MAGAZINE
A Day That Begins with Miso Soup: The Enduring Allure of Japan’s Morning Rituals
For many visitors to Japan, the most enduring memories are not always of iconic landmarks or luxurious meals. Sometimes, it is the quiet simplicity of a Japanese breakfast that leaves the deepest impression. A bowl of steamed white rice, grilled fish, pickled...
The Art of ‘Omakase’: How Japan’s Finest Sushi Counters Reflect a Deep Aesthetic Sensibility
Literally translated as “I’ll leave it up to you,” omakase is far more than a simple delegation of menu choice. It is a finely tuned performance in which the chef curates a course on the spot, guided by the season’s finest offerings, the condition of each ingredient,...
The Luxury of Seasonality: Experiencing Japan’s Culinary Rhythm Through the Four Seasons
In today’s world, where most fruits and vegetables are available year-round in supermarkets and convenience stores, the true luxury is found in savoring the seasons—choosing to eat what is naturally in season. This is not about indulgence in rare or high-priced...
The Subtle Luxury of Japanese Dashi—A Depth Worth Experiencing at Least Once
At the very heart of Japanese cuisine lies dashi—the quiet essence behind its most iconic flavors. Visually understated and aromatically subtle, dashi reveals its true brilliance only when tasted. A single sip elevates the entire dish, drawing out and amplifying the...
Is the Journey for the Onigiri? The World’s Enduring Romance with Japanese Rice Culture
Among international travelers to Japan today, a quietly celebrated delicacy is emerging—not lavish sushi or elaborate kaiseki, but something far more unassuming: onigiri. Simple in form yet rich in cultural meaning, these hand-shaped rice balls come in various...
Hospitality Resides in Cuisine: The Spirit of Japanese Omotenashi Seen through Kaiseki
The Japanese concept of “omotenashi” has become globally recognized—not as mere courteous service or polite gestures, but as an intuitive, heartfelt attentiveness that anticipates guests’ needs without words. This inner grace is most exquisitely expressed in the world...
Luxury Lies in Nothing Wasted: Sustainable Philosophy in Japanese Cuisine
Once, “luxury” conjured images of rare ingredients and lavish dining. Today, however, its meaning is shifting dramatically. Beyond ostentation, luxury is now about environmental stewardship, resource circulation, and mindful use of every ingredient. These values are...
Encountering Iburi-Gakko and Local Terroir in Akita, Japan’s Fermentation Capital
Nestled in the northern reaches of the Japanese archipelago, Akita is a region shaped by lush nature and harsh winters, fostering a distinctive culinary culture. One of the preservation techniques that evolved to withstand long, freezing months is fermentation—and...
Minimalist and Beautiful Shojin Cuisine: An Encounter in Kyoto
Strolling through Kyoto, one senses a quiet strength beneath the city’s serene elegance—the moss-covered temple gardens, the zenith of raked white gravel, and hand-drawn tenugui fluttering from eaves. In harmony with this refined urban landscape, Kyoto’s culinary arts...
The Intersection of Zen and Cuisine: Savoring the Aesthetic of Subtraction in Silence
In the pursuit of inner equilibrium, food is often overlooked. While practices such as meditation, breathwork, and posture are frequently cited as central to Zen, dining is in fact a profound act of spiritual discipline, deeply rooted in Zen philosophy. In the Zen...
Seasonality as a Gift of Time: Japan’s Culinary Philosophy of Harmonizing with Nature
Every ingredient has its moment of peak flavor—when nutrients are most abundant, aromas most robust, and taste most profound. In Japan this special period is called shun. More than culinary know-how, shun embodies a cultural value rooted deeply in Japanese life and...
The Day Tokyo’s Gastronomy Leads the World — A Value Beyond Michelin
As one of the world’s preeminent metropolises, Tokyo’s dining culture has long been measured in numbers — be it restaurant counts or Michelin stars. Indeed, the city earns global acclaim as a gastronomic capital. Yet today, its value transcends star ratings, evolving...
Wagashi: Edible Crafts – A Moment to Experience Japanese Finesse
Japan’s four seasons are not merely a natural phenomenon—they are woven deeply into everyday life, culture, and emotional expression. Among the most exquisite manifestations of this connection is wagashi: small, delicate confections that embody seasonality, narrative,...
A Life Devoted to a Single Piece: The Aesthetic of “Ma” in Edomae Sushi Craftsmanship
Sushi has earned its place as a beloved global cuisine — its name and forms adorning streets in cities worldwide. Yet when one encounters Edo‑mae (Edo‑style) sushi, an indescribable sense of quiet awe often follows. This transcends mere freshness or visual elegance;...
Engaging the Senses: Japanese Cuisine Through Color, Aroma, Sound, Temperature, and Lingering Aftertaste
In Japanese cuisine, taste transcends the tongue. One sees the artistry, inhales the subtle aroma, hears the gentle sizzle, senses the temperature with fingertips and lips—and when all five senses align, a dish becomes a lasting memory. Among the world’s culinary...