Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
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 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…