Culinary Culture

Japanese culinary culture is extremely interesting and unique, but can be confusing, especially for those new to Japanese dining.

In this category, our insiders demystify all your questions about Japanese food culture, from the basics all the way up to pro topics for even the most advanced Japanophiles.

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!

Japanese Food Names: one piece of ikura sushi sitting directly on a dark gray surface.

From ‘Pan’ to ‘Ikura’: The Surprising Origin of Common Japanese Food Names

Tempura and ikura are not originally Japanese words? We’ll delve into the origin of some common Japanese food names and the foreign languages they come from.

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.

Sake in a box: A glass is set inside a wooden masu cup and is being filled to overflow. Behind it is a plate of sushi.

Sake in a Box: How to Drink Sake from a Square Wooden Masu Cup

Sake in a box? We’ll look at the wooden masu cup, what it is, how it’s used and, importantly, how on earth you’re supposed to drink sake served to overflow.

Coffee beans are spread out over a beige muslin table cloth. In the center a space has been cleared and the Japanese word for coffee (kohii) is written out in beans in katakana.

Coffee in Japan and Why Coffee Cup Handles Are Placed the “Wrong” Way

If you order a cup of coffee in Japan, you may notice something “unusual” about the way your coffee cup is served.

A corner of a bento box can be seen with sushi grass separating the meat and vegetable items. Via Getty Images.

The Actual Reason There’s Plastic Grass in Your Bento

Ever wondered why there’s plastic grass in your bento box? We’ll explain why bento grass (or sushi grass) exists and where the culture of using it came from.

A black bowl filled with fluffy white Japanese rice and some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. © Mgg Vitchakorn.

Why do Japanese wash rice and what is “no-wash rice”?

Why wash rice? Is washing rice really necessary? The science behind washing rice and why the Japanese are turning to “no-wash rice” instead.

A picture of a teppanyaki grill with a red cross over it and a picture of a shichirin charcoal grill also with a red cross over it.

‘Hibachi’ Probably Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does

Hibachi is a word that is now in common usage, but what it means abroad and in Japan are two different things. So, just what does hibachi actually mean?

Older →

Newsletter

Thank you!