Happy New Year! Good luck, good health and good eating in the year ahead. All across Japan, auspicious toshikoshi noodles will be slurped, temple bells will be tolled and Champagne corks will be popped. The Year of the Tiger is upon us: Here’s hoping Tokyo’s food scene will roar back to life.
In 2021, the capital spent more than 200 days — over 60% of the year — under state-of-emergency restrictions that kept us from gathering, traveling, patronizing our favorite restaurants and, at times, drinking anything stronger than tea. Belts were tightened, hours curtailed, take-out menus refreshed and, on occasion, doors locked and lights dimmed.
But it takes a lot to deter the city’s indomitable chefs and restaurateurs. While it was hardly a bumper period for dining out, 2021 still brought a slew of new arrivals, excitement and anticipation. So, before embarking on the next round of gastronomy, let’s take time to salute the past 12 months.