Okinawan Obon celebrations are steeped in unique history & traditions.

If you have ever wondered about that yellow powder that covers some of your favorite Japanese snacks, then chances are that you have just wandered into kinako territory.

Shuri Castle was the Ryukyu Kingdom’s seat of power for 450 years.

The purple sweet potato is a staple food of the Okinawan diet. It’s also known as “beni-imo”, and it contributes to one of the longest life expectancies in the world!

Kumiodori is traditional Okinawan storytelling through dance.

Considered friendly & comforting, Okinawan shisa protect people from evil spirits.

Kinako is a popular Japanese topping used to help flavor desserts and snacks.

Warabi mochi is a cool, jelly-like dessert, especially popular during Japan’s humid summer months. It is a kind of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), with a history dating back to the Heian era (794-1185).

What is wagashi? Traditional Japanese confections that have been around for centuries are now making their presence known across the world.

These candies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with care placed into every step of their creation.

This soft rice dough plays a huge role in Japanese food culture.

In Japanese cuisine, the concept of “shun” (旬) is very important. Shun is the celebration of those ingredients which are at their seasonal peak. Even better, including a variety of seasonal foods in your diet is great for your health, as different foods provide different essential nutrients.