OKINAWA

Food & Drink

Photo Of Stars and Stripes Best of the Pacific 26-27 logo

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Your vote counts!: Time to vote for the Best of the Pacific 2026

It’s a new year and it’s time once again to turn your attention to the yearly tradition unlike any other – Best of the Pacific voting season!

Photo Of Illustration of Takahiro Takiguchi and Shoji Kudaka

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VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese: Is this an obligation chocolate?

Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching. It may seem strange, but in Japan, Valentine’s Day is the lady’s day to confess her love. On this day, women give chocolates (often homemade ones) to men to express their love and admiration.

Photo Of One of the authors’ family photo.

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Kids’ take on Thailand: Fun trip to Bangkok

Bangkok is a city which has many places and stores to go to while visiting.

Photo Of Speakin’ Japanese main art: a man and a woman talking.

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Speakin' Japanese: Talking romance on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is considered to be a great chance for women to confess their love in Japan.

Photo Of kawaii chopsticks, Japan-themed Valentines

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You’re the chopsticks to my sushi!: Craft easy, kawaii Japan-themed Valentines

Do you love sushi? Or Valentine’s Day? How about Sushi Valentines?! We are currently living in the land of sushi and Japan goes crazy for Valentine’s Day.

Photo Of A couple holds a heart-shaped floating ring at poolside.

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You know Valentine’s Day, now get to know Japan’s White Day

In the West it’s common practice for men and women to exchange gifts on February 14th. But in Japan, women are the ones to make the first move.

Photo Of A piranha in Shoji’s hand.

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Fun in Okinawa: Fishing pond park in more than just fishing

In Japan, Tsuribori refers to ponds where you can enjoy fishing without even going to sea.

Photo Of Hiro and Hyemin’s conversation, shot from the video

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VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese: I’m full!

A meal always is better and fills you up when enjoyed with friends.

Photo Of sudachi

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The best Japanese citrus fruits to eat

Full flavor profiles and serving recommendations

Photo Of pasta pomodoro, a glass of red wine, and a bottle of red wine on the table.

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VIDEO: Take tastebuds on Italian holiday with perfect pasta pomodoro recipe

If cooking isn’t your forte, but a nice meal is something you want to try to master, try pasta pomodoro! With a variety of tomato sauces available in your local commissary or grocery store, this dish is easy to cook and a tough one to mess up.

Photo Of Shoji Kudaka illustration

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Did you know?: Depachika - food markets in Japanese department store

Ever visited one of the many department store food basements around Japan? The first of its kind was introduced about 80 years ago in Nagoya.

Photo Of Okinawan crepes and coffee.

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VIDEO: Taste of Japan: How to make Okinawan crepes

Chinpin is an Okinawan sweet often described as a pancake or crepe flavored with brown sugar.

Photo Of Grilled Eel rice in Japanese square box tableware.

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Japanese eels: Your guide to unagi & anago: Let’s dive into the depths of Japanese eels

In Japan, eels are considered a delicacy, grilled, lathered in a sticky, sweet sauce, laid over rice and enjoyed all year round.

Photo Of Okoge pasta on a plate.

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VIDEO: Okoge Pasta a taste of Italy with Japanese twist

Okoge means “burn” in Japanese. The chef, who lives in Japan, used the Japanese word to describe the unique texture of this pasta.

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