Culture

Food Culture

Food Culture

Dashi

A soup that contains umami components from simmered ingredients and brings out the flavors of a dish.

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• What Is Dashi? The Umami-Rich Broth at the Heart of Washoku

  Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, has drawn worldwide attention-enough to be registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the core of washoku is dashi. Here, we’ll introduce the role and types of dashi you should know to better understand Japan’s food culture, plus classic washoku dishes that use it.

Food Culture

Sake

Alcohol made with Japanese rice and brewed in Japan.

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• Sake Beginner’s Guide: Basics, Types, and How to Choose

  Sake has a long history and deep tradition, but with so many styles, even Japanese people can find it hard to choose. It also comes with a lot of terms, which can make it feel intimidating to try. Still, many people are curious about sake. This guide explains what sake is, how it’s made, and the main types, and also introduces beginner-friendly bottles. We’ll avoid jargon as much as possible, and explain key terms when needed, so you can read on with confidence.

Food Culture

Izakaya

It’s a social hub rooted in Japanese daily life where people can casually enjoy Japanese cuisine and sake.

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• Japan’s Izakaya Culture and How to Enjoy It: Social Hub Rooted in Japanese Life!

  Izakayas are beloved by Japanese people as places of relaxation deeply rooted in their daily lives. More than just food and drinks, izakayas offer a unique atmosphere where people can connect across generations and occasions. This article is designed for visitors to Japan, introducing the distinctive features, culture, manners and rules of izakaya. By reading to the end and using this guide as a reference, you’ll be sure to fully enjoy the vibrant izakaya experience you’ve seen in videos and movies.

Food Culture

Ehomaki

A thick sushi roll eaten to wish for good luck in the year ahead.

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• What Is Ehomaki? The Setsubun Sushi Roll for Good Luck and Health

  Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll eaten on Setsubun to wish for good luck and good health in the year ahead. Now a familiar modern tradition across Japan, its history and how it became popular remain somewhat mysterious. This article explains what ehomaki is, the rules for eating it, and the leading theories about its origin and rise in popularity. By the end, you’ll understand its roots and its connection to Setsubun, and gain a deeper insight into Japanese culture.

Food Culture

Ramen

A beloved Japanese staple with a wide range of regional and shop-specific flavors and styles.

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• [A Must-Read for Beginners and Ramen Fans Alike] The Complete Guide to Japanese Ramen: Appeal, Types, and Manners

  Loved as a national soul food, ramen is something special to Japanese people that goes beyond being just a meal. This article introduces the origins and types of Japanese ramen, with a focus on famous regional ramen from across the country. We have also put together the manners and points to keep in mind when entering a ramen shop so you can enjoy Japanese ramen deliciously, so please read to the end.

Food Culture

Tempura

A Japanese dish where you can enjoy the aromas and umami of many ingredients along with the crisp texture of the batter.

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• What is Tempura?

  Tempura is a dish where ingredients, such as seafood and vegetables, are dipped into a batter of flour, egg, and water, then fried in oil.

Food Culture

Udon

A Japanese soul food loved by all ages.

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• What Is Udon, a Noodle Dish Loved by the Japanese for Generations?

  Udon is one of Japan’s beloved soul foods-filling, comforting, and easy to enjoy anytime. Its appeal lies in its pleasantly chewy texture and smooth, slurpable bite, and you can customize it with different broths and toppings to suit your taste. In this article, we’ll start with an overview and history of udon, then introduce popular classic dishes and unique regional udon specialties found across Japan.

Food Culture

Omakase

The ordering style where you entrust your dish selection to the chef.

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• Omakase, The ordering style where you entrust your dish selection to the chef.

  “Omakase” refers to the style of ordering in a restaurant where customers entrust all selections to the chef rather than choosing from the menu. While it originated as a unique culture in Japan, it has now crossed oceans like “sushi” and “kawaii,” becoming one of the most well-recognized Japanese words worldwide. This article explains the meaning of omakase, its origins, and the background of its widespread adoption.

Food Culture

Sushi

The Culture and History of Sushi - a Representative of Japanese Cuisine

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• Essential Sushi Basics and Etiquette: What to Know Before You Eat in Japan

  Sushi, one of Japan’s most iconic foods, is now loved worldwide under the name “SUSHI.” You may have tried localized versions abroad, but many travelers want to experience the real thing in Japan. This guide explains sushi history, types, and simple etiquette and manners so you can enjoy sushi in Japan with confidence.