SAVOR JAPAN

Japanese use the word "omedetai" to describe happy events. Since the last part of the word ("tai") is pronounced the same as the word for sea bream, the fish has come to symbolize good luck in Japan and is commonly served at celebrations like weddings and New Years. Its vibrant red color and determined stare make it the perfect festive decoration. Tai is also pictured being held by Ebisu-sama , the stout god of fertility, to express good luck.

When the weather cools down in Japan, you start hearing the familiar voice of the yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato) vendor. He expertly wails "Ishi (stones) yaki-imo" for the whole neighborhood to hear while selling the delicious treats from his truck that roasts satsuma-imo (sweet potato) on hot stones. The longer they cook, the sweeter and more delectable they become. Satsuma-imo are grown in Ibaraki, Chiba, Miyazaki and Tokushima, but mainly in Kagoshima (originally Satsuma), which accounts for up to 40% of Japan's harvest.

The first fried oysters are arguably credited to Rengatei Restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo. Coated with flour, dipped in egg and sprinkled with bread crumbs, each oyster is fried to perfection to create a mouthwatering treat veiled in crispy crust that wins over fans of all ages. The oysters for this iconic winter dish often hail from Hiroshima, Miyagi and Okayama.