Japan Society Reruns Holiday Cooking Online Workshop
Thanksgiving, Japan Style
Available through November 30
Online Cooking Workshop
Free
Give your Thanksgiving feast a Japanese spin this year with shio koji butter-brined turkey, blistered green beans and shishito peppers, and Japanese sweet potatoes. In this online workshop presented by Japan Society, Maiko Kyogoku, owner of Bessou, a modern Japanese comfort food kiosk at Market 57, will teach a variety of festive recipes that bridge cultural traditions, using ingredients perfect for the season.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz
This year, dazzle guests at your holiday feast with a menu bursting with the flavors of Japan. Please note: This workshop was recorded on November 2, 2021. Some information may have changed since the time of recording.
To register for YouTube access and the recipe card, please visit Japan Society’s website.
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Japanese Restaurants in NYC Earn Michelin Stars
Michelin released its 2023 New York guide on November 7, and of the 71 restaurants on the list, 20 are Japanese. Well, technically two of the restaurants are considered French, but they are run by Japanese chefs. (I’m taking liberties in the name of All Things Japanese in New York City.) Sushi Noz and odo earned promotions from one star to two, while Sushi Ginza Onodera, which closed this summer, and East Village sushi outpost Kanoyama failed to make the list.
Famed sushi restaurant Masa continues to sit atop the list with three stars. As usual, most of the Michelin Guide entries are pricey sushi spots, while a few serve kaiseki fare. Tempura Matsui and Torien are the lone tempura and yakitori restaurants, respectively.
If you’re not into spending $600 on sushi, you’ll find the more practical Michelin Bib Gourmands at the bottom of this list.
Here are the 18 Japanese and two French/Japanese restaurants with Michelin stars for 2023:
Three Stars ("Exceptional cuisine")
Masa
Type of Cuisine: Sushi
10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center
Website: https://www.masanyc.com/
In February of this year, Marian Bull reported in Food & Wine that not only is Masa the most expensive sushi restaurant in the US, “it is arguably the most expensive restaurant, period.” Despite an omakase price tag of $750 (exclusive of beverage and tax), Masa has consistently earned three stars since 2006, when the Michelin Guide started covering New York City restaurants.
Sushi Noz in the Upper East Side
Two Stars (“Excellent cooking”)
odo (up from one star in 2022)
Type of cuisine: Kaiseki
17 W. 20th Street
Website: https://www.odo.nyc/
In addition to crafting high-end seasonal kaiseki for lunch and dinner, Chef Hiroki Odo hosts art exhibitions in THE GALLERY, which is attached to the restaurant.
Sushi Noz (up from one star in 2022)
Type of cuisine: Edomae Sushi
181 E. 78th Street
Website: https://www.sushinoz.com/
Experience omakase at an eight-seat, 200-year-old hinoki counter run by Chef Nozomu Abe, who was inspired by the fish from his grandfather’s Hokkaido seafood company.
Hirohisa
One Star ("High-quality cooking”)
Hirohisa
Type of cuisine: Kaiseki
73 Thompson Street
Website: https://www.hirohisa.nyc/
Chef Hirohisa Hayashi uses exceptional ingredients for an incredible seasonal kaiseki experience.
ICCA
Type of cuisine: Sushi
20 Warren Street
Website: https://icca.nyc/
Chef Kazushige Suzuki serves only fish from Japan for his omakase and tasting menu.
Jōji (new)
Type of cuisine: Sushi
1 Vanderbilt Avenue
Website: https://www.jojiny.com/
Chef George Ruan leads an omakase experience that pairs premium sake and fine wines with seasonal ingredients.
Kosaka
Type of cuisine: Sushi
220 W. 13th Street
Website: https://www.kosakanyc.com/
The Michelin Guide says Kosaka “offers a stellar omakase in an elegant setting.”
l’abeille
Type of cuisine: French (with Japanese sensibilities)
412 Greenwich Street
Website: https://www.labeille.nyc/
Executive Chef Mitsunobu Nagae is a veteran of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Château Restaurant Joël Robuchon in Tokyo.
Noda
Type of cuisine: Sushi
27 W. 20th Street
Website: https://www.noda.nyc/
Chef Shigeyuki Tsunoda serves a 20-course omakase twice a night.
Noz 17
Type of cuisine: Sushi
458 W. 17th Street
Website: https://www.noz17.com/
At this companion restaurant to Sushi Noz, Chef Junichi Matsuzaki, Chef Nozomu Abe’s protégé, serves a thirty-course, Edomae-style sushi tasting menu in this seven-seat space in Chelsea.
Restaurant Yuu (new)
Type of cuisine: French contemporary, Japanese
55 Nassau Avenue, Brooklyn
Website: https://www.yuunewyork.com/restaurantyuu/
An alumnus of Guy Savoy in Paris and Mifune in Manhattan, Chef Yuu Shimano serves French dishes that highlight Japanese ingredients. A recent addition to the emergence of Japanese business in Greenpoint, Restaurant Yuu is the only new Brooklyn restaurant to receive a star this year.
Shion 69 Leonard Street
Type of cuisine: Edomae Sushi
60 Leonard Street
Website: https://www.69leonardstreet.com/
Formerly of Sushi Saito in Tokyo (three Michelin stars) Executive Chef Shion Uino creates an Edomae-style experience in an intimate setting.
Sushi Amane
Type of cuisine: Sushi
245 E. 44th Street
Website: https://www.sushi-amane.com/
The Michelin Guide reports that daily fish deliveries to Sushi Amane allows “guests to experience the freshest and most seasonally minded product possible.”
Sushi Ichimura (New)
Type of cuisine: Sushi
412 Greenwich Street
Website: https://www.sushiichimura.nyc/
Legendary Executive Chef Eiji Ichimura, formerly of David Bouley’s Brushstroke and earned two Michelin stars at Uchu, helms this omakase experience at l’abeille.
Sushi Nakazawa
Type of cuisine: Sushi
23 Commerce Street
Website: https://www.sushinakazawa.com/new-york
Everyone’s favorite former Jiro Dreams of Sushi apprentice continues to earn accolades of his own.
Sushi Yasuda
Type of cuisine: Sushi
204 E. 43rd Street
Website: https://www.sushiyasuda.com/index.html
The Guide lauds Sushi Yasuda for its “classically assembled sushi,” saying, “Each item is handled with care, highlighting their robust flavor.”
Tempura Matsui
Type of cuisine: Tempura
222 E. 39th Street
Website: https://www.tempuramatsui.com/
Tempura Matsui is the first authentic Japanese restaurant in New York that focuses only on tempura.
Torien
Type of cuisine: Yakitori
292 Elizabeth Street
Website: https://torien-nyc.com/
Chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa presents a 13-course yakitori experience devoted to all parts of the chicken.
Tsukimi
Type of cuisine: Kaiseki
228 E. 10th Street
Website: https://www.tsukimi.nyc/
“Tsukimi” means “moon viewing” in Japanese, and this seasonal Japanese kaiseki restaurant pays homage to the mid-autumn harvest festival.
Yoshino
Type of cuisine: Sushi
342 Bowery
Website: https://www.yoshinonewyork.com/
This LES sushi spot is named after the chef’s father’s hometown in Nara Prefecture.
Tonchin
Bib Gourmands (“good quality, good-value cooking”)
Michelin defines “good value” as spending around $49 or less—excluding tax and gratuity—for two courses and a glass of wine or dessert. The Guide considers these restaurants “places that serve phenomenal meals that don’t break the bank.”
DOMODOMO
Type of Cuisine: Sushi
138 W. Houston Street
Website: https://www.domodomonyc.com/
Nami Nori
Type of Cuisine: Temaki
33 Carmine Street
Website: https://naminori.nyc/
Shalom Japan
Type of Cuisine: “Authentically inauthentic Jewish and Japanese food”
310 S. 4th Street, Brooklyn
Website: https://shalomjapannyc.com/
Soba-ya
Type of Cuisine: Soba Noodles
229 E. 9th Street
Website: https://sobaya.square.site/
Tonchin
Type of Cuisine: Ramen
13 W. 36th Street
Website: https://www.tonchinnewyork.com/
For a complete list of all the New York restaurants that earned stars—not just the Japanese ones—please visit Michelin’s website.
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JAPANESE FOOD EXPO AT JAPAN VILLAGE
Japanese Food Expo New York 2023
Friday, October 20 from Noon until 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 21 from 11:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 22 from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The Loft at Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd Floor)
Admission: Free
Sushi and ramen are just a fraction of Japan's rich culinary heritage. To that end, the Japanese Food Culture Association presents the Japanese Food Expo 2023, which will introduce food products that represent the wide spectrum of Japanese cuisine.
Experience the unwavering dedication of Japan's producers, shining through in their meticulous creations. There will be limited quantities of free samples available, so go and explore the profound depths of Japanese food.
Products
Shoyu
Tamari
Ponzu
Yaki imo
Sweet potato cakes
Shiitake mushroom powder
Kombu
Umeboshi
Sports jelly
Melons
Buttercream and caramel sweets
Curry mix
For full details about the vendors, please visit the Japanese Food Expo website and follow them on Instagram.
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!
“Immersive Kawaii Experience” at Sushidelic
What pops into your mind when you think of a typical sushi restaurant? Serene and minimalist ambiance with a beautifully crafted hinoki wood bar at which a limited number of customers watch a highly trained sushi chef skillfully craft pieces of nigiri one by one.
Sushidelic, a new sushi restaurant that opened in SoHo on June 28, turns that idea on its head.
The brainchild of Japanese artist Sebastian Masuda, Sushidelic—a portmanteau of “sushi” and “psychedelic”— is the opposite of how anyone would perceive a sushi restaurant. And it’s delightful.
Multidisciplinary Talent
Masuda is an artist who exhibits worldwide. He’s the founder of 6%DOKIDOKI, a Harajuku staple of kawaii toys and Decora fashion and accessories since the mid-1990s. In 2011 he served as the art director of J-pop idol Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s music video for her hit song “PonPonPon.” The King of Kawaii Culture has added another job title to his impressive resume: restaurateur.
Rather, Masuda is re-adding the job title. From 2015 until 2021, Masuda and DD Holdings, a Japanese company that specializes in managing themed restaurants, ran the Kawaii Monster Café in Tokyo. Although reviews about the food weren’t exactly complimentary, the Kawaii Monster Café was a tourist destination, especially for fans of Masuda’s art and Harajuku’s subculture.
If you’re familiar with Masuda, you know that vibrant colors, 1970s plastic toys, eclectic faux fur, and all things kawaii find their way out of his brain and into the world in a jumbled and yet somehow cohesive manner. In his mind, sushi looks like dessert, and dessert looks like sushi. His imaginings have come to life at Sushidelic in the forms of macaron sushi and chirashi parfaits. Masuda wants his guests to enjoy “an immersive kawaii experience,” and he has created the perfect vehicle with which to accomplish it.
When you enter Sushidelic, the first thing you’ll notice is that the decor isn’t anything you’d imagine from a sushi restaurant. The light fixtures are upside-down lipstick tubes. There are cloud-shaped mirrors on the ceiling. The giant heads of three cats hang above the bar, and they have names: Tipsy Cat, Lovely Cat, and Sexy Cat. The slowly rotate to reveal the pieces of sushi and a large pair of red lips on the back. To tie in the theme, the hostesses are called the “Delic Cats,” each wearing an outfit of Masuda’s design, matching the looks of Tipsy, Lovely, and Sexy.
The restaurant features a conveyor belt in the form of a long tongue emerging from a mouth-shaped opening in the kitchen wall. Sushidelic stands apart from average kaiten sushi spots where customers grab desired pieces of sushi off a rotating belt and have the color-coded plates tallied up at the end to calculate the bill. Instead, the tongue-belt carries Masuda’s artwork and beverages making their way from playful bartenders to customers sitting at the counter.
Unlike the kaiten sushi concept, Sushidelic’s offering is a six-course omakase dinner that Masuda calls “Pure Imagination.” A palette of six sauces accompanies the meal: black sesame, yuzu, mango and ginger, wasabi, spicy mayo, and a blueberry sauce to drizzle on dessert. It’s best to taste each piece of sushi first before adding any of the sauces, then experiment with the different flavors.
“Pure Imagination” Omakase Menu
Macaron Sushi
Macaron, tuna, sushi Rice
Hamachi
Hamachi, Ponzu, truffle oil, micro radish greens
Ape-Maki (Appetizer Rolls)
California roll with crab cake, salmon with salmon roe, eel tamago roll, and spicy tuna over crispy rice
Tempura
Shrimp, seasonal vegetable kakiage with matcha and yuzu salt
Chirashi Parfait
Mixed sashimi over pink sushi rice with marinated vegetables
EX-Sushi Desserts
Yuzu sushi over Rice Krispies dessert and sake cheesecake
Vegetarian menu is available on request.
I envisioned the creative plating, of course, but great food? Not really. Perhaps I was influenced by the negative reviews I read about Kawaii Monster Café, but I wasn’t expecting this meal to be as delicious as it was. I should’ve known better; private chef Abe Hiroki of EN Japanese Brasserie fame consulted with Masuda and his team of chefs to create dishes that are as flavorful as they are aesthetically pleasing. If I were to name one week link in the six courses, it would have to be the tempura. Although good, it had no Wow factor. My favorite is the chirashi parfait in both presentation and taste.
Beverages
Beer (including Japanese beers such as Echigo, Kizakura Kyoto, and Orion), wine, and sake (including Brooklyn Kura’s #14) are available from the bar, but the cocktails are the stars of the beverage show. I had the Lychee Berry Smash and the Matcha Tea-tini, which is a production in and of itself.
Sushidelic is indeed the immersive kawaii experience that Masuda wants us all to have. The art, style, and atmosphere are something you won’t see anywhere else. And at $85, it’s at a price point that can’t be beat in New York City.
So, the big question is this: Is Sushidelic sustainable? Will locals tire of the show and move on to the next big thing? Masuda’s fans in the Kawaii Community were out in full force at Sushidelic’s opening party, some traveling from as far away as Pennsylvania, but will they be regular customers? No one knows if the novelty of this novel concept will fade. For now, Masuda’s Kawaii Monster Café is all grown up and starting to live its best life in SoHo.
Details
Sushidelic is located at 177 Lafayette Street (between Broome and Grand Streets in SoHo)
Hours: Dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. (last seating 10:00 p.m.)
Make reservations through Resy but act fast because all seats are booked through July 18 (at time of publishing).
Check out their website and follow them on Instagram.
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Solo Dining Bliss: Discovering ICHIRAN Ramen's Tranquil Hideaway in Times Square
Nestled amidst the neon and noise of Times Square, ICHIRAN Ramen beckons with a serenity that stands apart from the bustling streets of its surroundings, enveloping diners in an atmosphere that feels worlds away.
Considered the best tonkotsu ramen in the world, ICHIRAN began in 1960 as a family-owned ramen stall in Fukuoka in Western Japan. Since then, President and CEO Manabu Yoshitomi has grown the business to 83 locations throughout Asia and three right here in New York City. Along with an original style and flavor of ramen, Yoshitomi created a unique dining experience. Diners sit in individual, partitioned cubicles that separate them from other guests so that customers focus only on the ramen that’s placed before them.
Recently, ICHIRAN invited me to a tasting at their Times Square location during regular business hours, where I embarked on a solo dining experience unlike any other. Knowing that ICHIRAN’s specialty is classic tonkotsu ramen—my personal favorite—I was intrigued by how they would combine their culinary delights with their unique concept of individual cubicles to provide a peaceful and delicious lunchtime retreat.
Electronic booth seating chart at ICHIRAN Times Square
Personalized Culinary Adventure
Walking through the doors of ICHIRAN, I instantly saw a blend of traditional Japanese atmosphere and modern technology: On the wall between noren adorning the doorways leading to the seating area sits a seating chart that indicates vacant booths with bright green lights. The solo cubicles, separated by wooden partitions, create an intimate space where I could enjoy my meal undisturbed. I'm not an introvert, but the prospect of indulging in my ramen without distractions was truly appealing. But the booths don’t mean you must dine alone; the partitions can be folded back to allow you to talk to your companions.
Individual dining booths at ICHIRAN Times Square
My personal booth
Ordering at ICHIRAN
ICHIRAN’s order sheet allowed me to tailor my ramen to my exact preferences, from the richness of the broth to the firmness of the noodles and the intensity of the spices.
The server, whose face was unseen due to tatami-like curtain, instructed me to place the order sheet facing the kitchen when ready to order. There is also a call button in the booth to press, just like restaurants in Japan.
I opted for light dashi seasoning and a light oil base, ensuring the broth wouldn’t be overpowering and steering away from the full richness commonly associated with traditional tonkotsu ramen. The Original Spicy Red Sauce is ICHIRAN’s secret recipe and claim to fame, but I am not a fan of spicy food, so I skipped it altogether.
I wanted my bowl of ramen to come with scallion and chashu sliced pork, but this presented a momentary dilemma. The "Recommended Toppings Set" includes scallion and chashu, along with soft-boiled egg, dried seaweed, and kikurage mushroom. I wondered, Should I select “without” scallion and chashu on the main portion of the menu if I ask for the Recommended Toppings Set? But if I select “without,” will my server think I don’t want scallion and chashu and leave both off my order? In the end I kept my original “with” choices as well as the toppings.
The first plate that arrived contained all the items in the recommended toppings set. When the server placed my steaming bowl of ramen in front of me, chashu and scallion already garnished the broth. My decision to choose the toppings set alongside the "with" options had essentially doubled my order. I embraced the unexpected abundance and had no trouble consuming everything.
Recommended Toppings Set with boiled egg (still in its shell)
ICHIRAN’s classic tonkotsu ramen
The soft-boiled egg arrived in a separate bowl, shell intact, which was unexpected. As I peeled away the shell, I discovered a perfectly cooked egg, reminiscent of what one would expect at a renowned ramen restaurant, there was a lack of the distinct, vibrant orange hue often associated with eggs from Japan.
While the customizable menu offers beverages such as soda, Ramune, and Calpico, water is self-service, with water dispensers located throughout the dining area.
ICHIRAN’s matcha pudding, with its creamy and smooth texture and rich matcha flavor, was the perfect finale to a satisfying meal.
ICHIRAN’s matcha pudding
Authenticity
True to its reputation, ICHIRAN’s tonkotsu ramen did not disappoint. The rich, creamy pork bone broth, simmered to perfection for hours, exuded a delightful umami. The thin, chewy noodles complemented the broth, providing a satisfying texture with each slurp. I have great appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into the Hakata-style broth and thin noodles, which are prepared every day in ICHIRAN’s Brooklyn factory and delivered to each location. If I were to change anything about my order, I would have selected a mild version of the red sauce, just to see what the extra flavor was like.
Embracing Solitude
ICHIRAN Ramen in Times Square NYC seamlessly combines flavors, an authentic Japanese experience, and a welcoming haven for solo diners. I enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere of the individual cubicles while relishing the classic tonkotsu ramen. Whether you're an introvert seeking solitude or an adventurous food enthusiast, ICHIRAN Ramen promises a unique dining experience that will transport you to a yatai in Fukuoka.
ICHIRAN Times Square
New York Locations
Times Square – 152 West 49th Street
Hours: Monday - Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday - Sunday Noon - 10:00 p.m.
Midtown – 132 West 31st Street
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Brooklyn – 374 Johnson Avenue
Hours: Every day Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Summer Festival: Japanese Food & Drinks
Night Market in Japan Village
Wednesday, June 14 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn
Admission: $12 Presale | $15 (after presale tickets are sold out)
The first epic Japan Night Market is coming to Japan Village in Industry City, Brooklyn! Night Market Summer Festival will kick off the 2023 season at Japan Village Brooklyn followed by Chelsea in July and Bushwick in August. Celebrate the early summer with mouthwatering Japanese foods and a selected special drink menu.
Upstairs NYC is turning all 20,000 square feet of Japan Village into a night market featuring a variety of food, drink, and crafts.
The courtyard at Japan Village
Food
Wagyu Sushi
Yakitori (Skewers)
Kushiage (Deep-fried Skewers)
Grilled Corn
Ikamaruyaki (Grilled Whole Squid)
Onigiri Rice Ball
Ramen
Curry Rice
Ube and Matcha Cheesecake
Mochi-Filled Cookies
And more!
The price range for food is $10-$15
WakuWaku
Special Sake Selection
Sake from Japan by Kubota Sake
Brooklyn Cocktails with a sake spin by Brooklyn Kura and Kato Sake Works
Special Chu-Hi by Takara
Umeshu (plum sake) by Choya
This is a very rare sake experience with many brands in collaboration!
Kato Sake Works
There will also be accessories, candles, outfits, crafts, and more available for purchase.
Japan Village’s large outdoor patio and lanterns offer the perfect backdrop for photos and add to the festive atmosphere! Plus, there will be a display of 100 Hello Kitty balloons! Come dressed in a yukata for the photo booth and make memories.
Night Market is open to the public. Your ticket grants you admission to the event as well as one free drink (sake, chu-hi, or a non-alcoholic beverage) and $5 off one menu item. To purchase tickets, please visit EventCreate.com.
About Upstairs NYC
Formed in 2022, Upstairs NYC is a non-profit organization based in New York City dedicated to promoting friendly relations between New York and other countries. The organization focuses on fostering learning and community engagement across four pillars: arts and culture, lifestyle, technology, and food. Upstairs NYC regularly hosts panel discussions, experiential events, cultural celebrations, and socials. For more information, please visit Upstairs NYC’s website.
About Japan Village
The culture at Japan Village is rooted in omotenashi, a Japanese approach to great hospitality and a mutual respect for guests. The Industry City complex strives to create and nurture a strong Japanese community in Brooklyn. Their mission is to communicate Japanese culture and everyday life through the food served at the food hall and the plethora of ingredients and items that are available at Sunrise Mart. For more information, please visit Japan Village’s website.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with an After Dark Tea Party
After Dark Tea Party
Thursday, May 25 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Wonderland Dreams by Alexa Meade – 529 5th Avenue
Admission: $40
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Asian tea, food, and drinks by Asian-owned restaurants and shops at the spectacular Wonderland Dreams, a fun-filled festival bringing together diverse Asian American cultures inside and out!
Your ticket includes admission to Wonderland Dreams, where you can go down a rabbit hole of mad tea parties and secret rose gardens in a living gallery that puts you inside the artwork.
Explore Asian food and shop vendors (Price range: $10-$15)
Taiwanese Vegetable Sticky Rice
Japanese Ramen
Tokyo Fried Chicken
Matcha Cheesecake, Hojicha Cheesecake, Matcha Mochi-Filled Cookies
Tea Cocktails
Bubble Tea
Asian owned brands accessories, candles, crafts, cosmetics, and more!
Early-bird tickets are sold out, but you can receive a 12% discount if you use the promo code UP. To purchase tickets, please visit Event Create.
About Upstairs NY
Formed in 2022, Upstairs NYC is a non-profit organization based in New York City dedicated to promoting friendly relations between New York and other countries. The organization focuses on fostering learning and community engagement across four pillars: arts and culture, lifestyle, technology, and food. Upstairs NYC regularly hosts panel discussions, experiential events, cultural celebrations, and socials. For more information, please visit their website.
About Wonderland Dreams
Wonderland Dreams by Alexa Meade brings to life the stories of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in an immersive, hand-painted exhibit. Located just steps from Bryant Park, every inch of this interactive exhibition space is hand-painted from floor to ceiling, allowing visitors to walk inside a multi-dimensional work of art. Learn more at their website.
Wonderland Dreams by Alexa Meade
Enter the “May is Japan Month” Social Media Contest
Enter the “May is JAPAN MONTH” Social Media Contest for a chance to win airline tickets to Japan!
JAPAN Fes is presenting a social media contest celebrating Japanese regional cuisine. Now through May 31, Japanophiles are encouraged to visit participating Japanese restaurants, order from their JAPAN MONTH Menu, take a photo, and share it on social media using the hashtag #mayisjapanmonth. A total of three contest winners each will receive a pair of round-trip air tickets to Japan in JAL miles, courtesy of Japan Airlines (JAL)! A selection committee consisting of representatives from JAL, the Consulate-General of Japan, and JETRO will select the winners. One winner will be selected for each of the three designated travel destinations: Sapporo, Itami, and Fukuoka.
How to Enter
Step 1: Imagine Your Destination
Japan is divided into eight regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. However, for this contest, the organizers re-divided the country into three areas.
Area 1: Hokkaido | Tohoku | Kanto Destination: Sapporo
Area 2: Kinki | Chubu |Chugoku Destination: Itami
Area 3: Shikoku | Kyushu |Okinawa Destination: Fukuoka
The 20 participating restaurants are offering cuisine representing each of these areas.
Step 2: Select a Cuisine and a Restaurant
Choose the cuisine according to the destination you want to visit or the destination according to the cuisine you want to eat. For example, if you want to go to Sapporo, visit that restaurants that are offering cuisine from Area 1: Hokkaido | Tohoku | Kanto.
Step 3: Visit and Order
Visit one or more of the 20 participating restaurants and order your meal. Your order must include the specific dish on the restaurant’s JAPAN MONTH menu.
Participating Restaurants and JAPAN MONTH Dishes
Area 1: Hokkaido | Tohoku | Kanto
Hokkaido
BentOn
BentOn – 156 E. 45th Street
Sanpei-Style Fish and Vegetable Soup
A popular soup from Hokkaido, this sanpeijiru features salmon and a variety of root vegetables cooked in a fish-and-kombu broth and miso paste. You’ll enjoy this healthy and substantial soup!
J-spec
J-spec Wagyu Dining – 239 E. 5th Street
A5 Wagyu Steak Flight from Hokkaido
J-spec’s popular Wagyu Steak Flight features three different types of steak, such as beef striploin, filet mignon, and ribeye.
Naruto Ramen
Naruto Ramen – 2634 Broadway
Salmon Butter Onigiri
In Hokkaido, rice balls are grilled with butter. These rice balls are mixed with salmon flakes, bonito flakes, and soy sauce. The scent of butter and fragrantly burnt soy sauce is irresistible!
Tohoku (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima)
J’s Kitchen
J’s Kitchen New York – 261 1st Avenue
Beef Tongue SENRI
Chef Sumimura makes beef tongue from Sendai even more delicious by using special techniques that maximize the meat’s original flavor.
Sushi Tsushima
Sushi Tsushima – 210 E. 44th Street
Clams Ramen
Shijimi Ramen is representative of Aomori Prefecture. Instead of Shijimi clams, which are hard to find in New York City, this Only-in-NYC Clams Ramen substitutes local clams. Dinner service only.
Kanto (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa)
Nakamura
Nakamura NYC – 172 Delancey Street
Tokyo Tsukemen
A double portion of chewy noodles topped with chashu pork, menma, and spinach comes an umami-rich pork-and-fish-based sauce spiked with yuzu for dipping.
Hasaki
Hasaki – 210 E. 9th Street
Battera (Pressed Mackerel Sushi)
Ibaraki Prefecture's specialty, battera is an authentic Japanese pressed-style sushi.
Area 2: Kinki | Chubu |Chugoku
Chubu (Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, and Aichi)
Sobaya
Sobaya – 229 E. 9th Street
Ten Zaru
Sobaya’s soba is proudly handmade from scratch every day by chefs who have mastered the craft of soba-making.
Wasan Brooklyn
Wasan Brooklyn – 440 Bergen Street, Brooklyn
Chicken Misokatsu Bun
This misokatsu dish uses hatcho miso an umami-rich paste from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Wasan is putting their chicken misokatsu in a steamed bun, which is popular in New York.
Ootoya
Ootoya – 8 W. 18th Street
Kamo Jibuni Nabe
A traditional Japanese dish that originated in Ishikawa Prefecture, this kamo jibuni nabe includes slices of duck, leek, and mushrooms cooked in Ootoya’s original soy sauce-based broth.
Kinki (Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Wakayama)
Cha-An
Cha-An – 230 E. 9th Street, 2nd Floor
Cha-An Original Matcha Tiramisu
A classic Cha-an original menu item that incorporates Japanese ingredients into Western-style confectionery, this tiramisu contains Japanese sake, red bean paste, and creamy mascarpone with matcha. The sponge is moistened with sake and is not too sweet. The secret of its popularity over the years is the perfect balance between the sponge, cream, and the amount of azuki (red bean) paste.
Saito
Saito – 72 Kenmare Street
Doteni Wagyu Beef Stew
Respresentative of Osaka downtown soul food, this stew contains wagyu, offal, vegetables, miso, and soy sauce.
Chugoku (Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi)
Sakagura
Sakagura – 211 E. 43rd Street, B1
Fried Oyster with Shishito Pepper
The oyster is one of Hiroshima Prefecture's specialties. Sakagura serves this dish with wasabi-soy sea salt, vegetable sauce, and tartare sauce. Established in 1996, Sakagura has been a pioneer in introducing New Yorkers to the world of sake, so pair your fried oyster with one of more than 260 kinds of carefully selected sakes.
Sushi Ann
Sushi Ann – 38 E. 51st Street
Spring Madai from Hiroshima with Mizuna Green Salad
Seasonal sea bream from Hiroshima, Japanese mustard greens, red onion, and kaiware sprouts with Irizake and olive oil dressing and ichiban dashi gelée make up Sushi Ann’s dish. Dinner service only.
Area 3: Shikoku | Kyushu | Okinawa
Shikoku (Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi)
Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse – 296 Old Route 17, Hillburn, NY
Y’s Mojito
Mt. Fuji’s original Y’s Mojito is based on yuzu sake from Kochi Prefecture and mixed with Pavan, St. Germain, fresh mint, fresh lime, and a splash of champagne.
Restaurant Nippon
Restaurant Nippon – 155 E. 52nd Street
Nabeyaki Sanuki Udon
Sanuki udon is a specialty of Kochi Prefecture. This nabeyaki is served with shrimp tempura, egg, shiitake mushroom, and fish cake.
Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima)
Donburiya
Donburiya – 253 W. 55th Street
Nagasaki Sara-Udon Kata Yakisoba
A regional dish of Nagasaki Prefecture, this champon is a mixture of seafood and vegetables with sauce over fried noodles.
Momokawa
Momokawa – 1466 1st Avenue
Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki
Momokawa serves A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef ribeye from one of the best ranchers in Miyazaki Prefecture. Prepared in traditional sukiyaki sauce, warishita, in an iron pan, the meat melts in your mouth with exquisite flavor, texture, and tenderness.
Inase
Inase Restaurant – 1586 1st Avenue
Miyazaki Chicken Namban
Inase’s Miyazaki chicken namban is made with deep-fried chicken marinated in sweet vinegar sauce and tartar sauce.
Ajisen Ramen
Ajisen Ramen – 14 Mott Street
Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen
This original tonkotsu ramen is topped with pork chashu, beansprouts, and scallions.
Step 4: Take a Photo and Post to Social Media
The theme of the contest is We Love Japanese Food.
Post a picture of yourself enjoying the meal or a picture of a delicious-looking dish on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #mayisjapanmonth. Express your love for Japanese food with your caption. Judges are looking for photos and captions that convey a love for Japanese food and culture.
The photo must show a specific dish from the JAPAN MONTH menu, but it does not have to be the only dish. It is also possible to order other dishes to make the photo more colorful; however, the number and amount of food ordered will not affect the selection process. Please make sure that your account setting is open, not private, so the contest organizers can see your post. Videos will not be considered.
Step 5: Scan the QR Code
After posting your photo, scan the QR code located in the restaurant and enter the required information. You must do both—post to social media and submit the entry form—for your participation in the contest to be valid.
To view full contest rules, please visit JAPAN Fes’s website.