Local Japan Guide

When it comes to Japanese sake , it’s not just about sipping — it’s about  tasting tradition, craftsmanship, and the spirit of place . 🍶 Polishing, Pricing, and Preference Sake is made primarily from rice, and the more the rice is polished, the more refined the taste. But here’s the catch:  more polishing means more rice is used , which also makes it  more expensive . That’s why  Daiginjo , with its highly polished grains, is considered premium. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the best-tasting for everyone. Some sake lovers prefer a bit of “roughness” or body that gets lost in over-refined brews. In the end, it’s all about your personal taste — clean and elegant or full-bodied and bold. 🍶 Sake Categories by Polishing Ratio: Junmai Type (no added alcohol) Junmai → Junmai Ginjo → Junmai Daiginjo Honjozo Type (small amount of distilled alcohol added) Honjozo → Ginjo → Daiginjo 💴  Price Tendency : Low polishing = cheaper → High polishing = more expensive 💧 ...

  Izakaya and the Culture of Entertaining in Japan In Japan,  izakaya  — casual restaurants where people gather to eat and drink — are a common sight. But from an international perspective, izakaya are a unique blend of two worlds: in many Western countries, meals are typically enjoyed at restaurants, while alcohol is reserved for bars or pubs. The combination of food and drink in a single, laid-back setting is part of what makes izakaya culture so special. Izakaya menus are extensive, with dishes meant to be shared among groups. Diners enjoy small plates alongside a wide range of alcoholic options, including beer, sake , shochu , umeshu (plum wine), and fruit-flavored “ chuhai .” One surprising concept for many foreigners is the  “all-you-can-drink”  ( nomihodai ) option, often available for a set time. Late-night hours are another defining feature, with many izakaya staying open until the early morning. It’s common to move from one place to another in a night...

  Japanese food culture experienced its greatest development during the  Edo period . For example, staple dishes of modern Japanese cuisine such as  soba noodles, tempura, nigiri sushi,  and  grilled eel kabayaki  all originated as the four famous delicacies of Edo. After the Sengoku period ended and the Edo period began, Japan entered a  265-year-long era   of peace. This brought an influx of people from various regions to Edo. Additionally, time that had previously been spent on “ fighting ” and “ survival ” during the war-torn era was now devoted to “ aesthetic refinement ” and “ culture ” in this peaceful era.  Samurai began preparing meals for the emperor and shogun , and  street vendors in Edo sold tempura and sushi. As a result, meticulous and carefully crafted dishes were developed. This also led to the gathering of diverse regional food cultures in Edo, and with the city’s growth, a new “ Edo cuisine” was born , enriched by the ...

  What do you think foreigners look forward to the most when they visit Japan? It’s   Japanese cuisine(Washoku 和食) . According to a survey by the Japan Tourism Agency, foreign visitors look forward to   Japanese food   even more than Japan’s natural landscapes, historical architecture, or hot springs before their trip. So, what comes to mind when you think of Japanese food?  Sushi, rice, miso soup, ramen , soba, grilled fish, sashimi, karaage, kaiseki cuisine , unagi   — there are so many options that it’s hard to choose just one. Thanks to the  sushi boom that started in the United States in the 1970s , “ sushi ” has become a globally recognized word. Today, various Japanese dishes, such as  tempura, ramen, and yakitori , are also widely popular worldwide. The history of Japanese cuisine is long and rich. It has evolved into a unique food culture unlike any other country,  combining raw food and dashi culture  with influences from China...

T he history of Japanese anime dates back to 1896 , when animation film techniques were first introduced from abroad. From there, the animation style known as “ cel animation ,” famously utilized by  Studio Ghibli , began to take shape gradually from the 1930s . This style, which involves drawing original artwork on thin, transparent sheets of celluloid, became renowned for its smooth and beautiful visuals, earning high praise internationally. In 1963 , Japan aired its first 30-minute episodic TV anime,  Astro Boy  ( Tetsuwan Atom ), which also aired in the United States the same year, achieving high ratings and introducing Japanese anime to overseas audiences. By the 1990s , as cable television became widespread internationally and programming slots increased, Japanese anime such as  Dragon Ball,   Sailor Moon ,  and  Captain Tsubasa  began airing abroad, leading to a massive boom in popularity. T his momentum has continued, with globally accla...