Aug 03 (Japanese Kitchen Tour) - For over 75 years, Robatayaki Utari has stood in the heart of Sapporo’s Susukino district—serving warmth, tradition, and fire-grilled soul.
This documentary follows the young manager and dedicated staff as they prepare for another day of service.
From charcoal preparation to food prep, discover how Japan’s timeless robata culture is carried on by the next generation.
It’s a story of tradition, teamwork, and the spirit of hospitality—only found at Utari.
Japan’s population of Japanese nationals has decreased for the 16th consecutive year, according to demographic data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As of January 1st, 2025, the Japanese population stood at 120.65 million, a drop of roughly 910,000 from the previous year—marking the largest annual decline on record.
A severe and prolonged heatwave is taking a widespread toll across Japan, affecting everything from traditional summer events to vegetable harvests and dairy farms.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the fire that broke out during the Minato Mirai fireworks festival in Yokohama, where five workers had to be rescue from an exploding barge.
Japan’s government plan to flood the market with stockpiled rice to lower prices is facing setbacks, as demand slumps and cancellations from retailers increase. Initially popular, the rice is now piling up on shelves, prompting calls to extend the end-of-August sales deadline. Even discounted imported rice is struggling to sell. Meanwhile, rice prices have unexpectedly risen for the first time in 10 weeks.
Australia has selected Japan’s proposal for the joint development of next-generation naval vessels, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.
It’s no secret that Japanese skewer “yakitori” is one of the most famous street foods here. It’s cheap, delicious, and has a lot of varieties to it; chicken, pork, beef, liver, meatballs, skin, everything! What makes it even more interesting is the different versions of serving it – whether to have it in a casual izakaya setting or an upscale chef dining. (Japan by Food)
This summer, Shizuka is on a mission to try a different range AND style of ice creams from the convenience store, artisan, to luxury – what could be the difference between them all besides the price? (Japan by Food)
For over 75 years, Robatayaki Utari has stood in the heart of Sapporo’s Susukino district—serving warmth, tradition, and fire-grilled soul. (Japanese Kitchen Tour)
Matcha, once a traditional Japanese favorite, has now become a global sensation—but the surge in demand is causing a severe shortage. Leading tea company Ito En has announced that it will raise prices by up to twofold to cope with the growing supply-demand imbalance.
After trying the most viral foods in Tokyo, this time Shizuka is on a mission to eat ONLY convenience store foods (or known for short in Japanese as “konbini”) within 24 HOURS! From 7-Eleven, Lawson to Family Mart… which one could possibly have the best food? (Japan by Food)
A new Starbucks store specializing in tea will open in central Sapporo on August 7th, marking the chain’s first such location in northern Japan, including Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.
Shizuka’s quest to try the most viral food continues! Join us as we step into Asakusa, the home to the infamous shrine packed with street food alleys. This time Shizuka is trying SEVEN viral street foods… Are they worth the hype? (Japan by Food)
Today, we’re diving deep into one of Tokyo’s wildest hidden burger gems—Burger Factory, run by a passionate young Japanese couple with a love for American food culture.
