Food

Half-Century Ban Ends: Fukuoka Hosts Fin Whale Trade Show

FUKUOKA, Mar 08 (News On Japan) - A trade exhibition featuring domestically caught fin whale meat, harvested under Japan’s resumed commercial whaling program, was held in Fukuoka. Fin whale meat is known for its mild flavor and rich fat content.

The trade event, organized by a Tokyo-based whaling company, aimed to introduce the product to local seafood markets and restaurant industry professionals.

Fin whales are large marine mammals that grow up to approximately 20 meters in length. Last July, the Fisheries Agency included 60 fin whales in the annual quota for large whale species, marking the first such inclusion in 49 years. This decision followed assessments confirming abundant stocks in the northwest Pacific.

Attendees sampled the meat, with one food vendor remarking, "It's delicious, with a rich fat content." A Japanese restaurant representative expressed interest in incorporating whale meat into a course menu, stating, "It could help differentiate us from other establishments."

The event organizers emphasized the deep-rooted tradition of whale meat consumption in Fukuoka, encouraging participants to experience what they called "a supreme delicacy."

Source: KBC

Vietnam Pavilion Opens 17 Days Late

Vietnam’s national pavilion finally opened on April 30th -- 17 days behind schedule -- after delays in exhibit preparations kept it closed during the April 13th launch of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Another Nuclear Plant Wins Safety Approval, Eyes 2027 Restart

The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework.

Mayor Expresses Shock as Shirahama’s Pandas to Return to China

The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

Last Chance to See Hokkaido’s Fabled Bridge as Collapse Looms

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Food NEWS

Eating at Tokyo’s Most Viral Restaurants — Shinjuku Edition!

Shizuka is on a quest to try foods that went viral on the Japanese internet, and today in Episode 3 of our series, she's trying FOUR viral eats all located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Are they worth the hype? (Japan by Food)

Underground Water Brings Out the Umami of Izu Natto

Soybeans steamed to a tender finish in a pressure cooker — this is the foundation of 'Izu Natto,' made from locally grown soybeans and the water of Izu.

SHIBUYA FOOD TRUCKS!? Hidden Eats You Can’t Miss!

We visited three different food truck spots and tasted a variety of mouthwatering dishes. (TabiEats)

Freshest Sushi in Japan | This Seaside Town in Fukuoka is Sushi-Lover's Paradise

Sushi is a Japanese cultural staple that's become famous ALL over the globe. But, when you finally arrive in Japan, where can you get the best and most fresh sushi? (Japan by Food)

World's Only WAGYU T-Bone: Mouthwatering Yakiniku in Osaka Japan

We visit a hidden gem in Osaka that specializes in Yakiniku featuring the exquisite Omi Beef, recognized as one of Japan’s top three Wagyu varieties. (TabiEats)

Behind the Counter at a Japanese Father & Daughter Izakaya Restaurant

This is behind the counter at Taruya, a Japanese father and daughter run Traditional style Teppan Okonomiyaki izakaya aka drinking restaurant, that’s been around for almost 100 years. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

Japan's New Burger Chain ZETTERIA - Worth It?

We visited ZETTERIA, a Japanese fast-food chain known for its “Zeppin” (絶品 = ultimate) burgers — and tried seven of them to find out if they truly live up to the hype. (TabiEats)

What Tourists Don’t See at Japanese Convenience Stores

For many visitors, Japan’s convenience stores—affectionately known as konbini—are a wonderland of unfamiliar snacks, perfectly packed bento boxes, and an air of almost surreal cleanliness. But while travelers often marvel at the variety and efficiency, the konbini holds a much deeper significance for locals.

< 2 3 4 5 >