Japan Eats!

This episode is a live recording of the special event at Japan Society in New York on October 24, 2018, which Japan Eats!'s host Akiko Katayama moderated. The theme of the event was the modern craft beer culture in the US, and the title was Crafting Beer: Traditional Techniques, Modern Brews. Joshua Bernstein, a Brooklyn-based beer journalist and author of Brewed Awakening, The Complete Beer Course, Complete IPA and Homebrew World, discusses fascinating collaborations between sake and beer breweries, and the resulting delicious craft beer inspired by Japanese sake. I hope you enjoy learning about the new frontier of Japanese sake in this episode. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yoshoku, or "Western food" is an important genre of Japanese cuisine. Our guest Shintaro Eleazar Okuda, Chef de Cuisine at Bar Moga in the West Village, NYC, discusses what yoshoku is, how Bar Moga's menu features the charm of yoshoku, his unique culinary background and much, much more!!! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tea is an essential element of Japanese culture. If you visit someone’s house, he or she will ask you “would you like a cup of tea”? Some people may find green tea a little too bitter or exotic, but there is a lot to discover in the world of Japanese green tea. In this episode, Oscar Brekell, a certified Japanese tea instructor based in Tokyo and the owner of "Oscar Brekell Tea Selection", will discuss how he fell in love with Japanese tea, how it changed his life, what tea you should drink, and much, much more!!! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ramen has become as popular as sushi in the US lately, and Ichiran Ramen is particularly unique among hundreds of ramen shops for offering each customer a VERY private dining experience. In this episode, Kayla Copeland of Ichiran USA tells you the concept of the solo dining that can maximize the flavor in your bowl!!! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guest today is Andrew Richardson who has worked at The World Sake Imports, one of the greatest sake importers in the U.S., for the last 11 years. Andrew's journey with sake is intriguing - from drinking at a local bar in Kyoto with strangers to creating a sake paring menu at wd~50, the legendary innovative American restaurant in NYC. In this episode, we will discuss his unique career in sake, his favorite sake breweries, and much, much more! Powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"And our guest today is Massud Ghaussy who has a Japanese food and restaurant blog on instagram under TokyoManhattan. His posts not only describe restaurants he has visited, but also include many other elements behind the dishes, such as history, culture and cooking methods. He appeared on Episode 125, and told us about his favorite Japanese chefs and restaurants in Paris, NY and in Tokyo. In this episode, we will continue our conversation with Massud with the focus on sushi restaurants along with the history and the cultural background of sushi!!! " Here is the list of the restaurants we discussed in this episode. Hope you will get a chance to experience them! Kura Kuruma Zushi Kyubey Shimbashi Tsuruhachi Bunten Suzumasa (ex Koraku) Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Koji is becoming a culinary keyword lately, and our guest Jeremy Umansky is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the field with an innovating, refreshing mindset. We will discover what Koji is, how it is used traditionally, how you can use it in your own kitchen and much, much more!!! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Japanese cocktail culture is getting global attention lately, but we don’t know too much about what it is outside Japan. Today, we will discover it through the unique concept of Katana Kitten, a new Japanese-American bar in the West Village in NYC. Our guests are three key players of the cocktail industry: Masahiro Urushido, the Managing Partner, Head Bartender & Director of Deliciousness of Katana Kitten, James Tune, the General Manager and Managing Partner and Greg Boehm, the co-owner and the Founder of Cocktail Kingdom, which brings rare-to-find great cocktail books and barware to the cocktail community. Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Yudai Kanayama is the owner of The Izakaya, a casual Japanese restaurant in the East Village, and Samurice at the Canal Street Market in Chinatown, which offers bento boxes, Japanese curry rice, and pour-over miso soup in a cup. There are so many Japanese restaurants outside Japan, but it is not easy to find ones that exemplify the essence of Japanese restaurant culture. Yudai is trying to communicate the unique Japanese tradition that is yet to be known outside Japan. In this episode, we will discuss how Yudai switched his career from fashion to food and became a restaurateur, how he communicates Japanese tradition in NYC through his eateries, and much, much more!!!" Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christopher Pellegrini is one of the few global Shochu and Awamori experts based in Tokyo. He is also the author of “The Shochu Handbook”, which is the first book about shochu and awamori written in a language other than Japanese. Christopher moved to Tokyo in 2002, and discovered the special, traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages, which are yet to be known outside Japan. We will discuss how Christopher got into Shochu and Awamori, what they are, how to drink them, his various activities to educate people about them, and much, much more! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the 6th episode with Elizabeth Andoh, who already joined us 5 times on Episodes 18, 61, 83, 99 and 108! As always, she shares her truly deep insight into traditional Japanese food culture with us. Elizabeth is a food writer and Japanese cooking instructor based in Tokyo, and she has lived in Japan for over 50 years. She runs the culinary arts program called A Taste of Culture, which offers a great opportunity for non-Japanese people to explore Japanese culture through its food. Elizabeth is also the author of 6 cookbooks, including the award-winning “Washoku: Recipes from the Japanese Kitchen” published in 2005. In this episode, we will discover dashi, which is the foundation of Japanese cuisine. What is it? What types of dashi you should know about? Tips to make great dashi? Elizabeth tells you all about them! Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Chikara Yamada is the chef/owner of Yamada Chikara New York in Midtown Manhattan, which opened in May 2018. Chikara also is the chef/owner of the highly recognized restaurant called Yamada Chikara in Tokyo, which serves japanese dishes with A modern twists. Chikara’s background is intriguing. He spent 7 years in Europe, owned a successful Japanese restaurant and eventually worked for the renowned chef Ferran Adria at El Bulli in San Sebastioan, Spain. And his style of cooking reflects his diverse experiences. In this episode, we will discuss Chikara’s unique culinary training, how he expresses the essence of Japanese tradition on his creative dishes, what he serves at his new restaurant in New York, and much, much more! " Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Torchiano, Josh Arak, TJ Provenzano and Jeff Miller, the team from the highly recognized and charming 8- seat Japanese sushi restaurant Mayanoki in Alphabet City, will join me to discuss their efforts to achieve their challenging goals: serving the best sushi and conserve the precious ocean resources. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coco Kayoko Seo, Japanese beverage specialist, worked at the legendary Japanese cocktail bar Angel’s Share in the East Village, and is a certified as Sake and Shochu Adviser. Currently she hosts a fun, weekly educational happy hour at Bar Moga in the West Village called Coco’s Spirit. We will discuss how Coco became a Japanese beverage expert, what Coco’s Spirit is, what Japanese spirits you should try now, and much, much more! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest is Sam Clonts, the executive Kaiseki chef at Uchu in Manhattan’s Lower East side. He earned a Michelin star at 25, five months after the opening of the restaurant. Uchu is uniquely and deeply Japanese, despite the fact that Sam trained as a chef almost entirely in the United States. We discover how Sam studied Japanese cuisine, how he expresses the idea of Kaiseki, his new Wagyu sandwich restaurant, and much, much more! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sushi had become a part of the American diet, and we now see more authentic sushi restaurants, particularly in NYC. In this episode, the partners at Sushi Noz in Manhattan will discuss what the authentic sushi culture is, how two young Americans opened a sushi restaurant with a classically trained Japanese chef, and much more! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Massud Ghaussy, Afghan-Japanese Francophile living in NYC, has a unique Japanese food and restaurant blog on instagram under TokyoManhattan. His posts not only describe restaurants he has visited, but also include many other elements behind the dishes, such as history, culture and cooking methods. On this episode, Massud shares his favorite Japanese restaurants, the latest trend of Japanese dining culture, and much, much more! Here are the restaurants mentioned in this episode: Paris: • La Table d’Aki • Le Sot L'y Laisse • Autonome New York: • Secchu Yokota • Uogashi • Torishin Tokyo: • Tempura Kondo Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, which is the winner of 15 Emmy Awards, now takes us to the most fascinating food destinations through his fantastic food travel shows I'll Have What Phil's Having on PBS, and the new Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix. On this episode, Phil will share his his deep insight into Japanese food culture. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest is Christina Lecki, the executive chef of Reynard in Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel. Lecki was inspired to pursue cooking after a trip to Japan, and she and Akiko discuss this pivotal experience, and much more! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Akiko is joined by Dan Tominaga, the chef/owner of the "modern" Japanese restaurant Another C in Kyoto. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Akiko is joined by Chris Pearce, organizer of The Joy of Sake, the largest sake tasting in the world outside Japan, with a superb array of premium labels and the best in traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine. Chris talks about how the largest sake tasting event outside Japan was born and became sake lovers must-go destination!!! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Akiko Katayama is joined by Yuji Haraguchi of Yuji Ramen, Okonomi, Osakana, and the newly opened Kyoto-style sushi restaurant Okozushi, all in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He also has a restaurant in Kyoto called Lorimer Kyoto. In this episode, Yuji shares his philosophy of introducing the unique Japanese "sea to table" fish culture to a global audience through his unique restaurants and a shop. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's show, Akiko is joined by Chuck Malone, the second American to work in a shochu distillery. In the fall of 2017, he spent three months in Amami-o-shima, an island off the coast of Kagoshima, making kokuto (black sugar) shochu. He’s now returned to the U.S. and is plotting his next move. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's show, we welcome Dave Broom, author of The Way of Whiskey : A Journey Around Japanese Whisky . Broom has visited Japan 30 times in the past 16 years, studying and learning about its whiskies. In this major new book he shares his personal journey around Japan's whisky distilleries and the unique whisky culture of the country. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Machiko Chiba is a best-selling cookbook author and television personality in Japan. Her invention, the patented Cook-Zen microwave pot, was the top-selling item on QVC Japan for seven years. A proponent of "good food and good health," she teaches her microwave cooking techniques to aspiring chefs around the world. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's guest is John McCarthy, a former attorney who gave up the practice of law to attend the French Culinary Institute. After graduating from FCI at the top of his class, he worked for Chef Wylie Dufresne at wd-50 for several years, ultimately becoming Chef Wylie’s research and development cook. In 2012, he opened The Crimson Sparrow restaurant in Hudson, New York, which served a tasting menu of cuisine that employs French and Japanese technique and incorporates flavors and ingredients primarily from Japan and local farms surrounding Hudson. We discuss John's idea of Japanese cuisine, the fascinating concept behind his new restaurant OKA in Murray Hill, Japanese sweets, and much more! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Plunkett started cooking at Chapter One in Dublin before moving to New York where he worked at Momofuku, Luksus and Atera. Having spent the last year cooking in Kyoto, Japan he’s getting ready to make a move to San Francisco. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Akiko is joined by Jamie Graves, the Japanese portfolio manager at Skurnik Wines, a leading wine and spirits importer and distributer based in New York City. Jamie has an extensive knowledge of sake, and discusses the Kimoto Method of making sake, how long sake keeps after opening a bottle, and much more! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Andrea Fazzari, a Tokyo based international photographer, author, and dining consultant with a background in fashion and film. Her book Tokyo New Wave: 31 Chefs Defining Japan's Next Generation will be released on March 13, 2018 worldwide. She has written, photographed, and styled this unique 304 page book, her love letter to Japan and its distinct philosophy and approach to food. It includes 435 of her photographs, her insights, interviews, and chef recipes. Andrea is an insider in the city’s food scene, working regularly with Tokyo’s many influential and respected chefs. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest is Ryunosuke "Jesse" Matsuoka, a certified sake sommelier, whose father was a top-ranked sumo wrestler in Japan before making his reputation as a chef in America. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Akiko is joined by Frank Cisneros, a Brooklyn-based bartender who lived and worked in Japan for a year, immersing himself in Japanese cocktail culture. Tune in to hear how learning the intricacies of Japanese bartending helped Cisneros to elevate his craft. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Akiko is joined by fellow HRN host Michael Harlan Turkell, author of the book Acid Trip: Travels in the World of Vinegar: With Recipes from Leading Chefs, Insights from Top Producers, and Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Your Own. Tune in for a discussion of all things vinegar! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest is Stephen Lyman, one of the leading American experts on authentic Japanese shochu. He has visited approximately 70 shochu distilleries and has sampled around 2,000 different brands. In 2015, he was the first person to become a certified shochu adviser through the Sake School of America. He was also designated the first shochu ambassador through the Cool Japan initiative from the Japan National Tourism Organization. He now works closely with the Japanese government, importers and distributors, and shochu companies to educate and promote shochu in the United States. In 2013 he began working at a handmade shochu distillery in Kagoshima every fall. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Akiko welcomes Elizabeth Andoh of A Taste of Culture back to the program to discuss quintessential Japanese condiments and seasonings. A Taste of Culture is a culinary arts program that combines spicy tidbits of food lore with practical tips and skill-building lessons on how to prepare Japanese food. Programs are conducted in Tokyo, Japan, and offer a unique opportunity for foreign residents and visitors from overseas to explore and enjoy Japan's culture through its food. Instruction, by Andoh, is in English. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode, Akiko welcomes Murray Carter of Carter Cutlery, makers of handcrafted high performance cutlery using time-honored, traditional Japanese blade-smithing techniques. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the season premiere of Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined by Alexis Agliano Sanborn, an independent researcher, community organizer, and artist. Her research interests include food education, environmentalism, and sustainability. She received her Bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies and Japanese from UC Santa Barbara in 2008. In 2013, she received her A.M. from Harvard University in Regional Studies of East Asia. Currently, she is a Program Coordinator at New York University's U.S.-Asia Law Institute, as well as Table for Two's "Wa-Shokuiku Project." She is also hard at work producing her second documentary, "Nourishing Japan," which explores those who support the food education and Japanese school lunch system. You can support Alexis to finalize Nourishing Japan here. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in studio by Brian Polen & Brandon Doughan, co-owners of Brooklyn Kura, the very first Japanese sake brewery in NYC. Now that sushi and ramen are part of the American diet people are becoming more familiar with sake and opening sake breweries across the country. Brian and Brandon share a bit about their experience brewing sake outside of Japan and mixing tradition with innovation. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined by Mina Newman, the executive chef of Sen Sakana. There, she collaborates with Osaka native Taku Nagai, a well-respected chef in his own right, to blend Japanese and Peruvian flavors and dishes, showcasing the cuisine that was created with the migration of Japanese people to Peru. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats , Akiko is joined by Heidi Nestler, a fermentation teacher and co-owner of Wanpaku Foods, a Portland-based maker of traditional Japanese natto. In Japanese “wanpaku” is used endearingly to describe a naughty or mischievous child. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's episode of Japan Eats, host Akiko is joined by Katsura Sunshine, a traditional Japanese Storyteller. On September 1st , 2008, Sunshine was accepted as an apprentice to the great Rakugo Storytelling Master, Katsura Bunshi VI, and subsequently received the name Katsura Sunshine. Sunshine received his professional debut in Singapore the following year, and completed his three-year Rakugo apprenticeship in November, 2012. Sunshine divides his time between London and Tokyo. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats , Akiko is joined in studio by Naoki Takahashi of Naoki NYC. Tucked away in a hidden space in Chelsea, Naoki serves seasonal multi-course Japanese cuisines in a Zen-like interior. The recently launched kaiseki-style restaurant is part of Create Restaurants Holdings, which operates over 800 restaurants in Japan and around Asia. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats, Akiko is joined in studio by Tim Sullivan, Brand Ambassador for the Hakkaisan Sake Brewery. Tim was the first person ever to receive a Cultural Activities Visa to study sake making in Japan! He founded UrbanSake.com, America’s longest-running sake website, and was awarded the title of “Sake Samurai” by the Japan Sake Brewer’s Association in recognition of his work promoting sake outside of Japan. Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats, author and Japanese cuisine specialist Elizabeth Andoh is back in studio to chat with host Akiko about Japanese tableware. Looks aren't the only important thing in Japanese utensils; plates, bowls, and chopsticks must be functional, adequate for the type of food and season of the year, and above all feel good in the hands and mouth. Here are the links to the seasonal recipes for the fall that Elizabeth mentioned during the show: Sanma Dobin Mushi Enjoy!!! Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined by Mayumi Uejima-Carr of the Table for Two USA organization, a nonprofit that simultaneously addresses the opposing issues of malnutrition/hunger in developing countries and overconsumption/obesity in the developed world. The concept is to take excess calories from places like the U.S. and transfer them to countries in need. World Food Day 2017 “Change the World with Onigiri” #OnigiriAction 1 Onigiri photo post brings 5 school meals to children in need! TABLE FOR TWO is holding a World Food Day 2017 campaign from Oct 5th to Nov 15th. As an NPO with roots in Japan, the campaign promotes healthy Japanese food and aims to provide 1 million meals to children in need around the world. As a part of the campaign, it will feature the popular Japanese food “Onigiri” (rice ball). For each Onigiri photo post on the campaign website or your social media with #OnigiriAction, our partner organizations will donate 5 school meals to children in need. It’s free to participate. You make a difference just by posting your photos of making and enjoying Onigiri! Campaign website: http://jp.tablefor2.org/campaign/onigiri/en/ Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined in studio by Shinji Fukuyo, Whisky expert and chief blender of Suntory. Shinji Fukuyo joined Suntory in 1984 and eventually transferred to the whisky blending department in 1992. He quickly rose through the ranks and after four years studying at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh he moved to work in the Morrison Bowmore team in 1999, creating whiskies for Bowmore, Glen Garioch and Auchentoshan. In 2006 Shinji returned to Japan as the director of the whiskey blending department and in 2009 became chief blender for the whole of Suntory, only the fourth person to have held the prestigious position. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined by Fujiko Aoki, chef and owner at Mochin Rin. A dessert specialist, Fujiko created a new type of mochi that doesn’t quite exist in Japan by infusing New York’s locally-sourced ingredients into Japan’s popular traditional dessert. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's episode of Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined by chefs Nick Kim & Jimmy Lau of Shuko, where the duo offers daily tasting menus based on traditional Japanese flavors and techniques from the kitchen and sushi bar. Chefs Kim and Lau build their menu based on seasonality and freshness, sourcing ingredients locally and internationally. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the season premiere of Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Chris Bonomo, a passionate home cook who especially loves Japanese food. He is the co-founder of The Japanese Pantry, an organization dedicated to bringing the best quality artisanal Japanese ingredients to professional and recreational cooks in North America. If you are interested in artisanal Japanese ingredients, go to www.TheJapanesePantry.com and here’s a 15% discount code for Japan Eats listeners: JAPANEATS15 The coupon is good from September 1 until December 31, 2017. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the season finale of Japan Eats , host Akiko Katayama is joined by Megumi Sasaki, a film director and producer who was born and raised in Japan, and has lived in New York City since 1988. Her latest project is the documentary A Whale of a Tale, a deep dive into how the sleepy fishing town of Taiji in southern Japan became a battleground between local whalers and international activists, following the release of a previous documentary about whale and dolphin hunting. Japan Eats is powered by SimplecastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Jessica Joly, a sake sommelier who became the very first Miss SAKE USA in 2016. Miss SAKE USA is a beauty pageant organized by the Miss SAKE Association in Japan to select a Sake Ambassador responsible for the representation and promotion of Japanese Sake in the United States. 2016 was the inaugural year of this pageant being held outside of Japan. Japan Eats is powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.