Category Archives: Community

Tell us a little about yourself! What is your background? How did you become interested in Japanese food?

Avant Garde Somen for a Sultry Summer Day

The upcoming August feature for Savory Kyoto in Kyoto’s Visitor’s Guide will be about cold noodles. Noodles are considered a snack – not a proper meal – in Japan, (as a meal would naturally include rice) but at our house … Continue reading

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13th Annual Worlds of Flavor, Japan: Flavors of Culture at The Culinary Institute of America

Savory Japan is deeply honored to be invited to cover the 13th Annual International Conference & Festival, Worlds of Flavor at The Culinary Institute of America.: Japan: Flavors of Culture – From Sushi to Soba to Kaiseki: A Global Celebration … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Japanese Food, Japanese Food Industry, Japanese food trends, News, Professional Chefs | 4 Comments

Mochibana Blooms Brighten the New Year

Winter can be so dreary, and every household can benefit from some blossoms to brighten the surroundings. For this, a tradition that started in Northern Japan brings flowers to a season that has none. We have long admired these winter … Continue reading

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Oshogatsu Osechi-ryori, Part III: The Celebration

Yesterday, our family and friends gathered from near and far to celebrate Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. We spent the day in the most positive way we could, for we believe that what you do on New Years is carried … Continue reading

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Preparing for Oshogatsu

I’m sorry I haven’t been around. It’s not that I haven’t been thinking of you. Quite the contrary; I’ve been busy testing and writing down recipes in honor of the upcoming Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) holiday. During oshogatsu, which is … Continue reading

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The Role of Rice in the Family Meal

As I explain in the ingredient introduction  of Savory Japan, “Rice is so elemental to the soul of Japanese cooking that gohan, the word for rice, is synonymous with the word for meal”, and that “the most basic meal consists of plain … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Family, Japanese Food, Japanese food trends | 2 Comments

Family History – Otōsan (father)

I was thinking today about my dad, in honor of Father’s Day. He has superb taste in food, and I can see that this a gift – as well as a burden – to him. When we go out to … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Family | 2 Comments

A Message for Okāsan (mother)

While my sisters and I were growing up in the leafy, affluent environs of the North Shore, my mom often attempted to point out our good fortune with stories from the past. One of her favorites was how she walked – rather than took … Continue reading

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Welcome New Members!

Welcome to the Savory Japan Blog! It’s been a little lonely in here, so I’m so glad you stopped by. Whether you are an old friend or new, please introduce yourself and let us know what brought you here. I’m … Continue reading

Posted in Community | 4 Comments