Food The Lifeblood of Japanese Cuisine: A Guide to Dashi Types and How to Prepare Them 2025年7月13日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Japanese cuisine’s indispensable “dashi” is the very source of umami and a crucial element that defines the flavor of washoku. Extracted from kombu (kelp), katsuobushi (bonito flakes), dried shiitake mushrooms, and other ingredients, dashi forms the base of a wide range of dishes—such as miso soup, nimono (simmered dishes), and osuimono (clear soups)—offering a single […] Read more »
Food A Gentle Guide to Japanese Home-Cooked “Nimono” (Simmered Dishes): From Basic Seasonings to Popular Recipes 2025年7月13日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Japanese home-cooked classic nimono is a dish in which seasonal ingredients are slowly simmered in dashi stock and seasonings, allowing you to enjoy the natural umami and gentle flavors of the ingredients. It uses little oil and offers excellent nutritional balance, which is why it has been loved by people of all ages—from children to […] Read more »
Food The Unsung Hero of Japanese Cuisine: A Complete Guide to Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) – Flavor, Culture, and Health Benefits 2025年7月13日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Pickles—known as tsukemono in Japanese—are an essential part of the Japanese dining experience. From umeboshi (pickled plums) to takuan (pickled daikon) and shibazuke (Kyoto-style pickles), these fermented delights have long been loved as the unsung heroes of traditional Japanese cuisine. In this article, we’ll introduce 10 of Japan’s most iconic pickles while exploring their deep […] Read more »
Food A Bowl a Day! The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Miso Soup and Its Flavorful Ingredients 2025年7月13日 / 2025年7月13日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Miso soup has long been a comforting staple on Japanese dining tables. Despite its simple ingredients, the umami-rich dashi and fragrant miso come together to gently warm both body and soul. Its charm lies in its diversity—every household and region in Japan has its own favorite ingredients and preferred type of miso, giving each bowl […] Read more »
Food Why Japanese Rice Is So Delicious: A Guide to Varieties, Cooking Methods, and Storage 2025年7月13日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Japanese rice is often hailed as the world’s best for its remarkable flavor, aroma, and texture. Yet behind this reputation lies a long history, meticulous quality control, regional variety cultivation, and precise cooking and storage techniques. In this article, we will explore the appeal of Japanese rice from three perspectives—varieties, cooking methods, and storage practices—presented […] Read more »
Food Popular Worldwide! The Appeal of Japanese Home Appliances and How to Buy Them — Brands, Products & Online Shops 2025年7月13日 / 2025年7月13日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Japanese home appliances are renowned for their compact size, high performance, and exceptional durability—qualities that have earned them widespread popularity across the globe. Products like rice cookers, air purifiers, and robot vacuum cleaners are born from Japan’s unique lifestyle needs, making them ideal for city dwellers, minimalists, and those with a keen eye for design. […] Read more » Home Appliances
Culture Food Japanese Bento Culture and Recommended Lunch Boxes Guide 2025年7月12日 / 2025年7月12日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Bento—this uniquely Japanese food tradition—is a special part of the culture that blends “thoughtfulness” and “beauty” into a single box. In Japan, homemade bentos brighten everyday life, whether brought to school, work, or special events. Recently, the term “Bento” has gained popularity overseas as well, with Japanese lunch boxes and creative packing techniques drawing attention […] Read more »
Culture Food Japanese Kitchen Tools Loved Worldwide: A Complete Guide to Making Everyday Cooking More Fun 2025年7月12日 / 2025年7月12日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment “Razor-sharp knives,” “graters that create fluffy textures,” and “donabe pots crafted with artisan skill”— Japanese kitchen tools are more than just cooking utensils; they are trusted companions that make cooking more enjoyable. Their global popularity stems from a perfect balance of functionality, beauty, and long-lasting quality. In this article, we’ll introduce beginner-friendly Japanese kitchen tools, […] Read more »
Culture Food The Beauty of Japanese Tableware: 10 Traditional Pieces You Can Use and Buy Today 2025年7月12日 / 2025年7月12日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment Japanese tableware is more than just “dishes.” It is a form of living art, where seasonal designs, delicate craftsmanship, and functional beauty come together to elevate everyday meals. In this complete guide, we’ll explore why Japanese tableware is beloved around the world, introduce beginner-friendly sets, highlight gift-worthy pieces and stylish accents, and share tips on […] Read more »
Food What Makes Ootoya Special? A Casual Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Authentic Japanese Home Cooking – Menu Included 2025年7月7日 / 2025年7月7日 by IROHA | Leave a Comment When visiting Japan, don’t just stick to sushi and ramen—be sure to try traditional Japanese home cooking as well. Ootoya is a teishoku (set meal) restaurant chain that makes this experience possible. Since its founding in 1958, Ootoya has been serving meals that taste just like something a loving mother would cook at home, earning […] Read more »