Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
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 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
Sukiyaki Recipe: Japanese Beef Hot Pot
Learn how to make classic Japanese sukiyaki at home with a PETARI donabe, featuring…
Akari's Recipe: Beef Ramen with Tomato and Celery
This easy ramen recipe features a rich beef broth, bright aromatics, and simple steps…
Akari’s Winter Donburi Recipe: Burrata Donburi
Make this easy, elegant Japanese rice bowl that blends creamy burrata with savory soy…
So Different! The Food Cultures of Eastern & Western Japan
Explore the distinct food cultures of eastern and western Japan, shaped by history, climate,…
Ito Ryo
Japanese Curry Rice Recipe: Rich, Flavorful, and Perfect with Fluffy Rice
Make rich, comforting Japanese curry rice with this timeless recipe perfect for sharing at…
Akari's Recipe: Salt and Ginger Ramen with Chicken Drumette Broth
Akari’s salt and ginger ramen pairs chicken drumette broth with butter and herbs for…
Peace on a Plate: A Journey into Japanese Shojin Ryori
Shojin ryori, Japan’s traditional Buddhist cuisine, nourishes both body and spirit with mindful food…
Akari’s Summer Donburi Recipe: Salmon and Avocado Poke Bowl
Craving something cool and easy? Try this no-cook salmon & avocado poke bowl recipe…
Unlocking the Secrets of Natto
Learn about natto with a visit to Sendai-ya, where inventive dishes reimagine this iconic…
Japanese Otsumami: Easy Karaage Recipe & Izakaya Bites
Enjoy a night in with otsumami, classic izakaya bar bites like yakitori and pickles,…
Recipe: Hearty Katsudon & Matching Table Setting
Learn how to make katsudon at home with our easy recipe and tips, plus…
A Tasty Tour of Japan's Seasonal Summer Sweets
Explore Japan’s seasonal summer wagashi, from refreshing shaved ice to jewel-like mizu manju, each…