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
What Makes Japanese Baking Traditions Unique
Japanese baking has grown far beyond its roots, blending traditional techniques with international influences to create a distinctive culinary culture. Unlike Western baking, which often emphasizes rich, heavy flavors, Japanese baking fo... -
Japan
A Feast for the Eyes: The Vibrant World of Food Color in Japan
In Japanese culinary culture, color is more than just a visual delight. It's a vital element that expresses the changing seasons, conveys celebratory feelings, and even signifies nutritional balance. From the wisdom of colors found in tr... -
Article
Exploring the Appeal of Shepherd’s Pie from a Japanese Perspective
Shepherd’s pie, a dish known for its comforting layers of meat and mashed potatoes, possesses a charm that transcends cultural boundaries. In Japan, where home cooking is cherished, this British classic has found a niche in the diverse c... -
Article
Perfect Proportions: 9 Essential Food Calculators for the Modern Kitchen
Cooking is both an art and a science — it’s about passion and intuition, but also precision. Whether you’re crafting a family-favorite miso soup or dialing in the perfect chew for ramen noodles, the proportions of your ingredients can ma... -
Article
Japanese Autumn Foods Guide: 10 Must-Try Seasonal Dishes
Japanese autumn food is shaped by one phrase: shokuyoku no aki (食欲の秋) — "the season of appetite." Autumn in Japan runs from September through November, and it is widely considered the best time of year to eat. The rice harvest peaks ... -
Japan
ServSafe Test in Japan: A Complete Guide to Food Safety & Certification
Food is more than nourishment in Japan—it’s an art form, a philosophy, and a cultural identity. From meticulously prepared sushi to steaming bowls of ramen, Japanese cuisine thrives on freshness, balance, and presentation. Underlying thi... -
Japanese Wagyu
The Easiest Way to Access Authentic Japanese A5 Wagyu Regularly
Japanese A5 Wagyu occupies a revered place in the world of fine dining. With marbling that resembles brush strokes on silk and a melt-in-your-mouth texture unlike any other, it is no surprise that culinary enthusiasts revere it as the go... -
Japanese Sushi
Experience the World of Vegan Sushi: Best Vegan Sushi Rolls & Restaurants in Japan
If you’ve ever thought, “I want sushi, but I’m vegan,” you’re not alone. As dietary diversity grows worldwide, vegan sushi—crafted without seafood or animal products—has taken center stage. The best vegan sushi uses vegetables, mushrooms... -
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...
