From condiments to street dishes, we’re seeing innovating ways these unique Japanese flavors are shaping diner’s experiences.

WE MAKE LIFE TASTE BETTER

T. HASEGAWA

T. HASEGAWA

JAPANESE FLAVOR TRENDS

JAPANESE INFLUENCE

US consumers have embraced sushi, matcha and ramen, but there’s much more to Japanese food. Restaurants and retailers are drawing on the popularity of these foods and beverages.

A variety of Japanese ingredients and dishes are appearing on US menus, and diners are sharing these items with their peers on social media.

Japanese-Matcha-Tea

JAPANESE INFLUENCE

US consumers have embraced sushi, matcha and ramen, but there’s much more to Japanese food. Restaurants and retailers are drawing on the popularity of these foods and beverages as US tourism to Japan grows, and the 2020 Olympics are on the horizon.

Japanese-Matcha-Tea

A variety of Japanese ingredients and dishes are appearing on US menus, and diners are sharing these items with their peers on social media.

Wagyu-Cutlets

JAPANESE INFLUENCE IS POPPING UP IN FAMILIAR FORMATS

Several Japanese menu items some Americans may not be familiar with, include jiggly souffle pancakes topped with matcha butter or Katsu sandos (sandwiches) consist of fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan), fried pork or Wagyu cutlets, cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.

Furikake, meanwhile, is a dry seasoning that typically consists of dried fish, sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, salt and MSG.

These ingredients are popular in Japanese dishes and are also being used to add a touch of Japanese flair to non-Japanese menu items and retail products, such as snacks.

Wagyu-Cutlets

JAPANESE INFLUENCE IS POPPING UP IN FAMILIAR FORMATS

Several Japanese menu items some Americans may not be familiar with, include jiggly souffle pancakes topped with matcha butter or Katsu sandos (sandwiches) consist of fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan), fried pork or Wagyu cutlets, cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.

Furikake, meanwhile, is a dry seasoning that typically consists of dried fish, sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, salt and MSG.

These ingredients are popular in Japanese dishes and are also being used to add a touch of Japanese flair to non-Japanese menu items and retail products, such as snacks.

JAPANESE FLAVORS, INGREDIENTS,
AND DISHES GROW

Yuzu, a Japanese citrus, is growing on foodservice menus,
and it has also appeared in a range of retail products.

yuzu lemon
Japanese Flavors and Ingredients

JAPANESE FLAVORS, INGREDIENTS,
AND DISHES GROW

Yuzu, a Japanese citrus, is growing on foodservice menus,
and it has also appeared in a range of retail products.

FLAVOR IS THE FOCUS IN JAPANESE-INSPIRED RETAIL LAUNCHES

SANSHO JAPANESE PEPPER

Sansho Japanese Pepper

Hemis Fares Sansho Japanese Pepper is described as a “fragrant seed that stimulates the taste buds with a distinctive, citrus kick.”
It is traditionally used to enhance grilled eel or seafood.

YUZU KOSHO

a bottle of yuzukosho, japanese condiment

Yuzu, a Japanese citrus, is growing on foodservice menus, and it has also appeared in a range of retail products. Kewpie Yuzu Kosho Dressing pairs the citrus flavor of yuzu with the hot pepper bite of kosho – fresh chilies – in this versatile sauce.

Yuzu has experienced 10% growth as an ingredient from Q4 2015-18

FURIKAKE SEAWEED SNACK MIX

Furikake

LoloYum Furikake Seaweed Snack Mix provides a unique blend of sweet and savory flavor
combined with crunchy goodness of different shapes and textures.

AMERICANS ARE OPEN TO TRYING
MORE JAPANESE CUISINE AT HOME AND AWAY

More than two in five consumers already eat Japanese food and even more are interested in trying it.
41% Of US consumers have eaten Japanese cuisine at home or away from home

Imagawayaki

IMAGAWAYAKI

Imagawayaki is a dessert cake stuffed with red bean paste that originated in Japan. It is also popular in Taiwan.

Japanese-Influence-Flavor-Trends-9a

TAKOYAKI

Takoyaki are a common street snack from Osaka. These deep-fried octopus balls are topped with mayo, scallion and bonito flakes. Gindaco.

Japanese-Influence-Flavor-Trends-Okonomiyaki-2

OKONOMIYAKI

Another popular Osaka-based dish, okonomiyaki, is a savory pancake made with flour, eggs, cabbage, meat and condiments including mayo and bonito flakes.

INTEREST IN STREET FOOD WILL DRIVE GREATER INTEREST IN JAPANESE FOOD

Recently, street foods like takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) have popped up across Instagram, exposing consumers to these traditional snacks. There is also an opportunity to use these foods as a starting point for fusion foods that might feel more accessible to US consumers. The octopus in takoyaki, for instance, might be replaced with beef and topped with barbecue.

STREET FOOD GREW 13% IN SOCIAL MEDIA MENTIONS OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
YUZU GREW 10% AS AN INGREDIENT FROM Q4 2015-18.
Japanese-Sushi

INTEREST IN STREET FOOD WILL DRIVE GREATER INTEREST IN JAPANESE FOOD

Recently, street foods like takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) have popped up across Instagram, exposing consumers to these traditional snacks. There is also an opportunity to use these foods as a starting point for fusion foods that might feel more accessible to US consumers. The octopus in takoyaki, for instance, might be replaced with beef and topped with barbecue.

STREET FOOD GREW 13% IN SOCIAL MEDIA MENTIONS OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
YUZU GREW 10% AS AN INGREDIENT FROM Q4 2015-18.
Japanese-Sushi