WHAT’S HOT - JapanUp! magazine

EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Celebrating 25 Years: Ichiza Las Vegas Hosts an Anniversary Month This September!

Hiratsuka 09/09/2026

Ichiza is celebrating its 25th anniversary! From flame-grilled yakitori skewers and fresh sashimi, Ichiza captures the ultimate spirit of Japanese pub culture. Every dish highlights their attention to detail, featuring carefully simmered broths, house-crafted sauces, and specialty desserts that bring out the true depth of authentic Japanese izakaya cuisine. To thank the community, Ichiza is filling the entire month with special menu weeks, unique pop-ups, and unforgettable cultural events. 25th anniversary Event Lineup – September 7–13: Wagyu Special Week Wagyu beef available for one week only. – September 10: The Official 25th Anniversary Day As a special thank-you to all guests, everyone…

EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Tomoki Kameda Battles Powerhouse Brandon Figueroa in WBA World Featherweight Championship🔥

Hiratsuka 09/08/2026

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 (5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET), former two-division world champion Tomoki Kameda steps into the ring at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to challenge reigning champion Brandon Figueroa for the WBA World Featherweight title. Presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and broadcast nationwide on TNT Sports and DAZN, this long-awaited showdown is drawing intense attention from boxing fans worldwide as Kameda fights to become a three-division world champion. A Living Legend in Japanese Boxing Tomoki is the youngest of Japan’s famous “Kameda Brothers”— one of the country’s most recognizable boxing families.…

Kimukatsu mille-feuille katsu, opening at the Tokyo Central Yorba Linda food court

EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Kimukatsu Yorba Linda: New Express Location Opens in September

japanup_akane 09/04/2026

Kimukatsu, already serving diners at the Tokyo Central PCH location, is opening a new spot in Yorba Linda. Starting in September, a takeout-focused express location opens inside the Tokyo Central Yorba Linda food court. Grab the katsu it is known for, from the mille-feuille katsu of 25 thin, stacked layers of pork to the cheese-filled katsu, as an easy pickup on your shopping run. Enjoy carefully prepared, Japanese-quality katsu right in Yorba Linda. What to Get at Kimukatsu Yorba Linda The signature draw is the mille-feuille katsu, made by layering 25 thin slices of pork into a single cutlet, fried…

EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Experience Japanese Festival in Nevada: Aki Matsuri in Henderson, NV!

Hiratsuka 09/03/2026

Get ready for an extraordinary autumn celebration🏮 On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the 17th Annual AKI MATSURI Japanese Festival returns to Henderson’s Water Street Plaza from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Best of all, admission is FREE! What is “AKI MATSURI”? In Japan, AKI MATSURI (Autumn Festival) is a cherished seasonal tradition held to give thanks for the fall harvest.It’s a lively, community-centered event where friends and families gather to enjoy food, music, and seasonal festivities. Highlights of AKI MATSURI Japanese Festival -Authentic Festival Eats & Sake: Enjoy delicious Japanese street food, and visit the Sake Pavilion (21+) for curated…

EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Two New Flavors Join Japan’s Long-Loved Puré Gummy Lineup

Hiratsuka 09/01/2026

Kanro’s Puré Gummy, a long-selling favorite in Japan known for its sweet-and-sour taste and signature heart shape, welcomes two new flavors this summer. Sweet Japanese Strawberry🍓 A rich strawberry flavor joins the Puré Gummy Premium series. Made with carefully selected fruit varieties and origins, each gummy has a luscious jelly-like filling and delivers a sweet, juicy strawberry taste with every bite. Watermelon🍉 A refreshing sweet-and-sour watermelon flavor joins the Classic series. Its crisp, juicy taste pairs perfectly with Puré Gummy’s signature sour powder and chewy texture. The new flavors have been rolling out in stores since early August. Look for…

Takagi Coffee's new hayashi rice, beef and onions in demi-glace sauce over rice

EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Takagi Coffee’s New Hayashi Rice: Rich, Slow-Simmered Comfort

japanup_akane 08/27/2026

Hayashi rice is the newest addition to the menu at Takagi Coffee, the popular Los Angeles cafe. This Japanese comfort dish features beef and onions slow-simmered in a special demi-glace sauce, delivering a deep, savory richness over rice. Add the cheddar cheese topping for an even richer, more indulgent bite. While you are there, check the cafe’s Instagram for its latest pancake menu and drinks. What’s in the Hayashi Rice Hayashi rice is a Western-influenced Japanese classic, built on tender beef and onions cooked down in a rich demi-glace until deeply flavorful, then served over rice. Takagi Coffee’s version leans…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES WHAT’S HOT

[Exclusive B2B Event | First 40 Free] “FRESH FISH EXPRESS” LA Tasting Event!

Hiratsuka 08/26/2026

. Bringing Japanese Seafood to LA Kitchens 🐟 A special tasting event for restaurant and foodservice professionals will be held in Los Angeles, featuring “FRESH FISH EXPRESS,” a new distribution model that brings Japanese seafood to the U.S. via sea freight. As a participant bonus, each attendee will receive $100 worth of “FRESH FISH EXPRESS” frozen fish! Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to experience everything firsthand, from live demonstrations of thawing, preparation, and cooking to actual tasting. Why Chefs and Owners Choose Us 🌟 ✅ Safe and secure with an effective Anisakis preventive measure ✅ Stable supply of high-quality seafood at…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES WHAT’S HOT

[Exclusive B2B Event] Showcased by a Michelin Chef! JAPAN SCALLOP Showcase

Hiratsuka 08/26/2026

. Exclusive to the food and beverage industry! JAPAN SCALLOP Showcase where you can experience the charm of Japanese scallops, elevating your daily menu to the next level, will be held ✨ Featuring Chef Kevin Meehan, Owner and Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred KALI Restaurant as a guest chef, we will introduce approaches that bring out the full potential of Japanese scallops. ✅ Demonstration & Proposal by a Michelin Chef Chef Kevin Meehan will demonstrate and explain the versatility and appeal of Japanese scallops, which can be utilized across a wide variety of culinary genres. ✅ Exhibitions by Japanese Scallop…

Torikizoku summer menu items, the Toriki Dog and colorful Toriki Ranger floats, in Torrance

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

Torikizoku’s Summer Menu: Toriki Dogs and Colorful Floats

japanup_akane 08/24/2026

Torikizoku’s summer menu has arrived with the 2026 Toriki Summer Fest, now on at the Torrance yakitori restaurant. The limited-time lineup features the Toriki Dog, a hot dog stuffed with yakitori or yakisoba, in three varieties. There is also the Toriki Ranger, a jumbo float that comes in five colorful flavors. Come enjoy these festive summer-only specials in a lively atmosphere. Reserve a table using the link below. What’s on the Torikizoku Summer Menu The star of the fest is the Toriki Dog, which tucks Torikizoku’s signature yakitori or yakisoba into a bun, offered in three different styles. Alongside it,…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Kiku Matsuri 2026: San Diego’s Japanese Festival Returns Bigger on Oct. 25

japanup_akane 08/21/2026

Kiku, a nonprofit serving the Nikkei community in and around San Diego, will host its Japanese festival, Kiku Matsuri, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last year’s edition, held as Akimatsuri, drew more than 1,600 people. This year the San Diego Japanese festival comes back with a new name and a new venue, plus two stages, Bon Odori dancing everyone can join, and a full day of Japanese food and activities. From 1,600 Guests to a New Name: Kiku Matsuri Last year’s Akimatsuri brought together local food vendors along with taiko drummers, dancers, musicians and…

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

Chill Out This Summer with DAIKOKUYA’s NEW Cold Dan Dan Noodles! 🍜

miwako3 08/21/2026

Beat the summer heat with our exclusive seasonal creation, newly launched for this summer only! Introducing our Cold Dan Dan Noodles ($17.50)—featuring DAIKOKUYA’s signature creamy broth, chilled to perfection. Combined with just the right kick of chili oil, it’s a refreshing, rich, and spicy bowl designed to keep you cool all season long. 🎐🌶️ ✨ Why You’ll Love It: -Chilled & Creamy: Our house-made rich broth, served cold for maximum summer comfort. -A Spicy Kick: Infused with savory chili oil to wake up your appetite. -Limited-Time Special: Available only during the summer months—get it while it lasts! Check details and…

MAOSHO performing, where Tsugaru shamisen and jazz piano meet at Japan House Los Angeles

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

Tsugaru Shamisen and Jazz Piano Meet for One Night in LA

japanup_akane 08/20/2026

A one-night-only collaboration of Tsugaru shamisen and jazz is coming to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 8 at 7pm. The performance, MAOSHO featuring Ryota Kikuchi, brings together the unit MAOSHO, made up of Tsugaru shamisen player Sho Asano and jazz musician Mao Sone, with special guest Ryota Kikuchi, a pianist popular on YouTube. It is a special evening where traditional music, jazz, and piano all intersect. Tickets start at $40 and are available at the link below. Where Tsugaru Shamisen and Jazz Collide MAOSHO pairs Sho Asano, one of Japan’s foremost Tsugaru shamisen performers, with Mao Sone, an…