JapanUp! 224 – June 2026

Last updated: July 8, 2026

Welcome to JapanUp! magazine Vol. 224, the June 2026 issue. Read the full issue above, or scroll down for the table of contents.

The June 2026 issue of JapanUp! magazine (Vol. 224) is available to read free online. This month’s cover feature is GOMA, exploring why Japan’s sesame flavor boom is taking over menus in the U.S., from black sesame lattes to sesame oil recipes. We also preview Anime Expo 2026 with a full guide to AX Crossing, the Japanese food area. See what’s inside below.

Inside JapanUp! 224: Table of Contents

• P.3 LA Food & Culture Fest in Osaka! (Message from the Publisher)
• P.4 What’s Hot: June 2026 Community News
• P.5 Omotenashi Vol.18: In Japan, the Season of Shincha Has Arrived
• P.6 Japanictionary Lesson 222: “Modoru”
• P.8 Samurai Legends Vol.74: HOJO Tokimune, The Young Leader Who Said “No” to the Strongest Empire in the World
• P.11 I Live in Japan: Carine Lantignac
• P.12 Special Article: Anime Expo 2026, What Is Anime Expo, Really?
• P.14 Create Eat Happy! Recipe by Ochikeron Vol.92: Totoro Onigiri
• P.17 Anime Life 101: Anime Events, Where Fandom Steps Out Into the World
• P.18 att.JAPAN x JapanUp!: Anime Place 2025-26 / Oshikatsu in Real Life
• P.22 Special Article: GOMA, Japan’s Sesame Flavor Boom
• P.30 Brain Exercise: Sudoku

More from JapanUp! Magazine

• The latest issue is out now! Read JapanUp! 225 – July 2026
• Missed the previous issue? Read JapanUp! 223 – May 2026
• Heading to Anime Expo? Browse our Anime Expo articles
• Browse all back issues of JapanUp! magazine

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