KotobaInteractive
Journal

The Kotoba Interactive journal.

Editorial features on the cultures, history and languages of Asia. Filter by culture, by topic, or search for what inspires you.

Glossary
5 articles
Assortiment de tempura croustillant servi sur papier absorbant dans un restaurant japonais.
JapaneseGastronomie11 min

Tempura: How Portugal's Gift Became Japan's Art of Frying

How Portuguese missionaries brought deep-frying techniques to Japan in the 16th century and how Japan transformed a Lenten practice into one of the world's most refined culinary arts.

Read
Okonomiyaki servi sur une plaque chauffante à Osaka, galette japonaise garnie de sauce et mayonnaise.
JapaneseGastronomie11 min

Okonomiyaki: Japan's Savory Pancake and the Osaka-Hiroshima Rivalry

Everything about okonomiyaki, the Japanese savory pancake cooked on a teppan griddle. History, Osaka vs Hiroshima styles, recipe, sauces, and regional variations.

Read
Bol de udon japonais, nouilles épaisses dans un bouillon chaud, Hiroshima.
JapaneseGastronomie13 min

Udon vs Soba: Everything You Need to Know About Japan's Two Great Noodles

Wheat flour versus buckwheat flour, hot broth versus cold dipping sauce: a deep dive into Japan's most delicious culinary rivalry. History, preparation, recipes, and vocabulary.

Read
Plateau de sushis variés, spécialité japonaise.
JapaneseGastronomie11 min

Sushi: A Complete Guide to Every Type and Their History

From ancient fermented narezushi to Edo-style nigiri, explore every sushi type, their thousand-year history, and the art of itamae masters.

Read
Bol de ramen shoyu japonais garni de nouilles, œuf et oignons verts.
JapaneseGastronomie12 min

Ramen: How a Chinese Import Became Japan's Soul Food

From Chinese broth to Tokyo counters, the full story of Japanese ramen. Origins, regional styles, Momofuku Ando and the instant noodle revolution.

Read