FOOD - JapanUp! magazine

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

Why Are People Throwing Rice Cakes from the Roof? (The “Mochi-maki” Tradition)

japanup_akane 02/27/2026

Raining SnacksImagine you are walking down a quiet residential street in Japan. Suddenly, you see a crowd of neighbors gathered around a half-built house. Then, the construction workers and the homeowners climb onto the roof and start… throwing snacks and rice cakes at the crowd! What is going on? The “Jotoshiki” CeremonyThis chaotic and fun event is called “Mochi-maki” (Mochi Throwing). It happens during a ceremony called Jotoshiki, which celebrates the completion of the basic wooden framework of a new house. Sharing the LuckWhy do they throw things? In Japan, building a new house is considered a massive milestone that…

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

Why Do Japanese People Put Condensed Milk on Strawberries? (The Spring Tradition)

japanup_akane 02/26/2026

The Spring SweetnessIn March, as the weather slowly starts to warm up, Japanese families and couples flock to the countryside for a favorite seasonal activity: “Ichigo-gari” (Strawberry Picking). But it is very different from picking wild berries in a forest. The High-Tech GreenhousesJapanese agriculture is famous for producing giant, perfectly shaped, incredibly sweet fruits. Strawberry picking happens inside massive, climate-controlled greenhouses. The strawberry vines are often elevated to waist-height, meaning you don’t even have to bend down to pick them. It is a clean, premium experience. The All-You-Can-Eat ChallengeFor an entrance fee of around $15 to $20, you get 30…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES FOOD POPULAR RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Guilt-Free Slurping: Upgrade Your Instant Ramen with Healthy “GreeNoodle”

japanup_akane 02/20/2026

. GreeNoodle Upgrade Your Instant Ramen with Healthy! Swap Your Noodles, Not Your Taste!We all love the convenience and comforting taste of instant noodles, especially on a busy day. But let’s be honest, we often feel guilty about the lack of nutrition and high calories. What if you could enjoy your favorite quick meal without the guilt? Meet “GreeNoodle,” the ultimate healthy alternative that transforms your dining table into a guilt-free zone! The Power of the Superfood “Moroheiya”The secret behind GreeNoodle is Moroheiya, a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable widely recognized as a superfood. These organic noodles are infused with…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Celebrate Hinamatsuri with Authentic “Chirashi Sushi”! Make It Easy & Delicious with Kikkoman’s Renewed Rice Vinegar

japanup_akane 02/18/2026

. Kikkoman Renewed Rice Vinegar! March 3rd is Girls’ Day!Spring is just around the corner, and in Japan, March 3rd is celebrated as “Hinamatsuri” (Girls’ Day). Families gather to pray for the health and happiness of young girls. The centerpiece of this celebration? The colorful and festive “Chirashi Sushi” (Scattered Sushi). The Secret to Perfect Sushi RiceTopped with shrimp, salmon roe, and egg, Chirashi Sushi looks like a jewelry box. But the most important part is the flavor of the rice. Don’t worry about complicated recipes! With Kikkoman’s “Seasoned Rice Vinegar” (Orange Label), you can make authentic sushi rice just…

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

Why Can You Buy Soup Stock on the Street? (The Vending Machine Madness)

japanup_akane 02/18/2026

Ask any professional skier or snowboarder where their dream destination is. Many will say “Japan.” Specifically, regions like Niseko (Hokkaido) or Hakuba (Nagano). The snow here is legendary. It has a nickname among international athletes: “Japow” (Japan + Powder).