Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
A Late Summer Afternoon at the Table
Five simple dishes, one slow afternoon. Blue-and-white porcelain, glass, and Bizen ware hold the…
Akari’s Recipe: Hayashi Rice with Browned Soy Sauce
Cook Akari's hayashi rice from scratch using browned soy sauce for deep, comforting flavor…
Summer Gift Ideas That Bring a Refreshing Feeling
Explore Japanese summer gift ideas for ochugen, from Edo Kiriko glass and wind chimes…
Discovering Japan’s Summer Fruit Delights
Learn about Japan’s summer fruits, featuring juicy watermelons, Shine Muscat grapes, aromatic plums, pineapples,…
A Summer Energy Boost Meal: Karaage Recipe
Revive your energy this summer with crispy karaage in garlic-honey marinade and chilled tomato…
Japan’s First Tea Harvest and the Hand-Picked Tea Experience
Hand-pick first-harvest leaves at a Kanagawa tea farm and discover what makes shincha, Japan's…
Rebecca Menasché
Unagi: The Eel Meals That Are Japan’s Summer Specialty
Learn why unagi is Japan's essential summer meal, from the Doyo no Ushi no…
The Many Moments of Japanese Tea
Discover how sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha are brewed differently to bring out each tea's…
6 Secrets to the Perfect Crunch: Tempura Recipe
Learn six chef secrets for light, crispy tempura and try a simple shrimp and…
Japanese Plates Explained: Why Shape Matters More Than You Think
Explore why shape matters in Japanese plates, from round and oval to chrysanthemum, gourd,…
5 Motifs That Capture the Spirit of Japanese Summer
Meet five Japanese summer motifs and the cool tableware that brings the season's spirit…
What is Sometsuke?
Sometsuke is the traditional blue-and-white porcelain technique that uses the cobalt pigment gosu on…
Akari’s Recipe: Soft Egg Blanket Rice Bowl
Make Akari Hasegawa’s ham and egg rice bowl recipe with a soft, fluffy egg…
Dressed Omurice: Japanese Omelette Rice Recipe
Make dressed omurice at home with soft folded egg, savory chicken rice, and rich…
Akari’s Recipe: Braised Rice with Octopus and Zucchini
Try this braised rice with octopus and zucchini recipe, where tender rice absorbs rich…
Okonomiyaki Recipe: Enjoy Japan’s Savory Pancakes
Make this easy okonomiyaki recipe for making Japanese pancakes topped with rich sauce, mayo,…
Akari’s Chicken Shoyu Ramen Recipe
Make comforting chicken ramen at home with a light soy sauce broth, tender chicken,…
A Taste of Spring: Seasonal Wagashi
Discover spring wagashi, plus plates and teacups that pair beautifully to create a seasonal…
Japan’s Hidden Gem: Wakocha, the Unique Japanese Black Tea
Learn about Japanese black tea, its unique origins, and flavor diversity, plus a visit…
Nakazawa Hiroko
Akari’s Spring Donburi Recipe: Salmon Bowl with Parsley Sauce
Make Hasegawa Akari’s spring salmon donburi, a light poached salmon bowl with parsley sauce…
Stewed in Spring Light: Recipe for Japanese Nikujaga
Experience the warmth of Japanese home cooking with this nikujaga recipe, plus tops on…
Ask Team Musubi: Real New Year’s Resolutions in Our Home Kitchens
Get inspired by real New Year’s kitchen resolutions, from healthy cooking and meal prep…
Mushipan Recipe: Soft & Fluffy Japanese Steamed Cakes
Make delicious mushipan with three easy recipes for banana, matcha, and sweet potato-flavored steamed…
Chanko Nabe: The Power Food of Sumo Wrestlers
Step into the home of sumo culture, and learn how chanko nabe became the…
Nakazawa Hiroko