James Lau
James Lau spent three years in the deep countryside of Kyushu and now calls himself inakamono. He enjoys a good bowl of ramen and is currently on the hunt for his new tsukemen shop. When not eating ramen, he enjoys playing crane games and doing both film and digital photography.
Articles by James Lau
Valentine’s Day 2026 and Japan’s Changing February Culture
Valentine’s Day 2026 in Japan reflects how the month of February has grown beyond romance into a broader seasonal experience. The holiday now sits alongside winter food trends, public events, and quiet indoor activities.
Japanese Romance Movies and Shows To Watch This Year!
Japanese romance movies and TV shows often focus on realistic emotions rather than exaggerated drama or fantasy. Instead of fast-moving plots, these stories usually develop slowly and emphasize everyday experiences that feel familiar to viewers.
Hiroshima Oyster Shio Ramen: A Seafood-Focused Take on Shio Ramen
Hiroshima oyster shio ramen is a regional ramen style that combines a light salt-based broth with oysters harvested from the Seto Inland Sea. It’s one of Japan’s leading oyster producers, which makes oysters a familiar and trusted ingredient in local cuisine. When paired together, oysters and shio ramen create a bowl that feels balanced, regional,...
Ramen Flavors Spotlight: Would You Try Chocolate Ramen?
Chocolate is usually associated with sweets and desserts. In Japan, however, seasonal food experiments are common, especially during winter.
What Is Unshu Mikan? Japan’s Sweet Winter Citrus Explained
Unshu mikan is one of the most familiar fruits in Japan. It is a small mandarin orange known for its sweet taste and easy-to-peel skin. People usually eat it during the autumn and winter months when it is widely available. The fruit grows well in warm coastal regions and is sold in supermarkets, markets, and...
From Romance to Self-Care: Japan’s New February 14th Trend
February 14th is widely celebrated in Japan as Valentine’s Day, a holiday associated with chocolate and gift-giving. Unlike many countries, Japan developed its own rules for celebrating Valentine’s Day.