Japanese food

Japan’s biggest curry chain CoCo Ichibanya headed for sale

CoCo Ichibanya has almost 1,500 restaurants in Japan and globally, including locations in the US, UK and Singapore.

Letter From Yamagata

Why the Japanese are ‘drifting away’ from their most sacred grain

Rieko Nakaba, director of the Yamagata Integrated Agricultural Research Center Paddy Rice Research Institute, examines a crop.

Fukuoka food guide: Best value markets, sushi, oysters and yatai

After a dozen visits to Fukuoka over the past two decades, the writer recommends value-for-money, quality dining spots worth either a queue or lengthy detour.

Matcha, with a twist of Assam: India enters the global matcha production line

Chota Tingrai’s tea bushes. The section on the right with additional shading produces tea leaves used to make matcha at this tea estate in India’s Assam state.

Nagoya abuzz with preparations to welcome Asian Games visitors

Nagoya’s Osu shopping district is abuzz with plans to give a warm welcome to visitors in the run-up to the Asian Games.

Cold-water cup noodles sell out in Japan as surprise summer hit

The new product can be consumed after just five minutes, responding to growing demand for cool foods during hot weather.

Udon billionaire bets that thick noodles will win over Americans

An employee prepares a bowl of udon noodles at a Marugame Seimen restaurant in Tokyo.

A first-time visitor’s guide: Escape Japan’s summer heat in colourful Furano

The writer at Kyohsai Farm in Furano. While the mercury rises in many parts of Japan, summer in Hokkaido tends to be milder than the rest of the country.

Monthly Digest

Sushidan Raffles City rolls out $98++ hidden omakase

Sushidan’s hidden omakase is prepared by Japanese chef Yusuke Kawana (left). The hidden room seats six and reservations must be made in advance.

Will Japan finally shed its reputation as a spy paradise?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gave her assurance on July 27 that intelligence reforms would be balanced with appropriate protections for freedom and human rights.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.