James Lau

Yuzu ramen brings together noodles and broth with the bright, citrusy aroma of Japan’s beloved yuzu fruit. A modern favorite among ramen lovers, this dish is all about balance.

Oden is a beloved Japanese hot-pot dish that brings warmth to chilly days. It features a variety of ingredients simmered gently in a soy-flavored dashi broth. Each region of Japan molds the dish to its tastes, so traveling reveals new flavors and textures.

In August 2025, McDonald’s Japan launched a special Happy Set campaign featuring limited-edition Pokémon cards, including an exclusive Pikachu card. However, instead of a celebration, the event quickly spiraled into chaos. Scalpers bought large numbers of Happy Sets, food waste became a public issue, and customers were left disappointed. What went wrong, and how could...

Japan is home to some of the world’s most beloved hobbies, and plastic models hold a special place among them. Shizuoka welcomed a new attraction this September: the Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute (BHC PDII) Museum.

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is one of Asia’s largest hot-air balloon festivals. The event attracts nearly a million visitors who see colorful hot-air balloons, international competitions, and nighttime light shows.

Tokyo Banana is a sponge cake shaped like a banana filled with smooth banana custard cream. It was first launched in 1991 and was the first confection to carry “Tokyo” in its name.