Discover the Art of Japanese Cooking

Join us as we explore authentic Japanese recipes that celebrate tradition and flavor.

Discover the Heart of Japanese Cuisine

Welcome to a place where you can explore the art of Japanese cooking. Here, you’ll find a blend of traditional recipes and Lucy’s personal touches. Our mission is to share the beauty and depth of Japan’s culinary heritage, inviting you to appreciate the flavors and techniques that have been crafted over generations.

Culinary Journeys

Join Lucy as she takes you on a culinary adventure, uncovering the stories behind each dish. Learn not just the 'how', but also the 'why' of Japanese flavors.

Respecting Tradition

We honor the rich history and culture behind Japanese cuisine. Through our posts, we celebrate age-old practices while making them accessible for everyone.

The Story Behind

“Sushi Girl”

This artwork was created by Sally Lewis (1929-2025) who reinvigorated and refreshed the logo from my original newsletter (Gochiso-sama!) on Japanese cuisine. I fondly call her “Sushi Girl.” Based on a drawing from the Edo Period (1603-1868), I believe.

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Recipes

Friends Around the World NHK WORLD-JAPAN Interview with Lucy Seligman

Sharing My Story with Friends Around the World – NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Friends Around the World, a radio program hosted through NHK WORLD-JAPAN, interviewed me the other day! This 20-minute radio program connects many of us around the world and allows us to share our stories and love of all things Japan. Sharing My Story with Friends Around the World – NHK

Salmon, tuna fish and Surimi avocado Temaki sushi with soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi on mat and marble background

Sushi Hand Rolls

It is getting hotter here in the Bay area, so I don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen….but still want delicious and easy Japanese dishes! You can’t get much easier than Sushi Hand Rolls (temaki). Make a pot of sushi rice, set out lots of yummy toppings

My Favorite Condiments for Japanese Cooking

I recently looked around my kitchen and realized I have a lot of Japanese condiments! And I use them all the time. When it comes to Japanese cooking, there are a few condiments that are the foundation of what I consider “must-haves” for beginners and experts alike. These condiments will

My Favorite Tools for Japanese Cooking

When it comes to Japanese cooking, there are a few tools that I consider “must-haves” for beginners and experts alike. Whether you’re looking to set up your Japanese kitchen or just streamlining your cooking processes, these kitchen tools will help you get started with easier (and more fun!) Japanese cooking.

Easy Japanese Recipes for Beginners

When it comes to Japanese cooking, there are some easy recipes that will still wow dinner guests! Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or a beginner chef in general, these Japanese recipes are some of the easiest to get started with. Easy Japanese Recipes for Beginners Over the years, I’ve

Japanese Curry Rice Recipe

As much a part of the national food culture as sushi, various types of curry served with white rice (Kare Raisu, カレーライス) has been an enduring favorite in Japan since the Meiji era (1868-1912). Known as “curry rice” or “rice curry”, these days they usually contain meat or poultry, potatoes,

Small Potatoes in Sweet Sauce with fresh Ginger Recipe

Small Potatoes in Sweet Sauce with fresh Ginger Recipe

I get a lot of potatoes in my bi-monthly CSA box, so I have been making Small Potatoes in Sweet Sauce with fresh Ginger recipe quite a bit. It makes for a great and easy side dish. Small Potatoes in Sweet Sauce with fresh Ginger Recipe And since I freely

japanese recipe plant based ramen

Plant-based Ramen Recipe

I am a noodle fiend. It doesn’t matter if they are smothered in sauce, pan-fried, or sitting in broth. I am a lover of noodles! One of my favorite dishes is ramen and I thought how perfect; I can recreate a Japanese staple and transform it into a plant-based dish.

Chaliapin Steak

Chaliapin Steak

Steak Fit for a Maestro In 1927, the second year of  Emperor Showa’s Reign (1926-1989), Fyodor Ivanovich Chaliapin, the renowned Russian operatic basso, visited Tokyo. He was a true VIP, often earning as much as ¥30,000 for one performance, at a time when you could build a house for ¥1,000.

chazuke rice recipe

Tai Chazuke

Keeping with our theme of quick, versatile, and easy to eat and make rice dishes (like Zosui), here is another traditional favorite of mine, chazuke.  I like to make it when I am in a hurry to get dinner on the table and also when I have left-over rice. What

chicken zosui

Chicken and Vegetable Zosui (Rice Porridge)

The History of Rice in Japan Wet-rice culture came to Japan during the dawn of the Yayoi period (300 B.C. – 300 A.D.), either directly from China or via the Korean Peninsula. It was a time characterized by people known as the Yayoi, new tools and farming techniques (such as

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