LEARN JAPAN View More
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…
Japan is Suffering from Rice Shortage!?
Japan is currently facing a nationwide rice shortage, impacting daily life and causing concern among consumers. Supermarkets across the country are struggling to keep rice on their shelves, with many implementing purchase restrictions to prevent hoarding. The scarcity has led to significant price increases, with some retailers reporting that rice prices have doubled compared to last year. In Tokyo, a 5kg bag of rice now costs around 3,000 yen, a 20% increase from the previous year. Several factors have contributed to this shortage, including lower rice production in the previous year and higher demand from increased tourism. The Agriculture Minister…
EVENT
“Love Snacks, Love Japan” Event at Tanaka Farms, Distributes 1,500 Japanese Snacks
Irvine, CA – On October 26 and 27, Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA, was abuzz as The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) held its “Love Snacks, Love Japan” event, where they gave away 1,500 samples of Japanese snacks. Taking place during Tanaka Farms’ popular pumpkin patch weekend, the event attracted large crowds of people eager to experience the flavors of Japan.
MONTHLY FEATURE View More
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…
Holiday Dining “IZAKAYA (Japanese-style pub)”
Perfect Restaurant Choices for Holiday Season Family/Friends Meet-up There are only two months left in the year of 2024… Halloween is over and the holiday season is upon us! After the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas will already be there before you know it, and the New Year 2025 is waiting just around the corner. 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…
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!
Japanese Restaurants Growing Their Presence in the Michelin Guide
Discover the Flavors of Japan in California: A Culinary Journey California’s dining scene is experiencing a remarkable evolution, especially with the growing recognition of Japanese restaurants by the prestigious Michelin Guide. In cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Japanese cuisine is taking center stage, with one restaurant earning two stars and 17 others receiving one star. These accolades are a testament to the skill and creativity of Japanese chefs, whose dishes are celebrated not only for their authenticity but also for their innovative flair. For those seeking quality dining experiences at more accessible prices, nine restaurants have also been…
INTERVIEW View More
Yuichi Kohatsu – Therapist to the World “A path to healing exists if you don’t give up.”
Yuichi Kohatsu – Therapist to the World A path to healing exists if you don’t give up. Who is Yuichi Kohatsu? World Series MVP. This prestigious award is given to the top player from the winning team of Major League Baseball’s World Series. In the history of MLB, the only Japanese player to ever win this title is Hideki Matsui, who achieved this accolade with the New York Yankees. Sharing that moment of ultimate joy with Matsui in 2009, when the Yankees won the World Series and he was named MVP, was Yuichi Kohatsu, who served as Matsui’s personal trainer…
TRAVEL View More
FOOD View More
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…
Holiday Dining “IZAKAYA (Japanese-style pub)”
Perfect Restaurant Choices for Holiday Season Family/Friends Meet-up There are only two months left in the year of 2024… Halloween is over and the holiday season is upon us! After the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas will already be there before you know it, and the New Year 2025 is waiting just around the corner. 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…
“Love Snacks, Love Japan” Event at Tanaka Farms, Distributes 1,500 Japanese Snacks
Irvine, CA – On October 26 and 27, Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA, was abuzz as The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) held its “Love Snacks, Love Japan” event, where they gave away 1,500 samples of Japanese snacks. Taking place during Tanaka Farms’ popular pumpkin patch weekend, the event attracted large crowds of people eager to experience the flavors of Japan.