paced and informal, knowing how to navigate them like a local can mak... -
Japan
West Meets East: Best Japanese Fusion Food Of 2025
🌏 Japanese Fusion Food West Meets East: A Guide to Japanese Fusion Food How Japan absorbed, transformed, and made its own the culinary traditions of China, Portugal, France, and beyond, creating dishes that are now considered quintessen... -
Article
Exploring the World of Japanese Fermented Foods and Their Health Benefits
For thousands of years, in cultures everywhere, people have been fermenting food to preserve and improve its flavor. In addition to its rich umami taste and flavor, Japanese fermented foods are highly valued for their health advantages. ... -
Oosaka
Abura kasu (あぶらかす)
Introduction The term "Abura-kasu" refers to a traditional Japanese food ingredient, historically rooted in Osaka's culinary culture. It particularly comes from the Minamikawachi region. While its name might be unfamiliar to many, it rep...
