Category: Food Culture

  • Japanese Curry Rice: The Heartwarming Dish Everyone in Japan Grows Up With

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    Discover why Japanese curry rice is considered Japan’s ultimate comfort food. Explore its history, unique flavors, cultural importance, and why it continues to win hearts across all generations.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    image of japanese curry with katsu on top

  • Pocky Day in Japan – Sweet Moments on November 11

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    Celebrate Japan’s Pocky Day on November 11! Learn the story behind this fun snack holiday and my favorite Almond Crush flavor from Glico.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Box of Almond Crush Pocky chocolate sticks on a wooden table – Pocky Day in Japan

  • Kurikinton in Gifu – Japan’s Pure Chestnut Sweet That Marks the Start of Autumn

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    Discover Gifu’s kurikinton (栗きんとん) — a simple chestnut + sugar wagashi that signals Japan’s autumn. Learn the difference between osechi 栗金団 and Gifu’s fall version, explore Nakatsugawa & Ena shops, and taste the spirit of the season.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Three pieces of kurikinton, traditional Japanese chestnut sweets, placed on a glossy black lacquer plate with soft autumn lighting, surrounded by blurred red and orange maple leaves on a warm washi paper background.

  • The Art of Chopstick Etiquette in Japan — A Guide to Eating Mindfully

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    When I first came to Japan, I thought chopsticks were just simple sticks. But over time, I learned they carry centuries of culture and care. In this post, I share how chopsticks began, the “don’ts” of Japanese etiquette, and the small phrases that show respect during meals.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Red chopsticks and fortune cookies on a dark background — symbolizing Asian dining culture and tradition.

  • Ramen Dates in Gifu, Vol. 1 — Nageyari’s Famous Pork & Seafood Bowl

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    One of our favorite weekend traditions is what I like to call our “ramen date.”No fancy plans — just me and my husband going out to slurp noodles somewhere new. This time, we finally tried Nageyari (なげやり) — a well-known ramen shop in Gifu City that’s often featured on YouTube and Japanese TV shows. It’s…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A steaming bowl of ramen from Nageyari in Gifu, topped with thick slices of char siu pork, seasoned egg, spinach, bamboo shoots, and seaweed in a rich pork-and-seafood broth.

  • The Morning Set Culture in Gifu: Discover Japan’s Unique Breakfast Tradition

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    One of the things I’ve grown to love about living in Gifu is the morning set culture. Unlike in other parts of Japan, where breakfast might mean grabbing an onigiri from the konbini, in Gifu it’s all about heading to a cozy kissaten (coffee shop) and enjoying a full plate of food that comes free…

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    A sweet and savory morning set in Gifu, with thick French toast, salad, and an iced coffee topped with cream, served on a wooden café table.

  • Niku Day in Japan: Why the 29th Is All About Meat

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    On the 29th of every month, Japan celebrates Niku Day—“Meat Day.” From yakiniku discounts to supermarket sales, it’s a playful food tradition that makes everyday life feel festive. Here’s what it is, why it’s fun, and how you can join in.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    Slices of wagyu beef with mushrooms, broccoli, and onions on a wooden board, ready for Japanese yakiniku grilling.

  • Unwinding in Gifu: Our Night at an Italian-Inspired Izakaya

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    After a long week, my husband and I escaped to a cozy izakaya in Gifu. What we found was more than just Japanese pub food—Italian-inspired dishes like honey cheese pizza, Sicilian pepperoncino pasta, and crispy fried enoki made the night unforgettable.

    Written by

    Genevieve G.
    “Assorted yakitori skewers and drinks at a cozy izakaya in Japan