
In celebration of Japanese culinary excellence, our special October edition of JapanUp! brings you an exciting collaboration that’s sure to inspire your next meal. We’ve partnered with two renowned influencers in the food world—Sylvia Wakana Gunde (@sylvia.wakana) and Mel Lazaro (@melshealthybowl)—to showcase easy-to-make recipes using high-quality ingredients from some of Japan’s most trusted brands.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your journey in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to bring out the bold and delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine in simple, approachable steps. Sylvia, known for her passion for Japanese culture and authentic dishes, and Mel, famous for her healthy and vibrant creations, have curated a variety of recipes that blend tradition with modern flair. Each dish can be recreated in your home, allowing you to explore new flavors without needing a culinary degree!

Sylvia わかな Gunde
Instagram@sylvia.wakana
67k followers
Japanese food, life, and multicultural motherhood.

Mel Lazaro | Easy High Protein Meals
Instagram@melshealthybowl
43k followers
Sharing easy high-protein meals and snacks with
motivational reminders.
This feature isn’t just about cooking; it’s about discovering the joy of working with Japanese ingredients and adding them to your regular meal routine. From savory mains to delightful sides, the possibilities are endless, and you’ll find that Japanese ingredients can transform even the simplest of dishes into something extraordinary.
The best part? All of the key ingredients and seasonings used in these recipes can easily be purchased right here in the U.S.! Simply scan the QR codes provided on each recipe page to check out where you can buy these items and bring authentic Japanese flavors to your kitchen with ease.
And these recipes are just the beginning. You can find all the details in the pages that follow, but if you’re ever in need of inspiration again, head to our website or Instagram. We’ll be sharing these recipes online, too, so you can access them anytime you’re ready to whip up something delicious. Keep an eye out for new updates and recipe ideas that will help you bring a touch of Japan to your table.

Don’t forget to follow JapanUp! on social media and bookmark our site to stay in the loop with all our upcoming culinary content. Whether you’re trying out these recipes for the first time or adding a Japanese twist to your usual menu, we hope you’ll enjoy the flavors and excitement this special collaboration brings!






Related Articles
Pick Up
- Jiro-Style Ramen, a NorCal Sensation, Has Landed in LA
- Why Did Fatburger Skip Tokyo and Reopen in Okinawa?
- Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles Is Now Open in Little T...
- Japan Now! Jagariko x Calpas? Japan’s Beloved ...
- Japan Now! Black Thunder Goes Royal Milk Tea, and Ye...
- Daikokuya’s Limited-Time Spicy Chili Mazemen H...
- Japan Now! Whole Torched Purin on a Crepe. Ise’...
- Japan Now! Mizukake Gohan? Japan’s 1,000-Year-...
- Japan Now! Tokyo Is Getting Pink’s Hot Dogs. Y...
- Japan Now! “Nobody Called, But Today Was My 50...
- See more Food articles >
Latest Articles
- Japan Now! The Spear Won. Chiben Wakayama Takes Kosh...
- Kiku Matsuri 2026: San Diego’s Japanese Festiv...
- Japan Now! Japan Answered. The Monster Falls, and th...
- Tsugaru Shamisen and Jazz Piano Meet for One Night i...
- Japan Now! The Final Four Is Set. Ariake’s Mir...
- Japan Now! 156 km/h. Bases Loaded. No Outs. Koshien&...
- Japan Now! 7,000 Stranded at Narita as Record Rain S...
- Japan Now! The Final Came Early, and It Delivered. D...
- Nourish Your Gut & Elevate Your Meals with Eden ...
- Japan Now! Juju Fes 2026! Jujutsu Kaisen Is Throwing...
- See all articles >





















