EXPERIENCE - JapanUp! magazine

Tendon tempura rice bowl from Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS at Mitsuwa Del Amo

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS Opens in the Mitsuwa Del Amo Food Court

japanup_akane 06/29/2026

Carlos Jr., the popular tempura specialist known for its crispy tendon (tempura rice bowls), is now open in the food court at Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo. This express location offers the convenience of food-court service, plus exclusive items like the Spam tempura musubi. The new udon and tempura combo and the bento box are already proving to be big hits. Stop by and give it a try on your next Mitsuwa shopping run. Update (July 2026): Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS is now running a free drink campaign. Like their Instagram post and show it at the register to get one…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

TAKUMA IZAKAYA’s Daily Special Bento Is a Santa Monica Favorite

japanup_akane 06/29/2026

A local favorite, the daily special bento box at TAKUMA IZAKAYA is perfect for both lunch and dinner. Chef Takuma rotates the menu each day, with hearty options like ginger pork (shogayaki), tsukune chicken meatballs, and garlic shrimp bento. They are made fresh in limited numbers each day, so they tend to go fast. TAKUMA is also taking orders for special celebration bento boxes for events. With World Cup-related events possibly in the works, be sure to follow their Instagram to catch the latest daily specials and announcements. TAKUMA IZAKAYA 2627 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 310-586-7469santamonicatakuma.comInstagram: @takuma_santa_monica

EXPERIENCE Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

Japan Now! Samurai Blue Stun Brazil with an Early Lead, Then Fall to a Last-Gasp Goal (6/29)

japanup_akane 06/29/2026

For 90 minutes in Houston, it looked like Japan might pull off the upset of the World Cup. Facing five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32, the Samurai Blue did not just defend. They struck first, led for nearly half the match, and pushed the favorites to the very last seconds. In the end, it took six minutes of stoppage time for Brazil to escape with a 2-1 win. Quick Answer: On June 29, 2026, Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 in Houston. Japan’s Kaishu Sano scored first in the 29th minute, but Casemiro…

EXPERIENCE Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

Japan Now! Why Are Japanese Teens Obsessed with “Setlog,” the No-Filter Vlog App? (6/26)

japanup_akane 06/26/2026

If you have spent any time around Japanese or Korean social media lately, you may have noticed a smiley-face icon popping up everywhere. It is called Setlog, and over the past few months it has gone from unknown to the No. 1 free app in Japan. What makes it strange is that it does the opposite of what most social media promises. No filters, no editing, no looking your best. Here is why young people cannot get enough of it. Quick Answer: Setlog is a Korean-made social Vlog app where you film a 2-second clip once an hour, share it…

Couple in yukata walking on Melrose Ave near Kyoto Maruhisa USA

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EVENT IN LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE PLACES TO GO WHAT’S HOT

New Yukata Now in Stock at Kyoto Maruhisa USA, Plus Summer Events

japanup_akane 06/26/2026

Kyoto Maruhisa USA has just brought in over 100 new yukata and accessories, shipped directly from Kyoto. You can shop them at the new Gardena store, open Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28, Sunday July 5, and on weekends after that. There is more than shopping, too. The store is hosting a series of summer events: a yukata dressing lesson on Thursday July 9 and Sunday July 12, and a stencil workshop on Saturday July 11 where you can make your own one-of-a-kind bag. Stop by to find your perfect summer look, and check the link below for full…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Zespri Kiwifruit Season Has Arrived

japanup_akane 06/26/2026

One bite of a Zespri Kiwifruit fills your mouth with sweetness and a rich, fragrant aroma. The season has just started, so now is the perfect time to enjoy it at its freshest. It is as nutritious as it is delicious. Just one Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit covers a full day’s worth of vitamin C, so every bite is good for you. Look for the full lineup at your local supermarket, including SunGold, Green, and Organic. The Zespri website is packed with the story behind its flavor, plus colorful, refreshing recipes that make the most of its juicy sweetness. Zespri Learn…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

HINODEYA Little Tokyo Launches a Dodgers Game-Day Combo

japanup_akane 06/26/2026

HINODEYA Little Tokyo has rolled out a special Dodgers Combo, available only on Dodgers home game days. For $55, you get two mini ramen, one pitcher of beer, and three appetizers (edamame, gyoza, and karaage), making it a perfect set to share with friends before or after the game. In July, it will be offered for home games including the Padres series starting July 2, as well as the Rockies series. Dine-in only. HINODEYA Ramen & Bar Little Tokyo: 232 East 2nd Street, Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Instagram: @hinodeya_los_angeles

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE PLACES TO GO WHAT’S HOT

Petites Étoiles Ballet School in Lomita Is Now Accepting New Students

japanup_akane 06/25/2026

Looking for a ballet class in the South Bay? Petites Étoiles, a classical ballet school in Lomita, is now accepting new students ahead of its new term starting in August. The school welcomes a wide range of ages, from children as young as 3 all the way to adults, with careful instruction tailored to each student’s level. The name “Petites Étoiles” is French for “little stars,” and that spirit shows in its small-group, personal approach. A great first step is to book a casual trial lesson and see if it’s the right fit. If you are interested, reach out using…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

COEDO AO: A Refreshing Summer Cold IPA from Japan’s COEDO Brewery

japanup_akane 06/25/2026

COEDO Brewery has released a new summer beer, COEDO AO (碧). It is the latest in the brewery’s “Four Seasons” series, which celebrates Japanese culture through the changing seasons, and AO is the limited-edition release for summer. The name takes the kanji “碧,” which describes a blue-green color, and the beer is meant to capture the lively energy and cool breeze of a Japanese summer. AO is brewed as a Cold IPA, a relatively new style that uses lager yeast fermented at a higher temperature to create a crisp, dry finish. The result is a clear, pale gold beer with…

EXPERIENCE

Quiz – July 2026

miwako3 06/25/2026 SUDOKU

vol.225 (July 2026) SUDOKU RULES: In each of the 9 vertical and 9 horizontal rows insert one number each from 1 to 9, without inserting the same number twice per row.Explain more… SOLUTION >>>

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Mitsuwa Weekly Ad 2026: This Week’s Specials & Sale Deals

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

Mitsuwa Weekly Ad for Jun 19-25, 2026. This week’s specials and fair deals at Mitsuwa Marketplace: produce, sake, Calpico, Choya, Baby Star and more, with store locations across LA, OC and San Diego.

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Free Admission! Nova Vita Summer Festival, July 11-12 at Tanaka Farms

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

The Nova Vita Festival returns to Tanaka Farms this summer, and it is shaping up to be a must-see event the whole family can enjoy. Now in its 6th year, this Japanese summer festival (natsu matsuri) is planned and run largely by local high school students, and it drew more than 3,000 visitors last year. Expect food stalls serving takoyaki, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and yakitori, along with a game alley for the kids. On stage, there will be a karaoke contest and a raffle for a chance to win round-trip airfare to Japan. The festival’s big highlight is an…