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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Regions
Hiroshima sake (広島の酒)
Hiroshima stands as one of Japan's three great sake-producing regions, alongside Nada in Hyogo and Fushimi in Kyoto. Its sake carries a particular softness. Soft water, long-term low-temperature fermentation, and over a century of ginjo-... -
Japanese Noodles
Goto Udon (五島うどん)
Few noodles in Japan are said to carry a story stretching back more than a thousand years. Goto udon (五島うどん), a hand-stretched noodle from Nagasaki's remote Goto Islands, is one of them. Made about 100 kilometers west of Nagasaki Ci... -
Regions
Fukushima Sake (福島の酒)
Fukushima sake is one of Japan’s most highly regarded regional sake styles. The prefecture is known for soft water, rice-growing areas, skilled brewers, and repeated success at national competitions. Many drinkers now connect Fukushima J... -
Japanese Food
Japanese Yakiniku Guide: How to Eat Japanese BBQ, Cuts, Sauces & Best Regional Styles
Yakiniku is one of Japan’s most enjoyable food experiences. It feels casual, warm, and a little exciting. You sit around a grill, cook small pieces of meat, and eat them hot. The sound, smoke, and smell become part of the meal. At first,... -
Japanese Wagyu
Shiraoi Beef (白老牛)
Shiraoi beef is a premium Hokkaido Wagyu brand from Shiraoi Town, made mainly from Japanese Black cattle raised under local standards in southern Hokkaido. The beef is known for fine marbling, mellow fat sweetness, tender texture, and de... -
Regions
Yamagata Sake (山形の酒)
Yamagata sake is a Tohoku regional style known for fruity aroma, clean texture, and careful cold-climate brewing. The prefecture has built a strong reputation around Ginjo, Junmai Daiginjo, GI Yamagata, and local rice. In short, many dri... -
Japanese Noodles
Kurashiki Bukkake Udon (倉敷ぶっかけうどん)
Kurashiki bukkake udon is a local Japanese udon dish from Kurashiki, Okayama, served with thick soy-based sauce poured directly over chewy noodles. Although the bowl looks simple, the sauce, toppings, and noodle ... -
Regions
Akita Sake (秋田の酒)
Akita sake is a refined sake culture from northern Japan. It comes from Akita Prefecture, a rice-growing region in Tohoku. Cold winters, abundant water, local rice, and careful brewing shape its character. As a result, the style is often... -
Japanese Street Food
Japan’s Street Food Must-Eats: 10 Iconic Snacks from Takoyaki to Taiyaki
Japanese street food hits you before you even see the stall. First comes the smell: charcoal, sweet soy glaze, and something sizzling on a hot iron plate. You follow your nose without a plan. That's how most great matsuri food memories s... -
Regions
Hyogo Sake (兵庫の酒)
Hyogo is one of Japan’s major sake-producing prefectures, especially because of Nada Gogo. Its sake culture grew from water, rice, winter climate, ports, and brewer’s craft. The best-known examples often taste dry, firm, and clean. Inlan...
