Japan Eats!

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Masahiro Urushido, bar manager of Saxon + Parole in New York's East Village. Urushido learned the craft of classic cocktails, mastered the art of ice carving, and perfected his overall technique in Tokyo, before moving to New York in 2008. Urushido has since achieved national recognition for his creative approach to drink making and has had a major contribution in Saxon + Parole’s award as World’s “Best Restaurant Bar” at the 2013 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. In 2014, Masa won the Chivas Regal Masters global competition, a huge accolade in the cocktail world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in studio by Nick Sakagami, the only Certified Seafood Master by Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo) who resides outside of Japan, bicoastal fresh tuna importer, and expert in branding/marketing of higher-end seafood. Nick is also a supporter and educator of responsible fisheries globally.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in studio by chef and udon specialist Joji Uematsu. Uematsu is the vice president of Dining Innovation New York and a managing partner of TsuruTonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie at Union Square, where he gives New Yorkers an unique opportunity to taste udon noodles made masterfully with traditional Japanese techniques.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the season premiere of Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined by Douglas Diaz, a visual artist whose work has been strongly influenced by the Japanese countryside.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the season finale of Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Chef Mutsuko Soma, formerly of Seattle's Miyabi 45th. Soma studied the age-old art of making soba in Japan and brought her noodle-making skills to the west coast. Currently, Soma experiments at her in-home soba studio, and curates her series of Kamonegi soba popups.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by David Kinch of Los Gatos' Manresa. David tells us about cooking in the midst of California's various microclimates, a chef's relationship to farmers, and what he draws from Japanese tradition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined by Luca Catalfamo, chef and owner of Casa Ramen, the first restaurant dedicated to ramen in Milan, Italy. While working as a chef in cities such as Sydney and London, Catalfamo learned about Japanese cuisine, which helped to hone his ramen skills, from learning about dashi to Japanese cooking techniques. Thereafter, he decided to open a ramen shop in his native country of Italy. He moved to Japan for a month to research the different types of ramen available, typically consuming three to four bowls a day. His second ramen shop, Casa Luca, opened in May 2015.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Edwyn Ferrari, head chef of Great Northern Food Hall. "Scandinavian" might not be the first thing you think as you're considering which culture's cuisine to dine at, but that's what patrons get at this food hall – a group of counters and stands – within the commuter hub that is Grand Central Terminal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined by Shota Nakajima, the chef and owner of Naka in Seattle. Chef Shota began his culinary journey at the age of sixteen, working for a well-acclaimed sushi restaurant in his hometown of Seattle, WA. At the age of eighteen, Nakajima moved to Osaka, Japan to learn about the art of Japanese cuisine. In Japan, Nakajima had the opportunity to work for Michelin Star rated Chef Yasuhiko Sakamoto. As one would expect, this experience changed Chef Shota’s perspective on cooking. Since returning to Seattle, it has been Nakajima’s dream to convey Chef Sakamoto’s approach to hospitality and Japanese cuisine in the United States.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Japan Eats, host Akiko Katayama is joined in the studio by Leonard Phillips, the owner of Ambassador Wines & Spirits in Midtown Manhattan. Leonard’s original calling in life was to be a biochemist and ultimately become a physician in the military, but he found his true passion in working for the business his family started in 1973. In addition to wine and liquor, Ambassador's selection of Sake, Soju and Sochu is one of the best in New York City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.