A Flavorful Journey
Through the World of Yōshoku
Calendar 2025
Western-style cuisine, or yōshoku, refers to foreign-inspired dishes that have evolved to suit Japanese tastes. Join us as we explore the places connected to these unique culinary creations.
Design of the calendar cover
Napolitan and the Amalfi Coast (Naples, Italy)
Spaghetti seasoned with a tomato ketchup base—Napolitan is not from Naples, but a Western-style dish that originated in Japan.
Spaghetti seasoned with a tomato ketchup base—Napolitan is not from Naples, but a Western-style dish that originated in Japan.
Clam Chowder and the Boston Tea Party Ships (Boston, USA)
A rich, hearty soup filled with clams. While it's cherished as a traditional American dish, it's also a beloved favorite in Japan.
A rich, hearty soup filled with clams. While it's cherished as a traditional American dish, it's also a beloved favorite in Japan.
Karaage and the Panda Base (Chengdu, China)
Japan's karaage—crispy fried chicken—was influenced by Chinese frying techniques but has uniquely evolved into a beloved Japanese dish.
Japan's karaage—crispy fried chicken—was influenced by Chinese frying techniques but has uniquely evolved into a beloved Japanese dish.
Hamburg Steak and the Hamburg City Hall (Hamburg, Germany)
Believed to have originated in Hamburg, the hamburg steak has evolved into many variations around the world, with the Japanese-style wafu hamburg being especially popular.
Believed to have originated in Hamburg, the hamburg steak has evolved into many variations around the world, with the Japanese-style wafu hamburg being especially popular.
Donuts and the Windmills (Kinderdijk, Netherlands)
Originating in the Netherlands, donuts have found a special place in Japan, inspiring unique variations like okara (soy pulp) donuts and nama (raw-style) donuts.
Originating in the Netherlands, donuts have found a special place in Japan, inspiring unique variations like okara (soy pulp) donuts and nama (raw-style) donuts.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls and the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)
Dolma, a traditional Turkish stuffed dish, is the origin of stuffed cabbage rolls. This hearty dish made its way to Japan around the time of the Meiji Restoration.
Dolma, a traditional Turkish stuffed dish, is the origin of stuffed cabbage rolls. This hearty dish made its way to Japan around the time of the Meiji Restoration.
Ramune and the Bon Bamboo Lantern Festival (Yokosuka, Kanagawa)
Ramune, named after "lemonade," is said to have been served to the Japanese by Commodore Perry aboard his ship when he arrived in Uraga.
Ramune, named after "lemonade," is said to have been served to the Japanese by Commodore Perry aboard his ship when he arrived in Uraga.
Tempura and Tram 28 (Lisbon, Portugal)
Japanese tempura is believed to have originated from pesca diño frito, a Portuguese fried fish dish brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Japanese tempura is believed to have originated from pesca diño frito, a Portuguese fried fish dish brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Curry Rice and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai, India)
Curry, which traveled from India to Britain and then to Japan during the Meiji era, has since become a beloved dish in Japan, with variations like curry bread and curry udon gaining popularity.
Curry, which traveled from India to Britain and then to Japan during the Meiji era, has since become a beloved dish in Japan, with variations like curry bread and curry udon gaining popularity.
Omelette and Persepolis (Iran, Persia)
When we think of Western-style Japanese cuisine from the Showa era, omelette comes to mind. It is believed to have originated from Persian egg dishes like kuku, which are rich in ingredients.
When we think of Western-style Japanese cuisine from the Showa era, omelette comes to mind. It is believed to have originated from Persian egg dishes like kuku, which are rich in ingredients.
Fried Oysters and Nihonbashi (Chūō, Tokyo)
Nihonbashi and Ginza, both pivotal centers of Japanese food culture, were home to many Western-style restaurants. These areas became gathering places for moya (modern girls) and moga (modern boys), shaping social life in the early 20th century.
Nihonbashi and Ginza, both pivotal centers of Japanese food culture, were home to many Western-style restaurants. These areas became gathering places for moya (modern girls) and moga (modern boys), shaping social life in the early 20th century.
French Onion Soup and the Champs-Élysées (Paris, France)
A comforting bowl of French onion soup, said to have gained popularity in Paris around the time of the French Revolution, continues to warm both body and soul.
A comforting bowl of French onion soup, said to have gained popularity in Paris around the time of the French Revolution, continues to warm both body and soul.
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