food | One Map by FROM JAPAN

9 Japanese Candy Kits & Toys to Keep Your Kid Cookin’ Up a Storm

Leave it to the ingenious ideas of Japanese candy and toy companies like Kracie, Meiji, and Bandai to bring countless hours of hands-on fun for kids and parents alike. Known in Japan as “educational confectioneries,” the DIY candy kits below go far beyond colorful wrappers and extreme flavors, giving chefs-in-training the chance to explore colors, tastes, and textures while developing fine motor skills, practicing patience, and learning how to follow instructions. Keep reading to find out FROM JAPAN’s top Japanese candy kit picks that will have your kids cookin’ up a storm!

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Japanese Condiments: 8 Seasonings Beyond Simple Soy Sauce

What’s the secret to Japan’s world-famous cuisine: is it the indescribable umami of dashi, the delicately sticky texture of Japanese rice, or the subtle, clean flavor of fresh ingredients? Each of these culinary characteristics has a unique place in Japanese cuisine, but there is one category of ingredients that can take even the finest dish to new flavorful depths—Japanese condiments. Although Japan offers an extensive list of condiments, ranging from tangy and sweet to spicy, we’re highlighting eight of the country’s must-try seasonings and sauces that will expand your Japanese epicurean experience beyond simple soy sauce.

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Reinvent the Hotcake with These 9 Japanese Pancake Gadgets and Mixes

Crazy but true: Pancakes have been around for thousands of years!

While you may say it’s impossible to improve this quintessential breakfast food, it’s time to start thinking outside the pan. From eye-popping pancake art to gravity-defying decadence, keep reading to find out how Japanese pancakes are deliciously reinventing the wheel for the new millennium!

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10 Sophisticated Japanese Chocolates Worthy of Your Valentine

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a time for women to step up and express their love with gifts of chocolate, and there may be no better gift than Japanese chocolate. Whether celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends or family, or romancing that special someone, these 10 sophisticated Japanese chocolates are sure to leave your Valentine craving more!

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8 High-Quality Japanese Ingredients for Your Washoku Pantry

Japanese cuisine is deeply intertwined with a cultural tradition based on the beauty of the meal’s presentation, the skills of the chef, and the quality of the ingredients. While it can take years to master the first two, today it is possible to source high-quality Japanese ingredients direct from Japan. Keep reading to find out about 8 select washoku ingredients and what to look for when stocking your pantry.

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9 Japanese Fish Snacks for the Ultimate Seafood Lover

If you love the flavors of fish and seafood, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out what you’re missing out on and how you can get your hands on some delicious Japanese fish snacks!

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