Japan

Visiting Edo-Tokyo, A Walk Through History

Tokyo was once a small, quiet fishing village, not the bustling metropolis that it is today. Until 1868 it was known as Edo, which means “estuary” in Japanese, a perfect name since Tokyo sits next to Tokyo Bay which happens to be an estuary, with the Sumida river flowing into the bay, and the bay […]

Hiyashi somen—thin, delicate wheat noodles served chilled with tsuyu, a dipping sauce—is one of the most popular meals during the hot and humid summers in Japan. It’s also one of the foods enjoyed on Tanabata, one of my favorite Japanese holidays.

I am currently in Tokyo with the entire Fuji family. We’ve been here since June 14th, and only have a couple of days left until we return to the US. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you might know that I’ve been returning to Japan each year for short visits after moving […]

Yakisoba, pan-fried noodles tossed with vegetables, thinly sliced pork, and a sweet and savory sauce, is one of my favorite things to buy from the food vendors at a Japanese matsuri (festival).

Yaki onigiri (grilled Japanese rice balls) are one of my favorite comfort foods. I recently whipped up a batch, using brown rice instead of white rice to help us get an extra serving of whole grains into our day. Then I topped the onigiri with a bit of bacon and chunks of creamy avocado. Grilled […]

Black sesame pudding (Kuro Goma Purin, 黒ごまプリン) may sound a bit strange if you’ve never had sesame seeds in a dessert, but let me promise you that this pudding not only works, but it is divine.

March 11, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of the triple disaster in Japan. Unimaginable devastation and hardship has occurred in the affected regions during the past year. Despite the horrors that the past year has wrought, hope remains. As Elizabeth Andoh writes in her newest book, KIBŌ (“Brimming with Hope”): Recipes & Stories from […]

I know that Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) has come and gone, but I have to share this wonderful story about someone else’s celebration of the holiday. Tiffany Silverberg is a talented and inspiring writer who I started following on Twitter about a year ago. She is a freelance writer and consultant who helps clients better tell […]

Tamago kake gohan (卵かけご飯) (“egg over rice”) is a popular Japanese breakfast dish, which consists of hot steamed Japanese rice, topped with raw egg, and toppings. Ten years ago I doubt that the thought of eating a raw egg would have sounded the least bit appetizing. (Although I’ve never been one to turn down a […]

Shogayaki Sando (Ginger Pork Sandwiches) Makes 4 sandwiches For the Edamame Spread: 8 ounces shelled edamame, fresh or frozen 2 cloves garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sriracha Salt and pepper to taste For the Ginger Pork: 1 pound pork loin, very thinly sliced 1/4 cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons […]

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