Why “YUNOMI”?

Tamari soy sauce is a traditional Japanese seasoning that stands out from regular soy sauce due to its unique production process. Originating from the Tokai region, Tamari was first developed as a byproduct of making "miso" (fermented soybean paste). Specifically, it’s the liquid that seeps out during the fermentation of miso blocks, known as "miso-dama." This liquid is carefully collected and aged for over a year to produce Tamari soy sauce.   The production of Tamari involves steaming soybeans, adding koji (a type of mold used for fermentation), and forming them into miso blocks. These blocks are then aged for ...

Most “wasabi” served around the world—and often even in Japan—isn’t real wasabi. It’s usually a blend of horseradish, mustard, and green coloring designed to imitate the heat and color of the genuine plant. This guide explains what real wasabi is, why it’s so rare, how it differs from the common substitute, and how you can experience the authentic flavor for yourself.   What Is Real Wasabi? Real wasabi, called hon-wasabi (Wasabia japonica), is a perennial plant native to Japan. It thrives in cool, pristine mountain streams where water runs constantly and cleanly. Because it requires stable temperatures (roughly 13–16°C year-round), ...

Kishimen is a traditional flat udon noodle widely enjoyed in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Known for its broad and flat shape, Kishimen offers a distinct texture and slurping experience compared to regular udon. It is a beloved dish that represents Nagoya's food culture, cherished by both locals and visitors alike. In this article, we explore the unique characteristics and deep flavors of Kishimen.   The Unique Shape and Texture of Kishimen One of the most distinguishing features of Kishimen is its broad and flat shape. Unlike regular udon, Kishimen has a larger surface area, allowing the broth and dashi to cling ...

Amazake is a traditional Japanese drink with a naturally sweet, creamy taste and a gentle warmth. Despite its name—literally “sweet sake”—amazake is often alcohol-free and enjoyed by children and adults alike. What Is Amazake? Amazake is a fermented rice drink whose texture ranges from smooth and silky to thick and grainy depending on the recipe. It is usually served warm in winter and is considered one of Japan’s oldest comfort drinks, with roots traced back to the Nara period.   Two Types: Koji Amazake vs. Sake Lees Amazake Koji Amazake Made by fermenting steamed rice with rice koji (麹), a ...

A ninja, also known as shinobi, refers to spies and assassins who operated secretly in Japan's historical periods. Predominantly active from the medieval era through the Edo period, ninjas were deeply rooted in Japan's history and culture. Their presence was especially significant during the Sengoku period (late 15th to early 17th century), a time of intense conflict among warlords vying for power. The primary tasks of ninjas included gathering intelligence, conducting sabotage, and assassinating key figures. Unlike samurai, ninjas had to operate in secrecy, mastering the arts of stealth and disguise to carry out their missions effectively.   The Training ...

In Japan, spring brings more than blossoms and warmer air. Along the coastline, the sea quietly pulls back, exposing wide stretches of rippled sand. This moment signals the start of shiohigari — clam digging — a tradition long rooted in coastal life. What Is Shiohigari? A Familiar Sign of Spring The name blends shio (tide), higa (to dry), and kari (to hunt). When the tide recedes, people gather clams from the exposed seabed. What began as a practical way to collect food has gradually become an annual spring activity enjoyed by families, friends, and seaside lovers.   A Tradition Shaped ...

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.Small tremors happen almost every day, and while most are harmless, large ones can be devastating — as seen in Kobe (1995) and Fukushima (2011). For visitors, even a minor shake can feel frightening.But for Japanese people, earthquakes are part of everyday life — something they’ve learned to live with, prepare for, and respond to calmly. Understanding Japan’s Earthquake Reality From early childhood, Japanese people are taught what to do during a quake.Schools hold regular emergency drills, and workplaces train employees on evacuation procedures. Japan’s strict building standards mean that ...

It has been said that Japanese is difficult to learn, but perhaps not as difficult as you would think. Whilst it may take a while to come to terms with the huge differences between Japanese and English, the spoken language is actually pretty simple, and the written language can be learned very successfully with a little hard work and logical planning. Obviously more difficult than most European languages, but probably easier than other "exotic languages", the lack of tones is a blessing for westerners.   The Japanese Language Is Not Difficult...? If looked at from a linguistic point of view, ...

At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji (富士山) is Japan’s highest peak and one of its most iconic symbols. Every summer, thousands of hikers from around the world set out to climb it—some chasing the dream of sunrise above a sea of clouds, others simply ticking off a bucket-list goal. But here’s the truth: climbing Mount Fuji is not easy. It’s a demanding overnight ascent that tests your fitness, gear, and judgment. This guide is designed to help you decide—honestly—whether you should climb, and what it really takes to do it safely.   Official Season and Crowds The official season runs from ...

The Daruma doll is one of Japan’s most famous lucky charms.Round, hollow, and weighted at the bottom, this figure is modeled after Bodhidharma—the founder of Zen Buddhism. Far more than a souvenir, the Daruma symbolizes perseverance, determination, and hope.Its blank eyes and bold colors make it both a cultural icon and a tool for setting personal goals. A Brief History and Legends Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th–6th century AD.He is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Ch’an (Zen) to China. Little is known about his life, but over time many legends emerged: Nine years of ...