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OMOTENASHI: “Japanese New Year Decorations and Their Origins”
Japanese New Year Decorations and Their Origins In Japan, New Year’s Day (January 1st) is the most important holiday of the year. Similar to Thanksgiving in the United States, families gather to celebrate the start of a new year. As part of these celebrations, special seasonal decorations are prepared. These include shimenawa (sacred ropes made of braided straw), kadomatsu (decorations made of pine and bamboo), and kagami mochi (decorative rice cakes). Each of these has a significant meaning and role, but in this article, we will focus on shimenawa. In Japan, many people follow Shinto (one of Japan’s two main…
Interview with Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku from Amazon Prime Video’s “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”
New Live-Action Series Based on SEGA’s Hit Game Set for Release! Amazon’s original drama Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on the hit video game franchise, launches Thursday, October 24 with an exclusive worldwide streaming release on Prime Video. Developed from an original script, the series is based on the hit SEGA game series “Like a Dragon.” The protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, is played by actor Ryoma Takeuchi. Kazuma Kiryu’s sworn brother and childhood best friend, Akira Nishikiyama, is played by actor Kento Kaku. The two actors made a surprise appearance at a panel discussion at San Diego Comic-Con, one of North…
EVENT
Shibuya, a Dynamic Town with an Infusion of New and Old
Recently, Shibuya has been experiencing the emergence of new facilities one after another. In such a dynamically changing town, there still remain places where you can feel the “good old times.” Here various spots in Shibuya, from the latest facilities to less-known historically-renowned places, are introduced. Ever-evolving Shibuya “Shibuya Sakura Stage” Serving as a New Landmark of Shibuya “Shibuya Sakura Stage” is a complex facility that opened in November 2023 on the site of about 26,000 square meters in the south-west part of Shibuya Station. Various tenants, including a hotel, cafes, and restaurants, are opening one after another. In summer…
MONTHLY FEATURE View More
Experience Japanese Seafood: The Irresistible Charm of Buri and Hamachi
Good for Your Health, Better for the Planet The pursuit of “good taste and health” is deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. Buri and Hamachi are juicy, rich in umami flavor, and packed with healthy nutrients.In today’s world, seafood must not only be healthy for the body but also harvested in a way that supports the global environment. Buri and Hamachi are raised in sustainable environments in Japan, renowned for its rich seafood culture. These fish are healthy, sustainable, and irresistibly flavorful, making them a perfect choice for both your diet and the planet. Japan’s Unique Oceanic Delight Buri is…
Ramen Reinvented: A Global Journey into Flavor and Culture
In Los Angeles, ramen shops continue to open at a rapid pace this year, with most of them being Japanese-style ramen restaurants. The presence of Japanese ramen culture has truly taken root in America, with more and more people embracing it. Although ramen originated in China, it evolved uniquely after arriving in Japan and has become a beloved dish worldwide.Ramen originally began as a noodle dish in China, but it underwent a transformation when it arrived in Japan. Over time, ramen diversified within Japan, and today, it holds global appeal. The popularity of ramen is spreading rapidly, particularly across the…
Holiday Dining “IZAKAYA (Japanese-style pub)”
Perfect Restaurant Choices for Holiday Season Family/Friends Meet-up There are only a few days left in 2024… The holiday season is already here! After the upcoming Christmas celebrations, the New Year 2025 will be here before you know it. We assume that a lot of JapanUp! readers are planning to get together with friends and family at the end of the year. However, when you actually decide on a place, you may find that all the places are booked up and you can’t get in. It happens all the time. To avoid such a situation, let’s get the information early!For…
HolidayGifts: Bring Japan to Your Holidays with Our Handpicked Gifts
Bring Japan to Your Holidays with Our Handpicked Gifts Looking for the perfect gift with a Japanese twist? The JapanUp! editorial team has curated a selection of must-have items, from cosmetics and games to tea and sake. These unique finds are perfect for fans of Japanese culture or those just beginning to explore it. Whether you’re treating yourself or preparing for a cozy holiday, these gifts are sure to delight. Simply scan the QR code to shop instantly and bring a touch of Japan to your celebrations. For those extra-special items available only in stores, why not take a trip…
EASY STEP Recipes with Japanese Ingredients
This month, JapanUp! teams up with top Japanese brands and talented culinary influencers to bring you special recipes that are simple to recreate at home. Some of the most popular influencers in the U.S. will show you how to turn Japanese products into delicious, easy-to-make dishes. With just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying authentic Japanese flavors right from your own kitchen!
Get ready to discover a whole new world of tasty treats!
INTERVIEW View More
TRAVEL View More
FOOD View More
Experience Japanese Seafood: The Irresistible Charm of Buri and Hamachi
Good for Your Health, Better for the Planet The pursuit of “good taste and health” is deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. Buri and Hamachi are juicy, rich in umami flavor, and packed with healthy nutrients.In today’s world, seafood must not only be healthy for the body but also harvested in a way that supports the global environment. Buri and Hamachi are raised in sustainable environments in Japan, renowned for its rich seafood culture. These fish are healthy, sustainable, and irresistibly flavorful, making them a perfect choice for both your diet and the planet. Japan’s Unique Oceanic Delight Buri is…
Ramen Reinvented: A Global Journey into Flavor and Culture
In Los Angeles, ramen shops continue to open at a rapid pace this year, with most of them being Japanese-style ramen restaurants. The presence of Japanese ramen culture has truly taken root in America, with more and more people embracing it. Although ramen originated in China, it evolved uniquely after arriving in Japan and has become a beloved dish worldwide.Ramen originally began as a noodle dish in China, but it underwent a transformation when it arrived in Japan. Over time, ramen diversified within Japan, and today, it holds global appeal. The popularity of ramen is spreading rapidly, particularly across the…
Holiday Dining “IZAKAYA (Japanese-style pub)”
Perfect Restaurant Choices for Holiday Season Family/Friends Meet-up There are only a few days left in 2024… The holiday season is already here! After the upcoming Christmas celebrations, the New Year 2025 will be here before you know it. We assume that a lot of JapanUp! readers are planning to get together with friends and family at the end of the year. However, when you actually decide on a place, you may find that all the places are booked up and you can’t get in. It happens all the time. To avoid such a situation, let’s get the information early!For…
