The best thing about being English is that no matter where you go in the world, the food is always better than the rubbish you put up with at home; and conversely, as one of the finest cuisines in the world, Japanese food sure gives no cause for complaint.
But when you're 9,585 km from the Sceptred Isle, sometimes only a taste of home will do. And with a little careful searching, some improvisation and a wholesale disregard for a healthy bank balance, it is possible to sate those urges for home comforts.
England is famed for the traditional meat pie — one need only watch Tim Burton's new "Sweeney Todd" movie adaptation to see the ongoing romance of a pastry case filled with something warm, savory and tasty. Luckily Japan residents have an option less gory than that in the film. Based in Kyoto, Jerry's Pies ( www.jerryspies.com ) delivers authentic, homemade savory and sweet pies anywhere in the country. The selection includes steak and onion, beef and Guinness, cheese and vegetable, and apple and cinnamon pies in three sizes (priced ¥300, ¥450 and ¥600 plus delivery). The pies are easily defrosted and cooked in a microwave and, served with a side of mashed potato, beans or a green salad, taste just as good as the ones back home.