Japan Eats!

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Stephen Globus, a native New Yorker who has long been involved with cultural fusion and interchange between Japan and the United States. Through the Globus Washitsu organization, Stephen and his brothers have sponsored events at various eminent institutions including the Japan Society, the Asia Society, and many other NYC locations. The scope of these events includes dance, theater, cinema, art, craft, tea ceremony, and performance groups. Wabi-sabi represents Japanese aesthetics and a Japanese world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete."See 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 sake expert Chizuko Niikawa-Helton. Ms. Niikawa, grew up on the Temple grounds of the Zen Buddhist Temple Gihozan Hosho Ji, located in the finest Rice and Sake producing prefecture of Japan, Akita. chizAfter graduating, Takushoku University and with additional studies at Esmond Japon, a fashion college. Ms. Niikawa embarked on a career in fashion as a fashion designer for over ten years. With her firm grounding in balance, and form, through a decade of fashion design Ms. Niikawa began to awaken to her deep appreciation, and love of the ancient art of Sake, and the pleasures and complexities it possesses. She began to feel that Sake had life, and form, and texture. She remembered her childhood, and her roots, she remembered the incredible rice, and Sake that her famous prefecture of Akita was known for and she began to appreciate of how closely Sake in form, as well as in balance was a living thing and that it needed to be understood and discussed in its purest, simplest way and thus launched her in her career as a Sake sommelier. Ms. Niikawa earned her prestigious Sake Sommelier Certificate at the Sake Service Institute (SSI), in Tokyo, Japan. Ms. Niikawa has competed in the New York Regional 2nd World Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier) Competition where she placed 3rd in a field of over 75 competitors, wining the recognition, praise and admiration of her fellow competitors, as well as the events sponsor SSI. Ms. Niikawa has the enviable position as Sake sommelier, to the nation’s most prestigious Sake restaurant located in New York City. What she loves most is about being a Sake sommelier here in the United States, is sharing the experience, the wonder, complexity, and art of Japanese Sake, and bringing Japanese Sake in its purest form here to the United States.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, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Keizo Shimamoto, creator of the Original Ramen Burger. He has worked for Ivan Orkin and the mini ramen chain Bassanova, all while documenting his love affair with noodles on his blog, GO RAMEN! Keizo is also the subject of the short film Ramen Dreams, a chronicle of his extraordinary passion for ramen.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, Akiko is joined in the studio by Ruri Kippenbrock, the founder of wuhao newyork Inc. The company specializes in hand-made tenugui, Japanese cotton towels. These towels are not only for wiping your hands but also have a number of traditional uses and applications, not to mention overall well-being – tune in to learn more!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, Akiko is joined in the studio by Robby Cook, the executive sushi chef of Morimoto in New York. Robby is also the co-author the of new book The Complete Guide to Sushi & Sashimi, which contains tips and techniques on how to properly create and indulge in sushi and sashimi at home.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, Akiko is joined in the studio by Todd Bellomy, brewer and co-founder of Dovetail Sake, Massachusetts’ first sake brewery. Prior to opening Dovetail, Bellomy worked in the American craft beer industry, as a chef, and even as a sword-making apprentice in the Saitama Prefecture of Japan. Tune in to hear all about his life as a sake brewer. “Our philosophy is, we want people to drink it because it’s delicious, and not because it’s sake…we look to traditional Japanese brewing, but we’re not limited by that.” [18:00] – Todd Bellomy 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, Akiko is joined in the studio by Yuji Haraguchi, owner of the restaurants Okonomi and YUJI Ramen. By day, Okonomi serves traditional Japanese ichiju-sansai set meals for breakfast and lunch. In the evenings, Okonomi becomes YUJI Ramen, and offers an à la carte menu of seafood-rich ramen and mazemen. Haraguchi is currently working to open Osakana, a Japanese-style fish market dedicated to providing high-quality, local, and seasonal seafood to Brooklyn and beyond. Osakana will also offer cooking demonstrations and classes – for both beginners and experts – to share knowledge on how to appreciate local seafood. “Eat fish, live longer.” [12:20] – Yuji Haraguchi 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, host Akiko Katayama welcomes guest Rona Tison, the senior vice president of corporate relations at ITO EN, to discuss making green tea a true part of American culture. Tison has extensive experience in the tea industry and has received Green Tea Certification from ITO EN. Prior to joining ITO EN, Tison worked extensively in the hotel and service industry where she served as director of operations at the W Hotels The Court and The Tuscany, executive vice president at the lifestyle store Felissimo and rooms divisional manager at Le Parker Meridian, all in New York. “Part of the beauty about tea is also sharing with friends. You can enjoy it in solitude, a moment to relax and have a cup of tea, or you can entertain and share great conversations. All those activities are great, I think, in terms of overall health.” [23:00] *** Listeners, if you are interested in learning tea ceremony (which helps you to be calm and focused like meditation!) in New York City, check this out! Urasenke Chanoyu Center of New York http://www.urasenkeny.org/ ***See 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 Katayama welcomes guest Gaku Shibata, owner of the restaurants Azasu and Yoppari in New York’s Lower East Side. They discuss Japanese gastropubs (izakaya), cup sake, and feeding sumo wrestlers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After discovering premium sake for the first time in 2005, today’s guest Tim Sullivan went on to found UrbanSake.com, which is now America’s longest-running sake website. Just two years later, he was awarded the title of “Sake Samurai” by the Japan Sake Brewer’s Association in recognition of his work promoting sake outside of Japan. Sullivan is now an instructor for the Sake School of America, and works as the International Brand Ambassador for the Hakkaisan Sake Brewery to spread sake culture both at home and around the world. “My quality of life has gone up so much because I’m able to work in the sake industry, something I love.” [12:45] – Tim Sullivan See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chef Michael Anthony, Executive Chef of Gramercy Tavern and Untitled of the Union Square Hospitality Group talks with Japan Eats host Akiko Katayama about living in Tokyo right after graduating from college. The move changed the course of his life and career. Tune in to hear how Michael’s experience in Japan stayed with him even as he moved to France and back to the U.S. > #### “That was one of those moments that those decisions determined the course that my life would take.” [20:30] “In the kitchen you have to appeal to ppl on a personal level if you want to share ideas and work together as a team.” [24:30] –Chef Michael Anthony on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over his 25­‐year career, Chef Takashi Yagihashi has been lauded by consumers and critics alike for his exquisite ways of melding contemporary French, Asian, and American cuisine, and today he is in studio with Akiko Katayama for a brand new episode of Japan Eats. A native of Mito, Japan, the self-taught Yagihashi was working in a local restaurant when the owner asked him to relocate to the States and work for him there; over the next several years, the young chef worked his way up the culinary ladder throughout Chicago where he has most recently helmed the Slurping Turtle restaurant and appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters. Tune in for more on this inspiring chef! Takashi See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John’s interest in cooking began with his curiosity in his grandmother’s expansive garden, learning early about the importance of seasonality, flavor and balance. At age 14, John moved to South Korea for three years where he not only became fluent in Korean, but truly embraced Asian flavors, language and spirits. After nearly two decades running a successful law practice and firm in Manhattan, John decided to pursue his real passion-a new culinary career at the French Culinary Institute (FCI) in New York where he graduated first in his class. It was at FCI that John met Dave Arnold, a well-respected renegade of modernist cuisine. Dave encouraged John to stage at Chef Wylie Dufresne’s wd-50. After staging for several years, he and was offered the new position as part of Research and Development at wd-50 before leaving in October, 2011 to truly take his skills and craft to a new frontier. In 2010, John and Dianna (his wife) purchased a home in Columbia County, New York, in the heart of the Hudson Valley and bountiful farmland. Columbia County reminded them both of their childhood homes in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Crimson Sparrow was bought in October, 2011 and opened in June, 2012. The Crimson Sparrow builds on all of John’s reverence and experience in cooking with Asian flavors utilizing French technique. The Crimson Sparrow’s Tasting Menu is a foray into all of these complex, rich and unexpected flavors. It changes approximately every two to three weeks, to reflect seasonality. In addition, some of the best elements of the seasonal menu can be sampled at the bar as part of the restaurant’s a la carte menu all of which have a true pact with the cellar and beverage program. The beverage program at The Crimson Sparrow was developed by John and features unique cocktails, and a formidable list of wine, sake and shochu. John also received certification as a Sake Adviser and Sommelier through the Sake School of America, which has been endorsed by The Sake Service Institute International, the largest organization of Sake Sommelier certification in Japan. John continues to study Asian cuisine and culture, staging in Tokyo as well as remaining engaged in the study of Sake. In the Winter of 2014, he staged with a Sushi Master in Tokyo and continues to infuse all that he has learned into the cuisine and experience at The Crimson Sparrow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tune in to Japan Eats as host Akiko Katayama is in studio with Chef Marco Moreira. Brazilian-born chef Marco Moreira arrived in New York City in 1982 eager to explore the city and immerse himself in an exciting, multi-ethnic culinary scene. Through an inspired twist of fate, he ended up training as a sushi chef at the very beginning of the sushi craze. From the start, he proved his skill in this highly technical profession and quickly earned acclaim as one of the most talented sushi chefs in New York City. In 1986, he launched Marco Polo Sushi Catering, and soon afterwards he was hired to implement the sushi program at Dean & Deluca. With the skills and experience in the Manhattan restaurant scene, Marco devoted himself to turning Marco Polo Sushi Caterers into a full-service company (renamed Marco Polo Caterers) that catered to select clients in New York City and throughout the tri-state area. At the same time Marco pursued other positions at Bouley, the Quilted Giraffe, and as chef de cuisine at The Mark. As Marco Polo Caterers grew, Marco decided to devote himself to the company full time and began looking for restaurant space to open his own kitchen and café. Currently behind restaurants Toqueville and 15 East Restaurant, Marco and Akiko chat about restaurant evolution, seeking the perfect sushi chef, sushi’s history, and how to really order sushi! “Sushi is a perfect little bite of food. It’s like having a tasting menu every night. It’s the perfect meal.” [13:00] –Marco Moreira on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Japan Eats is brand new this week with host Akiko Katayama in studio with food critic and author, Robert Sietsema. Presently editor for Eater, Robert shares how he transitioned from the rock and roll scene to food writing and adds his unique view of Japanese restaurants in New York City. Initially focusing on the best ethnic eats in the city, Robert dissects what the term means to him and how he finds some of the best unknown restaurants. Akiko highlights some of Robert’s past articles and talks the evolution of Japanese food and community throughout the big apple plus his favorite places to eat! “The popularity of sushi here has proceeded in such a way that you can spend as much as three to five-hundred dollars!” [32:15] –Robert Sietsema on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Japan Eats returns for 2016 with none other than the man who wrote the book on science and cooking, Harold McGee. His career defining book, On Food & Cooking, has been referenced as a cooking bible for a generation of forward thinking chefs and culinary professionals. Discover how Harold was inspired to make a career of researching and writing about what happens when we cook, prepare and consume food, not to mention Japanese food! Harold is largely responsible for the molecular gastronomy/modernist cuisine movement and is cited as a major influence from the likes of Heston Blumenthal, Alton Brown and Dave Arnold. Harold’s passion for gastronomic knowledge has changed the way we eat food in this country, and his journey is as inspiring as his work, so tune in for a great show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Known as “The Sake Guy,” and “The Sake Evangelist,” John Gauntner is recognized as the world’s leading non-Japanese sake expert and this week he joins in studio for the season wrap-up of Japan Eats. He chats with host Akiko Katayama about his residency in Japan since 1988, he (necessarily) both speaks and reads Japanese fluently, and is well known in the sake industry as the window to making sake understandable and popular outside of Japan. Tune in for a chat on all things sake and more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wylie Dufresne is in studio with Akiko this week for an intriguing episode of Japan Eats! Hinting at his new project opening in the new year, Wylie explains how he found himself in the restaurant industry and why working in the industry is likened to playing a team sport. What does Wylie think about being considered a predominant figure in the modernist/molecular gastronomy food realm? What’s his brainstorming process like? Tune in for a great discussion on finding inspiration from all around, his Japanese influences (like dashi), plus the duo dissect some of Wylie’s notable dishes. > #### “Often times we will try to take things people are familiar with and play with it, have fun with it.” [14:30] –Wylie Dufresne on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Kampai!” or “Cheers!” This week on Japan Eats host Akiko Katayama welcomes Stephen Lyman to the studio talking all about the Japanese alcoholic beverage shochu. Founder and editor of Kampai!, Stephen explains his devotion to shochu, of which he is an expert and shares his travels to Kyushu (where 90%+ of authentic shochu is made) where he visited 6 distilleries and tried 262 different shochu (there are an estimated 6,000 labels from 600 distilleries in Japan) in just 5 days. Stephen went on to neighboring Okinawa where he visited 5 more Awamori distilleries. Upon his return from Japan he realized he had just scratched the surface of understanding shochu, but by this point his obsession had turned into a passion. After the break, Akiko and Stephen taste select shochu in studio and discuss traits to look for in the unique beverage. “Virtually all shochu is aged 3 to 6 months.” [28:30] “If I’m just out drinking with friends, the easiest way to drink it is on the rocks… In the summertime I really like shochu with soda.” [29:45] –Stephen Lyman on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever heard of natto? Otherwise known as a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis, natto is known for its powerful smell, strong flavor, and slimy texture typically eaten with a bowl of rice, and today it’s the topic of discussion on _ Japan Eats _. Host Akiko Katayama welcomes Ann Yonetani, founder of NYrture Food to the studio talking about her pioneering efforts to bring the probiotic, nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and strangely addictive food to the masses. Between the history of the breakfast/snack food and the science behind working with bacteria plus production techniques, Ann shares the multiple health benefits of the superfood and more! “If there’s any one food that I feel is a superfood, it’s natto!” [26:00] “You can basically do anything with it that you could with a flavorful cheese.” [41:30] –Ann Yonetani on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does one go from a food writer to a restaurant owner? Find out on a brand new episode of Japan Eats. Akiko Katayama is joined by Harris Salat, Ganso’s Managing Partner, journalist and restaurateur. A Brooklyn native, Harris is the author of numerous articles about Japanese cuisine, and has trained in Japanese restaurant kitchens in New York, Tokyo and Kyoto. He and Tadashi Ono are the co-authors of three popular Japanese cookbooks, “Japanese Hot Pots,” “The Japanese Grill,” and “Japanese Soul Cooking.” “To do good ramen is quite difficult. we work hard everyday, still, to do good ramen. our product is amazing right now, but it was a real effort [to get there].” [29:00] See 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 in studio with Sebastian Beckwith, owner at In the Pursuit of Tea. In Pursuit of Tea is a company with the mission to explore remote, traditional areas of tea production and find the finest teas available. In this episode, Sebastian talks about his experience working with and distributing tea to restaurants, the history of tea and the fascinating process of how different teas are made, how to differentiate different varieties and where they come from. “You can have many steeps of tea from the same leaf [loose leaf] and get different flavors coming from each steep.” [15:45] “People think of matcha as just powdered green tea,[…] it certainly is not.” [32:45] The Sencha, we thought always paired well with dark chocolate… [41:00] –Sebastian Beckwith on Japan Eats See 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 in studio with author, cook, and farmer, Nancy Singleton Hachisu. Leaving California for Japan in the late 1980’s, fully intending to learn Japanese in one year and return to the States for graduate school, Nancy shares how she instead fell in love with a Japanese organic farmer. Now living with her husband and three sons in their eighty-five-year-old traditional farmhouse, Nancy has taught home cooking to Japanese housewives for over two decades and is the leader of a local Slow Food convivium. Her newest book, “Preserving the Japanese Way: Traditions of Salting, Fermenting, and Pickling for the Modern Kitchen,” introduces Japanese methods of salting, pickling, and fermenting that are approachable and easy to integrate into a Western cooking repertoire. Tune in for a thorough discussion on Japanese farm life and what is next For Nancy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Born and raised in New York, though has called Japan home for more than four decades, writer and Japanese Food Culture Specialist Elizabeth Andoh joins host Akiko Katayama for another informative episode of Japan Eats. Explaining that her formal culinary training was taken at the Yanagihara School of Traditional Japanese Cuisine, in Tokyo, it was in 1972 that she began her own culinary arts program, A Taste of Culture. Combining spicy tidbits of food lore with practical tips and skill-building lessons on how to prepare Japanese food, Elizabeth’s programs are conducted in Tokyo and offer a unique opportunity for foreign residents and visitors from overseas to explore and enjoy Japan’s culture through its food. Tune in to hear more about Elizabeth’s fascinating path through the Japanese culinary world. “I often say what got me in to food was a bad bowl of noodles!” [9:00] “If you have a balanced meal – sweet, sour, salty – it’s likely you will avoid food cravings.” [17:30] “Long before Iron Chef there was this notion that you could make a whole meal out of a single ingredient.” [23:00] —Elizabeth Andoh on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chef Michael Romano is in studio for Japan Eats this week with host Akiko Katayama. Talking his impressive background beginning at the iconic Serendipity in New York in 1971, it was upon impressing a young Danny Meyer that propelled Michael to eventually joining staff at the Union Square Cafe while it earned numerous accolades from The New York Times and Zagat. Today Michael can be found, wearing the hats of both Chef and explorer, at Union Square Tokyo, the Japanese outpost of the New York restaurant. He shares details behind marrying the American restaurant to the Japanese culture plus more on this in-depth chat! “Tokyo is not New York, you have to respect the way people eat.” [15:00] –Chef Michael Romano See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ivan Orkin is in studio with host Akiko Katayama this week for Japan Eats! Talking how this self described “Jewish kid from Long Island” fell in love with the cuisine and culture of Japan to becoming a renowned and respected chef, Ivan shares what specifically attracted him to refining his own style of ramen. Discussing the evolution of ramen’s popularity in the Japan and the United States, Ivan also relays the importance of observing Japanese customs and traditions, details from his cookbook “Ivan Ramen: Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyo’s Most Unlikely Noodle Joint,” and what’s trending in ramen today. “One of the reasons I chose ramen was because I felt it was the only food stuff in Japan that didn’t have any rules.” [11:00] “Ramen shops used to be like a gangster shop, kind of like an old Irish pub!” [18:50] –Ivan Orkin on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet Kenta Goto, guest on this week’s episode of Japan Eats, hosted by Akiko Katayama. Kenta is the mastermind behind the newly opened Japanese-American bar, Bar Goto, located in the Lower East Side of New York City. Talking the differences between the American and Japanese bar scenes, and what makes the fusion of the two a unique experience at Bar Goto, Kenta shares his own brand of creativity when it comes to serving the best some of the cocktails in the city. Does freshly chipped ice make for a better martini? What’s on the menu at Bar Goto? Tune in for the delectable answers! “There’s a huge difference between the Japanese bar scene and American bar scene… in the states we make tips, bartenders in Japan are based on salary.” [11:00] “The concept is good cocktails and comfort Japanese food.” [25:50] –Kenta Goto on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Japan Eats is back! Host Akiko Katayama welcomes Shuho Yagi, owner of TIC Group, to the studio for a talk about his life and times, building a successful business, helping to define Japanese cuisine in New York City, plus establishing “Japantown” located in the East Village. He shares that he fatefully missed his Japanese college entrance exam by ten minutes which prompted him to take his tuition money on an adventure to the United States. Working his way as a short order cook, he quickly realized the untapped potential of introducing Japanese food to the American palate. Priding himself by implementing traditional Japanese cooking techniques, it is no surprise that his T.I.C. Group is comprised of multiple, thriving restaurants that allow patrons to “Enjoy Japan without Airfare!” “My concept is always original, go back to the original, that is key.” [39:00] –Shuho Yagi on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do Japanese udon and jazz music have in common? Tune in to Japan Eats as Akiko Katayama is in studio with musician Kyoko Oyobe who hails from an udon and soba noodle family! Her father is well known in Japan for his quality, homemade udon and has served it in his restaurants for years. Kyoko shares her experiences growing up as a pianist in a food household and that while she may have studied music since she age four, she still knows a great deal about this delicious and versatile noodle. Interlaced with udon talk and musical selections from her upcoming jazz album, “Happy Silence,” this show is not to be missed! This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham. “For me, udon is very light, not heavy like ramen.” [29:40] “I grew up with udon and in the restaurant there are so many memories. My parents… are making people happy by serving a bowl of udon… I want to put out my good spirit and make people happy with my music. ” [32:30] —Kyoko Oyobe on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Japan is a land of long traditions including the intricate art of crafting Japanese knives, and today on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is sitting down with Saori Kawano, founder and president of Korin Japanese Trading Corp. Sharing how she moved from Japan to New York in 1978 to pursue her lifelong dream of bringing Japanese knives and tableware into American restaurants and homes, Saori highlights the history, styles, and uses for these knives. Curious what distinguishes a western blade from a traditional Japanese knife or why your sashimi is cut so precisely? Tune in to this informative episode! This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham. “We can trace the history of Japanese knives back more than 1200 years to the traditional samurai sword makers.” [4:32] “The most popular traditional Japanese knives for western chefs are usuba knives.” [26:39] “Sharpening knives is very good meditation time; don’t think about anything else just focus on sharpening the knife. It’s a very peaceful moment.” [29:47] —Saori Kawano on Japan EatsSee 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 interviews Kenshiro Uki of Sun Noodles for a discussion all about the production of ramen. Kenshiro talks about how the popularity of ramen has risen, particularly in New York. Ramen has become a breeding ground for creativity and expression in the food world and its popularity is growing everyday. Join Akiko and Kenshiro to learn just why ramen is such a great business to be in. This program was brought to you by the International Culinary Center. “Ramen is comfort food, it’s good and it’s affordable.” [9:00] “When you’re younger you like the rich broth, and then when you’re older you tend to like the lighter broths…one common thing is spicy, people are always requesting spicy.” [30:00] — Kenshiro Uki on Japan Eats See 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 Katayam is in studio with Tim Cushman, the heralded chef and owner of O Ya with locations in Boston and most recently, New York City. Since it’s opening in 2007, Tim and the restaurant have received numerous accolades, including being named by New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni, as the #1 new restaurant in the country in 2008. Akiko and Tim discuss his colorful path to ultimately producing fine Japanese fare before moving on to his specific kitchen techniques involving amazing ingredients as well as details around specific dishes. Tune in for a delicious show! This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. “Why Japanese? When I fell in love with the Japanese culture, what I loved about the flavors of Japan were how much was accomplished in one bite.” [17:03] “The most important part of O Ya, to me, is our sushi rice, even though we have a lot more than sushi!” [17:25] —Tim Cushman on Japan EatsSee 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 interviews the president of Go!Go! Curry Tomoko Omori, for a discussion all about the popularity of curry in Japan. Akiko and Tomoko discuss the difference between Indian and Japanese curry, the history of curry in Japan, India, and England, and the best ingredients that can be incorporated into curry. This program was brought to you by Escape Maker. “When you go to a different region, you will always find a different curry.” [31:00] — Tomoko Omori on Japan Eats See 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 interviews the former bartender of Le Bernardin, Brian Matthys, about his love of the Japanese distilled beverage, shochu. Akiko and Brian discuss his journey as a bartender, dispel some common misconceptions of shochu, and go in depth about the history of the drink. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. “There’s a tremendous amount of Japanese ingredients that I’ve used both with western spirits and Japanese [spirits] as well.” [33:10] “For bartenders, it’s great because it’s a whole new set of flavors to work with and play around with.” [33:33] —Brian Matthys on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Japan Eats, Akiko is sitting down with one of only 48 “Sake Samurais” in the world as honored by the Japan Sake Brewers Association – Roger Dagorn. Also a noted Master Sommelier, Roger shares how he came around to the fascinating world of distinguished beverages as well as details on how he analyzes and pairs all types of food with various sakes plus relays how sake is typically produced. After the break, Roger describes the induction ceremony associated with the “Sake Samurai,” the importance of educating about sake, and his tips for pairing sakes with meals. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. “Every time I taste sake, I think about what I can pair it with food… Sake can be a food, it is meant to be consumed with food.” [8:00] “Sometimes with age they can take on strong aromas of smokiness and gaminess… Some people even compare them to scotch sometimes without the high alcohol.” [31:00] —Roger Dagorn on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matcha is, without a doubt, gaining popularity in the United States and is the topic of discussion on this week’s Japan Eats. Guest Michelle Gardner, owner of Chalait in New York City’s West Village recently opened with a focus on this special tea. Michelle shares that the concept of the cafe was born on a trip to Japan when she had her first sip of matcha and felt driven to bring it to an American audience, prepared using traditional techniques. She goes on to elaborate the various ways Chalait implements matcha into the menu aside from a typically sweet additive. After the break, the health benefits of the tea are discussed and range from containing high levels of antioxidants to relieving stress and boosting metabolism. Curious to try? Switch out your afternoon cup of coffee with a traditional matcha tea! This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center. “This [matcha] is sort of the tea-spresso of Japan!” [16:30] “Matcha is a great alternative if you want to live a healthier lifestyle.” [22:10] “Matcha is delicate and it often can be drawn out if combined with too many other things.” [29:14] —Michelle Gardner on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Go beyond sushi and ramen and deeper into the rustic foods of Japan on a brand new episode of Japan Eats!. Host Akiko Katayama is joined by Tadashi Ono, owner Ganso Yaki – a Japanese bistro that cooks bold, rustic Japanese comfort food. Chef Ono talks about pulling inspiration from French techniques and street foods of Japan and creating his own unique style of food. This program was brought to you by Bonnie Plants. “I’m happy to introduce this new funky Japanese food!” 38:00 “What I make is very rustic, not very defined.” 40:00 –Tadashi Ono on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Jaeckle joins host Akiko Katayama this week on Japan Eats for a discussion about how he became a chef, and why he decided to cook so many different kinds of food. Chris and Akiko talk about the commitment and learning process that Chris went through that brought him to working at restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park and Morimoto, and how these experiences eventually helped open his restaurants All’Onda and Uma Temakeria. This program was brought to you by Karp Resources. “Any entrepreneur who is trying to grow and get better will always be competing with themselves.” [5:00] “We have young kids in high school and elementary school…we certainly didn’t think it would be like this, but were really pleased with the demographic [Customers at Uma Temakeria].” [34:00] — Chris Jaeckle on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rick Smith, owner of Sakaya, joins host Akiko Katayama in studio today for a conversation all about Sake. Rick starts the show by giving us all an education about what sake is made out of, and the complicated process of how it is brewed. Rick and Akiko discuss the changes that have occurred in the US based on sake appreciation. Just as wine is highly appreciated in the US, Rick tells us that sake appears to be on the same track. The beautiful tradition of sake production, how to drink sake properly, and the expanding industry of sake in the US, all this week on Japan Eats . This program was brought to you by Whole Foods Market. “Beer brewing is a sequential process, one step after another, sake brewing has many steps happening at the same time in the same tank.” [5:00] “That was the ah ha moment for me, that premium sake had all the same qualities that had attracted me to wine.” [11:00] — Rick Smith on Japan Eats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yuji Haraguchi, the chef behind OKONOMI // YUJI Ramen, joins Akiko Katayama for an information-filled episode of Japan Eats. Yuji explains how he embraces mottainai, a Japanese phrase that loosely translates to “no waste”, in his cooking. Learn about ramen techniques, under utilized seafood and his forward thinking philosophy in the kitchen. This program was brought to you by EscapeMaker.com. “The fish we serve is wild …it’s important to have a good relationship with your fish purveyor.” [23:00] “We have more than 10 different fish on the menu.” [33:00] “All the ceramics we serve at the restuarant are made by hand.” [38:00] –Yuji Haraguichi on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Japan Eats! Japan Eats is a weekly radio show from Akiko Katayama, a food writer and a director of the non-profit organization The New York Japanese Culinary Academy (NYJCA), which promotes a deeper understanding of Japanese cuisine in the US. Akiko is joined by food industry professionals who can share their deep knowledge and passion for Japanese cuisine. Tune in and demystify Japanese food tradition, learn about the latest Japanese food trends. On her first episode she’s joined by Harry Rosenblum of Brooklyn Kitchen and The Meat Hook. Harry talks about the products he carries, specifically Japanese knives. “Knives are a really good example of something the’s easy to directly import.” [08:00] “We don’t like to support products that are what we call ‘landfill fodder’. We don’t want to sell people things that will break in two weeks or become useless.” [14:00] –Harry Rosenblum on Japan EatsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.