author

 
 
 Makiko Itoh

Meta

Twitter

@makiwi

Makiko Itoh
Makiko Itoh writes the Japanese Kitchen column, and is the author of the bestselling "The Just Bento Cookbook" and its sequel, "The Just Bento Cookbook 2." A Tokyo native, she runs two Japanese cooking blogs, JustHungry.com and JustBento.com.
Japan Times
Special Supplements / Hiroshima G7 Summit Special
May 19, 2023
From surf ’n’ turf to sweets, Hiroshima a foodie’s oyster
Situated on the western tip of Honshu between the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea, the climate of Hiroshima Prefecture is one of contrasts, with a northern side chilled by cold currents and a southern side that stays mild and warm. The mountainous areas see snow and the coastal areas can get plenty...
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
May 3, 2023
Recipe: ‘Carp’ sushi bento
Perfect for Children's Day, this colorful meal is easier to put together than the final result might suggest.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Mar 12, 2023
Recipe: Botamochi sweets to welcome spring
Spring is just about to ... well ... spring, and these sweet adzuki treats are traditional equinox bites.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Feb 19, 2023
Recipe: Crab cream croquettes
Try your hand at making some deep-fried, deep sea delights.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Jan 8, 2023
Recipe: Sumo hot pot
It's said chicken makes for a perfect chanko nabe since the animal usually stands tall on its two feet.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Dec 11, 2022
Recipe: Kakiage soba
Casting about for the perfect Japanese meal to close out this year and ring in the next? Look no further.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Nov 6, 2022
Recipe: Simmered kabocha
In honor of all the jack-o-lanterns headed for the trash heap this week, turn some kabocha in to a subtly sweet treat.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Oct 9, 2022
Recipe: Kyoto-style rice bowl
Dating back to the 19th century, oyakodon rice bowls taste far better than their slightly macabre name might suggest.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Sep 11, 2022
Recipe: Garlic liver stir-fry
Don't let the name fool you: Offal cooked right is anything but.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Aug 14, 2022
Recipe: Chilled noodles with a healthy twist
Take your su014dmen on a Mediterranean journey.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Jul 24, 2022
Recipe: Sauteed and marinated chilled tofu
Can't decide between a cold dish or a hot one? Don't.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Jul 3, 2022
Recipe: Panfried ginger pork
Savory pork and fresh ginger as a way to beat the heat? According to Japanese culinary tradition, yes.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Jun 5, 2022
Recipe: Sweet bean treats, two ways
Getting the best quality, freshest beans available will make a difference in the final result.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
May 15, 2022
Recipe: Japanese-style pasta with fresh asparagus
Take advantage of these seasonal treats with this wafu016b (Japanese-style) recipe that puts asparagus in the spotlight.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Apr 24, 2022
Recipe: Osaka-style okonomiyaki
The perfect, savory vessel for all your favorite foods.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Apr 11, 2022
Recipe: Teriyaki chicken and new-harvest onions
Add a dash of seasonal freshness to any dish with these limited-time bulbs.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Mar 26, 2022
Recipe: Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet in a frying pan)
This popular egg dish can make for a quick meal or it can be the secret ingredient in a stellar bento.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Mar 12, 2022
Recipe: Okinawan shredded carrot with egg and tuna
While every house in Okinawa may have a different version of 'ninjin shiri-shiri,' this one is an easy version that makes for a great side.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Feb 11, 2022
Recipe: Chicken and shrimp doria with mushrooms and broccoli
This comforting winter dish is relatively easy to make if you have some leftover rice.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink / JAPANESE KITCHEN
Jan 22, 2022
Recipe: Kōya dōfu and bok choy stir-fry
If this simple stir-fry is good enough for a monk then it's good enough for your dinner table.

Longform

The sun shines from behind a waving Philippine flag at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.
Eighty years after the Battle of Manila, old foes forge new ties