Blogs

Japanese Table Manner Tips and Useful Phrases

Japanese Table Manner Tips and Useful Phrases

Posted by Yukiko Kisaki on 10th Nov 2018

  Japanese is a culture of etiquette, with elaborate rules for table manners.The following is a brief tutorial on Japanese table manners and polite phrases, which you can practice … read more
Seven Must-eat January Herbs (Nanakusa)

Seven Must-eat January Herbs (Nanakusa)

Posted by Yoshi Kai on 2nd Feb 2018

In Japan, January 7 is the day of the Festival of Seven Herbs ( Nanakusa no sekku). On this day, the Japanese make a special porridge called nanakusa-gayu with seven herbs, rice, and a bit of salt. … read more
Umami: The Fifth Sensation of Taste

Umami: The Fifth Sensation of Taste

Posted by Yukiko Kisaki on 30th May 2016

Ripe tomatoes, grilled salmon, aged cheese, baked mushrooms: What do these foods have in common? They all taste delicious — no matter how they range in the four basic tastes of sweet, bitter, … read more
Hoshigaki: Dried Winter Persimmons

Hoshigaki: Dried Winter Persimmons

Posted by Yuri Nonaka on 4th Dec 2013

There is a chill in the air. Winter will be here in Japan soon. Persimmons are in season; bright red, sweet, juicy and bursting with flavor. Our local farmers dry them to make a tasty treat calle … read more