The world is slowly waking up to the pleasures of Japanese sake. As Japan ages, sake brewers have been reaching out to overseas markets to find new fans of the drink.

An izakaya is often a boisterous place in Japan. Groups of friends or co-workers gather here to share small plates and hoist mugs of ice-cold beer or together.

Certain fruits and vegetables play key roles in Japanese cuisine. We’d like to introduce some of the main ones here.

Edomae sushi is Japan’s original fast food.

One of the key concepts at the core of Japanese cuisine is the word “shun,” which simply means “in season.”

Japanese noodles come in many forms.

Japanese cuisine is varied. There is so much to choose from. Many people have tried sushi and ramen, but that is just the beginning.

Umami is one of the five basic flavor profiles. For years in the West, the traditional understanding was that there are four flavor profiles: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

Japanese food is a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite.

The Japanese diet is healthy and well balanced.

Washoku is a Japanese word that literally means “Japanese food” or “harmonious food.”

A new year is a time for new beginnings.

Helpful links for Japanese food, ingredients and culture