Tampopo

Described as a “ramen western”, Itami Juzo’s 1985 Tampopo expertly fuses American Westerns with Japanese food culture. It’s also an opportunity to see the great Ken Watanabe before he became one of the most famous Japanese actors of all time.

I first watched this movie several decades ago. Well before there was a ramen shop in every city in America. Ramen wasn’t ubiquitous outside Japan yet.

I wrote about some great Ramen shops in Tokyo here.

Within minutes of the movie starting, I knew I had to go to Japan. I can’t emphasize enough how much it made me want to visit. This movie also made me very hungry, so be prepared for that.

While elevating ramen, traditionally a common food, to cult status (well before ramen actually hit cult status), Tampopo takes us on a grand journey. This charming comedy-adventure will have you booking tickets to Tokyo.

Here’s what Roger Ebert had to say:

“Consider, for example, the tour de force of a scene near the beginning of the movie, where a noodle master explains the correct ritual for eating a bowl of noodle soup. He explains every ingredient. How to cut it, how to cook it, how to address it, how to think of it, how to regard it, how to approach it, how to smell it, how to eat it, how to thank it, how to remember it. It’s a kind of gastronomic religion, and director Juzo Itami creates a scene that makes noodles in this movie more interesting than sex and violence in many another.”

He also gave it four out of four stars. (Read the full review here)

Enough said, go watch this movie.

Potesara (Potato Salad)

Japanese people often shorten potato salad to “potesara” or “potesarada”.

Don’t tell your grandma, unless she’s Japanese, but Japanese potato salad is the best potato salad. 

In Japan, this simple side dish is amazing.

In addition to Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, cucumbers, and carrots, other common ingredients include ham, onions, corn, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. Vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, and/or mustard are used for even more flavor and tang. Occasionally, kombu, soy sauce, and other less common ingredients are added.

Nearly all places make this well. I often order it at izakayas because it’s delicious and filling, and I also buy it pre-made at the market so I can have it whenever I want.

Here’s a good recipe.

Oktoberfest in Japan

Oktoberfest in Japan will be upon us sooner than you may expect and if you like beer, sausages, and giant outdoor gatherings, you may already be ironing your lederhosen. 

Japan loves a good party, and Oktoberfest is no exception. What is unique about Oktoberfest in Japan is that, unlike in Munich, it’s not always held in September/October. You read that correctly. Many cities in Japan celebrate Oktoberfest in July or even April/May.

But instead of calling it Julyfest or Springfest, they celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest whenever they feel like it. Or maybe, it’s simply an excuse to hang out outside with your friends and drink a lot of beer. I’m in either way.

Odaiba, Tokyo Oktoberfest - normally at the end of April/start of May.

Shiba Park, Tokyo Oktoberfest - late May.

Hibiya, Tokyo Oktoberfest - July.

Nagoya Oktoberfest - July.

Kanazawa Oktoberfest - late August through early September (based on 2024).

Yokohama Oktoberfest - mid-September into October (based on 2024).

Osaka Oktoberfest - late September into early October.

Some of the above dates are based on when it was held in 2024 as the 2025 dates haven’t been announced. They tend to stay consistently around the same time of year.

If you are in Japan during any of these celebrations, they are fun to attend, and if you go, you’ll most likely make some new friends over beer and brats.