Food

Cricket Protein Company in Japan Shuts Down After Right-Wing Conspiracies

Gryllus CEO Watanabe Takahito had a mission: to promote cricket protein as a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to meat. This week, the company filed for bankruptcy after right-wing conspiracies drove it out of business.

Can This Japanese Company Save Subway in Japan?

The Subway brand in Japan is dying. Over half of the store's chains have closed in the past 10 years. Japan's Watami, however, thinks it can turn the struggling franchise around. Why has Subway failed to catch on here? And can Watami succeed in making it "more Japanese"?

Would You Drink Mayonnaise? Japan Reacts to Lawson’s New Product

You may love mayonnaise. But would you DRINK mayonnaise? The verdict is in as Japanese users have been trying Lawson's new "drinkable mayo" - learn what they think in our latest.

Roast Beef Ramen: Where to Enjoy This Luxurious Bowl in Tokyo

Are ramen and roast beef two great tastes that taste great together? Many in Japan think so. Here's why roast beef ramen has taken off in recent years and where you can enjoy it around Tokyo.

Will Eat-in Spaces in Japan’s Combini Disappear?

There's no eating in the convenience store! At least, not anymore. FamilyMart has announced it'll shutter around a third of its eat-in spaces. Could this kickstart a trend?

“Drinkable” Japanese Hamburg Sends 34 to Hospital

Japanese hamburg can be delicious if it's cooked correctly. Sadly, one restaurant's famous "drinkable hamburg" didn't meet that bar - and sent 34 people to the hospital.

Why Japan’s Combini Eat-In Rules are Confusing

Everyone loves Japan's combini. Foreign tourists are enjoying their eat-in spaces too. But are tourists unfairly taking the blame for not following the country's confusing eat-in rules?

Japan’s Ramen Shops Are Shutting Down Faster Than Ever

Ramen shops have been struggling for years. But the combination of low prices and inflation is pushing more stores over the edge than ever.

$650 Watermelon?! The History of Luxury Fruit in Japan

Would you pay $20 for a bunch of grapes? Or $650 for a watermelon? Many people in Japan do. Here's more on the history and purpose behind luxury fruit.