All About Japan

Water & Washoku: Fountains of Youth?

Masaharu Maeda, a professor of rehabilitation studies, believes bathing culture is one of the secrets to Japanese longevity.

Top Sites for Noodle News

There are plenty of sites out there with a nose for noodles.

Ramen White Paper Examines Global Ramen Trends

Conducted from October 3 to November 16, 2012, the survey of 676 ramen fans in 44 countries represented the first (known) systematic attempt to analyze the global love of ramen.

5 Ways Bento is Used to Communicate

From motherly love to a meal of vengeance, you can lift up the lid to uncover your message!

Yakumi: Condiments with a Healthy Twist

Directly translated as 'medicine' (yaku) 'taste' (mi), yakumi originally served as antidotes to a variety of ailments.

A 1-Page Guide to 25 Japanese Snacks

A California-based food blogger does due diligence on all those snacks you were too confused (or embarrassed) to ask about.

Do You Know Your 4 (+1) Bento Types?

Over the decades, this staple of the Japanese culinary culture has developed its own customs and variants. While it’s impossible to count them all, here’s a brief introduction to the most common ones!

12 Festive Bento for a Year of Holidays

We’ve compiled a list of 12 bento based on Japanese holidays and festivals, so be sure to mark the dates for these special lunches!

Gaijin Learns How to Make Ramen

With over 1,000 bowls under (and over) his belt, Ramen Adventures’ Brian MacDuckson knows a thing or two about eating ramen. But how much does he know about cooking it?

Meet the Director of the Cup Noodles Museum

Yukitaka Tsutsui explains the philosophy behind Yokohama's Cup Noodles Museum, where kids can get hands-on with their food.

All About Bento in Japanese Culture

From moms and their children to university students looking for a cheap meal, bento is a familiar presence at every stage of life in Japan.

The Sensual Aroma of Sweet Potatoes

There are different ways to make "yaki-imo." Wrapping a sweet potato in aluminum foil and burying it in hot embers is one. Another method is to coat them with a salty batter made from egg whites, flour and salt then slowly bake them for a few hours.

Japan's Best Ekiben

Japan's regional cuisine hits the road—er, tracks—with "ekiben," or bento sold at train stations.

Vegeta vs. Instant Ramen

In May 2015, Dragonball’s resident attitude with a widow’s peak epically endorsed Nissin Cup Noodle’s new vegetable-packed variety of instant ramen.

4 Ways to Get Bento Delivered in San Francisco

Say sayonara to delivery pizza—these SF restaurants deliver bento straight to you!

Top Ramen Blogger Ranking 2015

Ramen bloggers are connected, especially in Japan, and most of the best ramen blogs know each other and regularly go out to crush ramen bowls together.

Better Know Your Bento Boxes

There are many different types of bento boxes that vary in shape and material, each with its own unique history.

Getting Started with Maid Cafés

Maid cafés have been around since the early 2000s, but if it’s your first time, you may want to know what’s in store before heading over.

Takoyaki Secrets in 37 Seconds

Welcome to the wonderful world of takoyaki, battered octopus balls!

The 6 Best Foods to Eat in Nikko

"Yuba," or tofu skins, is arguably the most popular dish in Nikko.

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