Nori: The History of Japanese Seaweed (From Imperial Currency to Near-Extinction)
Discover the fascinating history of nori, the Japanese seaweed that went from Imperial currency to near-extinction, and the British scientist who saved it.
The Japanese approach to summer that changes everything
Summer in Australia is hot. Discover the Japanese approach to summer that changes everything—from cold noodles and cooling foods to ancient forest rituals. Read more at Midori.
初日の出 (Hatsuhinode): The First Sunrise of the Year
Discover the meaning of Hatsuhinode, the Japanese tradition of watching the first sunrise. Learn why starting the year with light brings good fortune.
What Happens at the Table When the Year Ends in Japan
Discover the meaning behind Japanese New Year food. From Toshikoshi Soba to Osechi Ryori, learn how Japan marks the end of the year with quiet gratitude.
The Sacred Bridge: Why Chopsticks Mean More Than You Think
Did you know that “hashi” means both chopsticks and bridge? Discover the sacred meaning behind this daily ritual, the true depth of “itadakimasu,” and why eating is an act of connection and gratitude at Izakaya Midori.
BOUNENKAI: Japan’s Year-End Celebration 🌿
Discover Bounenkai, the traditional Japanese “forget the year” party. Learn about its origins, how it compares to Aussie Christmas functions, and how to embrace the spirit of gratitude and connection to end your year on a high note.
Hungry for a Good Story? – Our Book Picks from Hisashi Kashiwai
Hungry for a Good Story? Our Book Picks from Hisashi Kashiwai At Izakaya Midori, we believe that food tells stories, evokes memories, and brings people together. Recently, we discovered two…
Wanna Make Friends in Japanese?
Wanna Make Friends in Japanese? Making friends is one of the best parts of living, studying, or even just visiting Japan. But if you’re still learning Japanese, starting a conversation can…
So you’ve got your Izakaya Midori platter in front of you.
So you’ve got your Izakaya Midori platter in front of you. All those colours, textures and little bites aren’t just tasty — they have a language of their own. Here…
Onigiri: The Snack Australia Didn’t Know It Needed 🍙 ✨
Onigiri: The Snack Australia Didn’t Know It Needed 🍙 ✨ his snack has no rules. No cutlery. No order. No fuss. And quietly, it’s taking over Australia. It’s not sushi….
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm In Japan, warmth is more than a feeling — it’s a quiet part of how people take care of themselves every day.From…
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is ‘Te‑jaku’?
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is ‘Te‑jaku’? In Japanese drinking culture, there’s a quiet rule that carries a lot of meaning: never pour sake for yourself. This…
Quirky Japanese Food Facts That Might Surprise You
Quirky Japanese Food Facts That Might Surprise You Japan’s food culture is playful, surprising and full of little stories that make it way more fun than just sushi or ramen….
Did you know you shouldn’t boil miso?
Did you know you shouldn’t boil miso? Miso soup might seem like a simple dish, but there’s one small detail that makes a big difference: you’re not meant to boil…
Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home 🍡
Try This: Make Your Own Dango at Home 🍡 August in Japan means one thing: summer festivals are everywhere!! 🎇 From colourful yukata and paper lanterns to the smell of…
Why Japanese Gohan Hits Different
Why Japanese Gohan Hits Different Have you ever wondered why the rice in Japanese dishes feels so… perfect?Soft, slightly sticky, full of subtle flavour… almost comforting in a way that’s…
HOW TO ASK FOR PLANT-BASED OPTIONS IN JAPAN
HOW TO ASK FOR PLANT-BASED OPTIONS IN JAPAN Travelling to Japan and want to stick to your plant-based lifestyle? Sometimes it can be tricky to find vegan or plant-based options…
Umi no Hi – Marine Day: Japan’s Quiet Celebration of the Sea
Umi no Hi – Marine Day: Japan’s Quiet Celebration of the Sea Did you know Japan has a national holiday dedicated entirely to the ocean?Every July, the country celebrates Umi…
Japanese Essentials We Use Everyday
Japanese Essentials We Use Everyday What makes Japanese food taste so comforting, balanced and packed with flavour? At Izakaya Midori, it’s all about the essentials. We use a handful of…
ODEN 🍲 Japan’s cosiest winter comfort food
ODEN 🍲 Japan’s cosiest winter comfort food If winter had a flavour in Japan, it would definitely be Oden. But wait, what exactly is it?Think of a big simmering pot…
Why Do Japanese People Eat Soup So Hot (and Loud)? 🍜🔥
Why Do Japanese People Eat Soup So Hot (and Loud)? 🍜🔥 If you’ve ever watched someone in Japan eat ramen, you might notice two things: 1. The bowl is still…
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE PERFECT BASE
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE PERFECT BASE At our kitchen, everything begins with the perfect foundation. The very first step can set the tone for the entire dish. Whether it’s…
Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants
Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants Japan’s food culture is rich, diverse, and an essential part of the country’s unique charm. Whether you’re visiting a traditional izakaya,…
A Taste of Home: The Flavours That Remind Us of Mum
A Taste of Home: The Flavours That Remind Us of Mum There’s something magical about a mum’s cooking. It’s not just about the ingredients or the recipe — it’s about…
A Quiet Celebration: Mother’s Day Traditions in Japan
A Quiet Celebration: Mother’s Day Traditions in Japan There are many ways to say “thank you” to a mother.Sometimes it’s a hug.Other times, a warm meal.Or even a simple moment…
Konjac – A Hidden Gem in Japanese Cuisine
Konjac – A Hidden Gem in Japanese Cuisine We love introducing our guests to the unique ingredients of Japanese cuisine, especially those that are still unfamiliar to many in Australia….
What to Do on Rainy Days – Fun Indoors for the Whole Family
What to Do on Rainy Days – Fun Indoors for the Whole Family Rainy days during the holidays can feel like a bit of a letdown, especially when outdoor plans…
Autumn in Australia vs. Japan What’s Different? 🍁
Autumn in Australia vs. Japan What’s Different? 🍁 Autumn has arrived in Gold Coast! While we enjoy the cooler breeze and golden afternoons, have you ever wondered what autumn is…
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, Sound! (Part 2)
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, Sound! (Part 2) In Part 1, (linkar o part 1) we explored sounds related to food and daily life. Now, let’s dive into even…
Why do the Japanese sit on the floor to eat?
Why do the Japanese sit on the floor to eat? Even today, many Japanese people prefer to sit on the floor for their meals, which might seem a bit unusual…
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, sound!
Japanese Words That Sound Like… Well, sound! Did you know that Japanese has a huge collection of words that mimic sounds? These words, called onomatopoeia, are used every day in…
Gyoza: A Crispy Tale You Need to Know!
Gyoza: A Crispy Tale You Need to Know! Today, let’s explore gyoza, a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, with roots that actually trace back to China. It consists of thin…
Tsukemono – A Fresh Twist on Preserving for Everyday Life
Tsukemono – A Fresh Twist on Preserving for Everyday Life Tsukemono is an easy, delicious, and healthy way to preserve a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It adds a…
Valentine’s Day in Japan – The Sweetest Traditions
Valentine’s Day in Japan – The Sweetest Traditions While many of us in the West associate Valentine’s Day with roses, romantic dinners, and gifts, Japan has its own unique way…
Shinrin-Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing and How It Can Benefit You 🌲✨
Shinrin-Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing and How It Can Benefit You 🌲✨ If you’ve ever felt the calming effects of being in nature, you might have unknowingly practiced…
4 Reasons Tofu’s Your New Best Friend
4 Reasons Tofu’s Your New Best Friend Tofu is a superfood packed with health benefits! If you haven’t jumped on the tofu train yet, here are four great reasons to…
A Catch-Up With Friends over Japanese Delights
A Catch-Up With Friends over Japanese Delights In a world where we’re always on the go and days fly by in the blink of an eye, there’s nothing quite like…
Kuchisabishii: The Japanese Concept of “Lonely Mouth” and How to Satisfy It
Kuchisabishii: The Japanese Concept of “Lonely Mouth” and How to Satisfy It Have you ever found yourself not exactly hungry, but still craving a bite of something delicious? You’re not…
5 Japanese Habits to Kickstart Your Year with Positive Energy
5 Japanese Habits to Kickstart Your Year with Positive Energy As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to adopt some habits from Japan that can help you live…
How Do You Say ‘Happy New Year’ in Japan? Find Out!
How Do You Say ‘Happy New Year’ in Japan? Find Out! The New Year in Japan is a time for reflection, renewal, and honoring deep-rooted traditions.Ever wondered how the Japanese…
Ichigo Ichie. One Moment, One Chance
Ichigo IchieOne Moment, One Chance. The Japanese Secret to Enjoying Every Moment Ever feel like life’s rushing by, and you’re just ticking things off your to-do list without really soaking…
Japan’s New Year Traditions You Need to Know!
Japan’s New Year Traditions You Need to Know! New Year in Japan is packed with traditions, good vibes, and incredible food. If you’re thinking of making 2025 something special, why…
Omotenashi: The Japanese Art of Welcoming with Heart (and Some Fascinating Facts You’ll Love)
Omotenashi: The Japanese Art of Welcoming with Heart (and Some Fascinating Facts You’ll Love) In Japan, hospitality is about making people feel genuinely cared for and at ease. You’ve probably…
Did you know?
The word ‘izakaya’ made its way into the English language in 1987. It’s a compound word made up of “i” (meaning ‘to stay’) and “sakaya” (meaning ‘sake
10 Things That Happen When You Overdo It with Wasabi
10 Things That Happen When You Overdo It with Wasabi 1️⃣ The initial shockYou take that first bite, and suddenly, you’re questioning whether you were truly ready for this explosion…
KINTSUGI – Breaking It to Make It
KINTSUGI Breaking It to Make It Have you ever heard of kintsugi? It’s the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with golden lacquer – and trust us, it’s way…
Taste the Tales – Japan’s Edible Flora You Never Knew Had Stories!
Taste the Tales Japan’s Edible Flora You Never Knew Had Stories! Japan is famous for its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and…edible plants with stories to tell? Yep, some of the…
Celebrate Spring in the Japanese Way
Celebrate Spring in the Japanese Way Fresh Food and Fun Traditions! With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into one of Japan’s most beautiful and flavourful…
The Secrets Behind Japanese Knife Skills (and why they matter)
The Secrets Behind Japanese Knife Skills (and why they matter) In Japanese cuisine, the knife is an extension of the chef’s hand, with a skill set that’s been honed over…
Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Classic with a Creative Twist!
Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Classic with a Creative Twist! When you think of Japanese cuisine, sushi or ramen might be the first things that pop into your mind. But there’s a…
Ramen Tales – From Hokkaido’s Kitchen to Your Bowl
Ramen TalesFrom Hokkaido’s Kitchen to Your Bowl Let’s take a little trip to Hokkaido, where one bold chef decided that ramen needed a spicy twist! Back in the day, ramen…
いらっしゃいませ！Irashaimase!
Heard “Irashaimase!” at a Japanese restaurant? That warm welcome is just the beginning. Let’s see what makes dining in Japan so special! “Irashaimase” (いらっしゃいませ) is a traditional Japanese greeting used…
The art of Japanese cuisine presentation
Beauty and meaning in every dishJapanese cuisine goes beyond mere meals; it’s a visual experience reflecting centuries of tradition, aesthetics, and philosophy. Renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, Japanese…
Fun facts about Japanese Cuisine
Fun facts about Japanese Cuisine If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or just love trying new things, you’re in for a treat! Japan’s food culture is packed with interesting…
Japanese Curry
Japanese CurryA Warm and Aromatic Deligh Japanese curry is one of those dishes that warms the heart and delights the senses. With its rich history and unique blend of flavours,…
The magic of Matcha
The magic of MatchaExploring the traditional Japanese green tea Matcha, a vibrant and nutrient-rich powdered green tea, has been captivating the world with its unique flavour and numerous health benefits….
A Guide to Miso and its Place in Japanese Culture
A Guide to Miso and its Place in Japanese CultureIn the world of Japanese cuisine, few ingredients hold as much significance as miso. Originating from Japan, miso is atraditional fermented…