Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE May 15, 2022
Make rice, not war: Chefs and brewers cook for Ukraine
Some of Japan’s top chefs, brewers and distillers came together to support Ukraine with nothing more than rice and seaweed.
Melinda Joe
Melinda Joe is an American journalist in Tokyo. A certified wine and sake professional, she writes about Japanese drinks in her Kanpai Culture column for The Japan Times and blogs at tokyodrinkingglass.blogspot.com.
For Melinda Joe's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Apr 12, 2022
Sake springs eternal at Yumegokoro Shuzo
Welcome in the season with warmer weather, longer days and sake as fresh as a sea breeze.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Feb 12, 2022
Tour Japan's luxury ryokan without stepping a foot outside of Tokyo
The "Essence of Japan" series brings several "okami," the female proprietor of a traditional inn, from across the country to act as guides to regional specialties.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Jan 29, 2022
Whisky to join gin on the menu at Niseko Distillery
Distillery's Ohoro Gin takes inspiration from its northern surroundings, the name even coming from the Ainu language.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Dec 26, 2021
Brewer and chef team up for an adventure in 'Saketronomy'
Naohiko Noguchi collaborations aim to present Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, as a destination for gastronomic adventures.
Food & Drink Nov 27, 2021
Already known for its skiing, Niseko ups the luxury
Already home to top-notch craft beer and cocktails, new investment sees Niseko becoming even more of a five-star destination.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Nov 13, 2021
Think pizza and beer can’t be high-end? The Pizza Bar on 38th says think again.
From November, the acclaimed pizzeria is offering special set menus pairing seasonal pizzas with locally produced wines and beer.
Food & Drink Oct 30, 2021
Gucci Osteria Tokyo takes you into a culinary wonderland
The third collaborative restaurant between Massimo Bottura and Gucci has finally opened in Ginza, blending fashion with Italian-Japanese fine dining.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Oct 9, 2021
For Japan’s Champagne lovers, every day is now a cause for celebration
Forget about unsatisfying mocktail pairings: With Tokyo’s state of emergency over, it’s time to bust out the bubbles. For the best Champagne cart around, head to Sezanne.
Food & Drink Sep 11, 2021
Onigiri for Love: Little packages from chefs with big hearts
Yoshihiro Narisawa and Wagyumafia’s Hisato Hamada launched the rice ball charity project as a way to support producers in rural areas and express thanks to Japan’s health care workers.