Jessica Korteman

Jessica Korteman is a seasoned travel writer from Melbourne, Australia. She has spent a decade living, working and traveling in Japan, and specializes in Japanese culture, festivals and events, and travel destinations both on and off the beaten path throughout the country.

She is the Founder and Editor of Japanese Food Guide.

A three-year-old girl wears a red kimono with a white 'hifu' vest at a shrine in celebration of Shichi go san. She faces the camera with such a huge grin that her eyes appear closed. She holds up a stick of red (pink) chitose ame in her right hand. The chitose ame bag can be seen in her left hand.

Chitose Ame: The One Thousand Year Candy Given to Children on ‘Shichi Go San’

‘Chitose ame’ is the traditional sweet of the ‘Shichi go san’ festival that celebrates the health and longevity of girls aged 3 and 7, and boys aged 3 and 5.

A square watermelon with a gold ribbon around it and the official Zentsujisan square watermelon sticker on top sits on a purple display cushion at the highest point in a high-end supermarket fruit display. The price next to it says 19,800 yen before tax (21,384 inclusive of tax).

Japan’s $200 Square Watermelons That Only Look Good Enough to Eat

Why are square watermelons so expensive? What’s the purpose of an inedible fruit? Here is your complete guide to the Japanese square watermelon.

The aftermath of suikawari: A whole watermelon sitting on a wooden surface. The watermelon has been cracked open in a haphazard manner. The pink flesh can be seen between the top and bottom halves and some of the flesh and juice is spilling out towards the top left of the image.

Suikawari: Japan’s Summertime Watermelon Piñata You Need to Take a Swing At

Looking for a fun activity involving food for your next summer get-together? Then look no further than the Japanese watermelon game of suikawari!

Japanese food emoji: Various Japanese emoji with Mount Fuji in the center, and a feather and an eggplant on either side. On the

Japanese Food Emoji: Why the World Can Thank Japan for the Eggplant Emoji and More

Have you ever wondered why there are so many Japanese food emoji? And why an eggplant was considered so important to include? The answer is surprising!

Ready to drink toso: A decorative vermillion new year sake teapot with three stacked matching sake cups in front of it. To the right of the image, the corner of a box of osechi New Year cuisine can be seen.

Toso: Drink This Spicy New Year Sake For Good Health in the Coming Year

This spiced Japanese New Year sake, known as toso, has a history of more than 1,000 years. Here’s what it is, how to prepare it and how to drink it.

A reindeer with a Domino's delivery container strapped to its back stands outside a festively-decorated Domino's Japan store with a Christmas tree out front. Two staff members, a male staff member in blue holding the reindeer's reins and a female staff member in red with her hands outstretched, look on with delight.

Christmas Food in Japan: What the Japanese Eat on Christmas May Surprise You

Christmas food in Japan is unique. Here are five different food and drink customs that show that Japan celebrates Christmas like nowhere else.

Osechi ryori presented in a three-tiered black lacquered box with a gold crane design on the lid.

Osechi Ryori: The Meaning Behind Japan’s New Year Food Traditions

Osechi ryori is an integral part of Japanese New Year food customs. Just what do the Japanese eat over the New Year and what do the dishes symbolize?

An ehomaki lucky direction sushi roll with seven fillings sits on a long wooden plate. To the right, is a wooden masu box overflowing with roasted soy beans, and in the background are some plastic cherry blossoms and sprigs of holly for decoration.

Setsubun Food Traditions: What to Eat on Japan’s Bean-Throwing Festival

Food plays a pivotal role in Setsubun celebrations in Japan. Learn the traditions old and new, including what you should eat on Setsubun for a lucky year ahead.

A variety of slices of raw a5 wagyu are arranged on a large plate with parsley as a garnish.

Wagyu Grades: Why A5 Wagyu is the Best Japanese Beef There Is

Most people know the term wagyu, but what is it exactly? We’ll share the wagyu grades and what they mean, and why A5 wagyu is the best Japanese beef there is.

To the left is a blob of green wasabi paste and to the right there are two pieces of salmon-topped sushi (nigirizushi) with pickled ginger in the background. A pair of wooden chopsticks are laying flat on the table surface in the foreground.

What is Wasabi and Why You’ve Probably Never Eaten It

Think you’ve eaten wasabi before? Chances are you probably haven’t, even if you’ve visited Japan or eat Japanese food on the regular.

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