Popular and Kyoto-headquartered coffee chain, % Arabica has recently opened their 2nd branch in Singapore at 313@Somerset. 

Take a pause from the bustle of Orchard Road and stop by for your favourite aromatic % Arabica coffee before heading off to start a local adventure all over again.

Kenneth Shoji founded Arabica from a need to have an amazing cup of coffee every day, with an equally amazing experience.In order to provide the best coffee possible, Kenneth Shoji, started a green bean trading company and became the sole-exporter of a small batch Japanese roasting machine called the Tornado King. As well as a distributor of one of the TOP espresso machines in the world, the ‘Slayer’. Together with world latte art champion, Junichi Yamaguchi, they both collaborated in order to make a new generation coffee brand in Kyoto that would challenge the world. With the help of the remarkably talented architect, Masaki Kato. Kenneth opened in Hong Kong, and then the beautiful historical city of Kyoto. With its unique design and quality coffee, Arabica has rapidly gained popularity in an industry thought to be already saturated. Through the brand, coffee drinkers can “See the world through Coffee”, with prime quality coffee with unique taste profiles and a richness that you can only get from freshly roasted coffee to a meticulously roasted roast profile.

Tel: +65 6509 0302 Email: hello@arabica.coffee

Unagi fans can now rejoice and bid farewell to expensive unagi fares! 

Una Una at Bugis+ is an unagi specialty restaurant serving up the best value, charcoal-grilled unagi you can find. 

Be treated with a wonderful spread of unagi offerings like the the Hitsumabushi, Unajus (unagi bento box), or set meals with sashimi, sushi roll, and kabayaki sets. One can also indulge in other lip-smacking menu selections Una Una has to offer, from sashimi to salad, grilled items and sashimi maze don - all at incredible value-for-money prices. 

Using authentic unagi sauce from Japan, the unagi are freshly grilled with charcoal with a double-dipping technique - by repeating the process of basting the unagi with special in-house sauce before grilling it over controlled temperature twice. Such dedication to the chef’s grilling techniques, temperature control of the charcoal grill and the sweet basting tare make create the melt-int-the-mouth goodness. 

Live Twice on Bukit Pasoh Road is inspired by mid-centruy Japan and is also the newest brand in the Jigger & Pony family.

Live Twice welcomes guests from all walks of life, united by their love of cocktails. whether you’re a salaryman or a creative, Live Twice welcomes your most authentic self at the end of the day.

View their Cocktail & Food Menu and Happy Hour Menu.  

20 Bukit Pasoh Road

Tel: +65 9011 8304 Email: info@livetwice.sg

Japanese streetwear brand Íxi:z, makes a comeback 40 years in the making.

INDIVIDUALLY BASIC – a tagline not seen in Singapore since the early 1980s, where it was closely affiliated with Japanese streetwear brand Íxi: z (pronounced ick-sees). Four decades on, Íxi:z is making an unprecedented comeback with a retail store now open at Mandarin Gallery, and an official launch to be announced in early 2020.

Unleash your inner superstar at BandKara by Bistro8 where you can sing karaoke with live band members, jamming your heart out at every moment! 

8 Grange Road, Unit #08-01 Cineleisure

Tel: +65 6220 3113 Email: bandkara@koshidaka.com.sg

Housed in a cosy shophouse, the newly-opened Miyu on Duxton Road offers exquisite Omakase of the finest quality and an intimate dining experience for its diners.  

Miyu is owned and helmed by an ex-executive chef who worked at top Japanese establishments such as Hide Yamamoto, Tsujiki Ichidai and Kacyo. 

74 Duxton Road

Tel: +65 9839 5232 Email: dining@miyu.sg

Asia’s most popular udon chain, Tamoya, is proud to open their new outlet at Plaza Singapura. This opening marks a total of 17 outlets for Tamoya worldwide. For their opening special, Tamoya launches the outlet-exclusive Truffle Tonkotsu Udon. Only available at the newest Plaza Singapura outlet, the Truffle Tonkotsu Udon features the heady aroma of truffle oil infused into the creamy and rich pork bone broth and topped with chashu, corn, Japanese leek, nori and half an ajitama egg for a satisfying slurp! 

Making a hot comeback on the mainstay menu is Tamoya’s Sukiyaki Udon, the combination of both sukiyaki and udon noodles for an innovative way to enjoy udon. The sukiyaki comes with juicy slices of beef or pork alongside a colourful assortment of vegetables in one simmering pot. Enjoy the comforts of an individual sukiyaki bowl brimming with ingredients at Tamoya. 

Tamoya’s signature chewy udon are handmade in-stores daily, with quality ingredients; from flour to shoyu and even bonito imported directly from Japan. 

Sushi Plus at Bugis Junction is a new contemporary sushi dining concept by Sushi Express that redefines the conventional conveyor belt sushi with state-of-art technology integration. By delicately balancing quality with affordability, Sushi Plus aims to be the pinnacle of casual dining for Japanese cuisine.

200 Victoria Street, Unit #02-53 Bugis Junction

122 Tembeling Road

Ramen Champion is proud to announce that it will now house Gyumaru at its Bugis+ enclave. Gyumaru is the first ramen restaurant in Singapore to serve Gyukotsu Ramen (beef bone ramen), which is a rare dish in the ramen world. 

201 Victoria Street, Unit #04-10 Bugis+ (within Ramen Champion)

Tel: +65 6238 1011

In the heart of Singapore City Hall, Katachi Style is not simply a sushi restaurant. It is a unique place, in which every object and every detail has their own meaning, because they are elements that contribute to creating a journey to discover the enogastronomic culture of Japanese Cuisine by a team of Japanese F&B and 5-star hotel professionals.

Japanese Chef Keiji Matoba draws his inspiration from the beauty of nature along with it's simplicity and diversity. Always looking for excellence, he surrounds himself with the most experienced chefs. He transcribes his passion by curating sushi dishes from prestigious products, imported weekly from Japan, to provide the best experience for his guests. Thereby, he invites us to discover the tradition of washoku cuisine, based on balance and harmony of flavours.

Trattoria Pizzeria Logic, a well-established authentic Italian restaurant chain from Japan opens their first Singapore restaurant on Craig Road. 

Trattoria Pizza Logic is best-known for their naples style cuisine that uses fresh ingredients, such as flour imported from Caputo in Naples.

Pizzaiolo Junichi Shoji, who is the winner of the prestigious Napoli Pizza World Championship 2012, an annual global contest to determine the world’s best pizza makers, is responsible for designing the pizza recipes. This makes Trattoria Pizza Logic the only restaurant in Singapore to have a World Championship Winning Pizzaiolo supervising its kitchen.

Co-helming the kitchen is Grand Chef Atsushi Terashima, who acts as the creative force behind the restaurant’s menu. Chef Atsushi Terashima was trained in Tuscany before he cooked in various restaurants across Italy. This experience has allowed him to pick up authentic Italian cooking techniques and create new dishes to add to Trattoria Pizza Logic’s mouth-watering menu.

20 Craig Road Unit #01-03 Craig Place

Tel: +65 6226 2250 Email: info@pizzalogic-sg.com

Amazing Hokkaido is a newly-opened and authentic izakaya at Robertson Quay that promises a great Japanese dining experience 

Enjoy their signature dish like the Bursting Salmon Roe Rice Bowl which is an outstanding crowd-pleaser. The generous serving of Salmon Roe will leave you going back for more. 

Taste amazing products andi ingredients imported epecially from the Northern part of Japan, Hokkaido!

30 Robertson Quay, Level 1 Riverside View

Tel: +65 6235 0212 Email: info@amazing-hokkaido.com

435 Orchard Road, Level 3 Wisma Atria

Tendon specialist Tendon Kohaku and unagi specialist Man Man Unagi have started a brand-new collaborative dining concept at Clarke Quay Central! Since their respective openings, both of these F&B concepts have been drawing long queues every day, winning over the hearts of local gourmands with their authentic Japanese specialities. Now, fans of the two brands can tuck into both tendons and unagi just side by side at the two new restaurants. 

At the new outlet, Tendon Kohaku will present an exclusive item: Kaisen Tendon by Kohaku and Teppei (S$26.50++). The item follows the kaisen don recipe by Chef Teppei Yamashita, who helms Teppei Japanese restaurant and Man Man Unagi.

Other exclusive items include Jumbo Unagi Tendon (S$29++), a glorious showstopper of huge eel encased in crispy tempura exterior. The Premium Chawanmushi with Unagi and Ikura (S$6.50++) is made with egg, chicken broth, chicken, shiitake mushroom and spring onion. The treasures that are unagi and fish cake are embedded within the wobbly offering; glistening globes of ikura are set atop it. There is also the Crispy Unagi Dragon Roll (S$9++): a combination of tempura prawn, tempura crabstick and avocado are draped across vinegared Japanese rice. 

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Unit #B1-52 & 53 Clarke Quay Central

You must have heard of or visited one of Don Don Donki stores in Singapore by now, but their 6th & newest branch at Clarke Quay Central has a unique Teppanyaki station for all their customers to feast together! Enjoy sizzling sights as their expert chefs cook up a slew of delicious Japanese recipes such as Wagyu Steak, Beef Hamburg & Teriyaki Chicken Steak for you! This new store operates on a 24-hr basis and is a perfect pit stop for late night party-goers around the area. 

Don Quijote, the biggest discount store chain in Japan is operating in Singapore as Don Don Donki. They are focused on providing high quality Japanese products, and they offer a wide variety of items ranging from fresh produce to toys. Find everything you’re looking for and discover things you never knew you needed, only at Don Don Donki.

Quench your thirst with their fan-favourite peach smoothie, or sample other goods at their indoor Sweet Potato Factory! 

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central

Sushiro, Japan’s largest kaiten sushi chain, will open its first Southeast Asian outlet in Singapore at Tiong Bharu Plaza in mid August. The wildly-popular brand sells a remarkable 1.36 billion plates of sushi per year, and its revenue has been the highest in the kaiten (conveyor-belt) sushi industry for eight consecutive years from 2011 to 2018. To date, it has over 530 outlets in countries and areas such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan.  

Committed to using fresh ingredients for its sushi, Sushiro serves quality offerings at pocket-friendly prices. It has collectively served more than 149 million customers at its outlets in Japan a year, a number that exceeds the total population of Japan. Its Product Development team includes members with experience working at leading hotel groups and fine-dining establishments. The team develops over 600 new dishes every year, and only 70 get launched after rounds of stringent internal screening.

The Singapore outlet offers over 100 varieties of sushi and side menu selections. Using ingredients imported directly from Japan, Sushiro serves highly-satisfying delicious Japanese dishes at affordable prices. Exclusive and seasonal mainstays will also be unveiled periodically to keep their Singapore customers surprised.

302 Tiong Bahru Road, Unit #02-118 Tiong Bahru Plaza (OPENING SOON)

Noka, which means farmhouse in Japanese, is Singapore’s first rooftop urban farm & 75-seater Japanese restaurant in the Central Business District.

Sister restaurant to Singapore’s favorite urban farm and restaurant Open Farm Community, Noka is connected to the 5,000+ sq ft rooftop urban farm in partnership with Edible Garden City which grows oyster mushrooms, microgreens, basil, mexican tarragon, butterfly pea flowers, and a lot more. Head Chef Seki Takuma, native of Niigata perfecture, showcases local ingredients by applying Japanese cooking techniques.

109 North Bridge Road, Unit #07-38 & 39 Funan

MAI by Dashi Master Marusaya is a premium dashi concept restaurant by Japanese katsuobushi wholesaler, Marusaya. The 38-seater restaurant is dedicated to serving authentic Japanese dishes using superior ingredients directly imported from Japan, together with all-natural dashi made from special aged bonito and quality konbu. The Marusaya group also runs two other Japanese dining concepts in Singapore: Dashi Master Marusaya and Ten Sushi and Bar, since 2014. 

Founded in 1962, Marusaya is dedicated to supplying katsuobushi for commercial use, with over 9,000 customers from food establishments including soba, udon, ramen and Japanese kappo restaurants. The dashi used at MAI is of a different calibre, as the company takes pride in its Satsuma 2-year-old hongare-honbushi, made from skipjack tuna which is dried and fermented over two years. This is unlike other katsuobushi, which is fermented only over a year. The extended period of fermentation draws out almost all moisture and concentrates the flavour of the katsuobushi, making it especially strong in umami. The aged bonito is then cooked with specially imported Rishiri kelp – one of the best categories of kelp that’s harvested around Hokkaido – for over an hour, to produce a broth that reveals sophisticated flavours, which is thoughtfully infused into every dish. It is worthy to note that besides dashi, no MSG or any other chemical seasoning is used. One can be assured of a delicious, healthy and authentic Japanese dining experience at MAI.

46 Bukit Pasoh Road

Tel:  +65 6327 8414  

One of Japan's most popular and hottest-selling backpack brands, Anello offers a wide range of fashionable yet functional bags. The brand’s name is inspired by the Italian word for “ring” or “loop” - a reflection of the bags’ simple yet well-balanced designs.

Anello's first brick-and-mortar boutique in Singapore is now open at Jewel Changi Airport. 

Vist this store to preview limited editions from Japan and the latest upcoming Autumn/Winter boutique collections. 

The newest F&B operator on the charming Bali Lane, Asian Rad Afters by Asian Rad Tea Company from Osaka sells cheerful-looking bubble waffles. 

Their bubble waffle creations are not just Instagrammable, they are also loaded with generous toppings, promising each of their customers with a satisfying sweet treat.

33 Bali Lane

Email: info@asianradteacompany.com

KOMA, a brand new Japanese restaurant and sushi bar by leading hospitality company TAO Group, is set to satiate guests with an elevated dining experience when it opens at Marina Bay Sands on 26 July.

The restaurant will offer diners with a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine, featuring original creations by its Executive Chef Kunihiro Moroi, using fresh and seasonal produce and ingredients from Japan.

Bold and distinct interior design elements – from a striking 20 metre-long passageway flanked with orange arches that greet guests as they arrive, to a dramatic 2.5 metre-high, one-of-a-kind bell that overlooks a traditional Japanese foot bridge and reflecting pool - will complement the cuisine and lend to the modern and sophisticated vibe within the 230-seat restaurant, which includes an oversized sushi bar and a private dining room at the mezzanine. The space is designed by renowned American firm Rockwell Group, which is behind the design of several of TAO Group’s establishments, which include restaurants TAO Downtown, Vandal, Feroce and Avenue in New York.

The opening of KOMA will complete the trio of concepts launched by TAO Group and Marina Bay Sands as part of a new dining and entertainment complex at the integrated resort, along with nightclub MARQUEE which opened in April and cocktail lounge AVENUE in May this year. KOMA also marks the fourth concept opened by TAO Group in collaboration with Marina Bay Sands, which began with LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar in January 2018.

10 Bayfront Avenue, Unit #B1-67, Galleria Level,  The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (OPENING SOON) 

Be amongst the first in Singapore to discover Emma’s first-ever overseas outpost! Established in May 2018 in Japan, Emma is a soft serve and speciality tea shop. In just 10 months, their soaring popularity led the brand to open four more outlets in Japan. Every day, the outlets see snaking queues that last for hours.

Be sure to try out their Okinawa Brown Sugar Boba Japanese Soft Serve in Wafer Shell in Singapore!

The brand’s secret recipe for success is their insistence on using high-quality, authentic Japanese ingredients. To create their signature soft serve that is known for its richness and thick texture, Emma uses premium Japanese milk. The soft serve uses quality ingredients and is so firm that you can even hold the ice cream upside down and it will not fall out! Other ingredients Emma uses include Japanese Okinawa brown sugar, kuromitsu (Japanese brown sugar syrup) and Japanese kinako (soybean) powder. The charcoal cones are also specially imported from Japan. Visit the little take-out kiosk to savour their unique creations.

68 Orchard Road, Unit #B2-45 Plaza Singapura

Aji-Ichi at Marina Square is another concept offering great food at exceptional value by ASTONS. 

They serve quality, authentic, affordable and delicious Japanese cuisine amidst a comfortable and casual ambience at this new branch. 

Freshly prepared for your enjoyment, they use only Koshihikari rice imported from Niigata in Japan, US beef, and tonkotsu broth that has been simmered for 12 hours.

6 Raffles Boulevard, Unit #02-277 Marina Square

Tel: +65 6258 3001

Unaemon is one of the 6 Japanese food brands that can be enjoyed at the newly-opened Gochi on Church Street.

Established in Japan in 1950, Unaemon was co-founded in Japan by the owner of Taga, a 147-year old unagi specialty restaurant, and the third owner of Kiyoizumi, a historical unagi restaurant in Hinode-cho, Yokohama. 

23 Church Street, Level 1 Capital Square

Diners can look forward to a slice of Japan in the Central Business District area as Japanese premium gourmet space, Gochi has opened its doors to the public. 

Located at the bustling Capital Square on 23 Church Street, Gochi houses six different Japanese food concepts, ranging from Japanese heritage food brands to modern day treats.

23 Church Street, Level 1 Capital Square

Onitsuka Tiger brings modern Japanese style and craftsmanship to Jewel Changi Airport, opening its doors to Singaporeans and travelers alike.

Japanese heritage meets modern flair in every collection of Onitsuka Tiger’s shoes, apparels and accessories.

Founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka in Kobe, Japan, the Onitsuka Tiger stripes have become synonymous with premium performance in sports since 1949.

78 Airport Boulevard, Unit #01-242 Jewel Changi Airport

Pronto Caffe & Bar is a Japanese-Italian casual restaurant chain which has over 260 outlets across Japan. They are opening their 1st Singapore outlet on Church Street. 

"Pronto" is Italian for "ready," and there at Pronto they are ready to serve you throughout the day.

Enjoy aromatic Italian-style coffee and bread in the morning, a plate of pasta for lunch, a cup of tea with their original recipe cakes and pastries in the afternoon, and a varied menu of alcoholic beverages and food, mostly appetizers, in the evening.

Pronto offers a relaxing spot to spend time any time of the day you choose. 

Check out Pronto from 13 June onwards at the new Japanese food enclave, Gochi, which is located on Church Street. 

23 Church Street, Unit #01-02/08 Capital Square

Helmed by Executive Chef John Phua, the newly-relocated Kyoaji means “Taste of Kyoto”.

Located in the heart of Orchard Road, the  restaurant exudes a warm Japanese ambience to embrace you with the  warmth of Japanese culture and cuisine. 

With nearly 30 years of  experience in authentic Japanese cuisine, Chef John Phua and his passion for Japanese  cuisine drives him to attain excellence and perfection in his skill. His  persistence in maintaining true Japanese flavours brings loyal diners back over and over again to experience a taste of Kyoto within his  restaurant. 

Air-flown fish and seasonal seafood are flown in and stored in an ultra-low temperature storage facility upon arrival in Singapore, to ensure high-quality taste and freshness.

111 Somerset Road, Unit #02-05/06

Tel: +65 6694 4068

Famed Japanese Ramen chain, Afuri has over 15 outlets and also opened outposts in as far as Portland, Oregon & Lisbon in Portugal. They will be opening their very first outlet here this month at the newly-revamped Funan, bringing their signature yuzu-scented ramen to food-lovers in Singapore. 

Named after a mountain - Mt. AFURI, on the east edge of the Tanzawa mountains in Kanagawa prefecture in Japan; legend has it Afuri is the father of Mt. Fuji.

Find out more about Afuri and the menu listed in their international website here. 

107 North Bridge Road, Unit #B1-29 Funan (OPENING SOON)

Email: feedback@jfh.com.sg

After a five-month hiatus, Whitegrass has reopened at Chijmes, making a comeback with a new chef and cuisine.

Whitegrass, under the helm of Head Chef Takuya Yamashita, showcases classical French fare with a contemporary Japanese twist. 

Abiding by the culinary principle of “La Cuisine Naturelle”, or “cuisine of the natural body”, Chef Takuya celebrates the essence of each ingredient he works with. Omakase menus of seasonal nature inspired creations pay homage not only to the history of the produce but also to its passionate producers. Located in the historical CHIJMES landmark, the 40-seat restaurant boasts stellar service and a carefully curated beverage list that serves to further elevate the experience of dining in this iconic venue.

A five-course dinner menu is available at $168++ per person, while an eight-course dinner menu is priced at $228++ per person. There is also a beverage list of Old and New World wines and sakes from the Nara Prefecture, and wine pairings are available.

30 Victoria Street, Unit #01-26/27 Chijmes

Tel: +65 6837 0402 Email: reservations@whitegrass.com.sg

Say hello to the iconic Gram Café & Pancakes from Osaka with their famous long queues, set to stir up a soufflé pancake storm in Singapore! You’ve seen them all over: mesmerizing, wobbly towers of incredibly fluffy pancakes. Now, you get to taste them. Hailing from Osaka, Japan, the most famous soufflé pancakes specialist, Gram Café & Pancakes has finally arrived at VivoCity. 

At Gram, pancakes are passion. As the original of all Japanese Instagrammable soufflé pancakes, Gram serves up impossibly fluffy Japanese pancakes you will soon be obsessed with. Smell them before you see them. Walk into Gram and the first thing you will notice is the strong and irresistible aroma of butter and sweet maple syrup which will unwittingly pull you into the mood for their pancakes.

Pancakes at Gram are slow-cooked on low heat and whipped full of air, resulting in a fluffy texture befitting of a cloud or cotton candy. They are delicious in their simplicity, depending only on premium ingredients, masterful technique, and a bit of butter and syrup to make the pancakes shine. 

Soft, airy and oh-so-fluffy, Gram’s soufflé pancakes are a pancake connoisseur’s dream come true. When served, three lofty wobbly discs are stacked altogether making an impressive tower of gravity-defying pancakes. Watch them jiggle and dance captivatingly in front of you before you dig in.

Following the success of Japan Gourmet Hall SORA at Changi Airport Terminal 2, ANA Airlines is opening another outlet at Terminal 1, this time showcasing the best Japanese dishes from three prefectures: Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Kanagawa.

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA at Terminal 1 is modelled after a business class lounge and this 116-seater at Terminal 1 will feature classic favorites from these renowned brands as well as exclusive dishes from three restaurants: Ikkousha, Yoshimi and Megumi Maru.

Diners can tuck into an array of Yatai-style ramen, katsu curry and maze don, all at the same place. There will be wonderful desserts such as soft-serve ice-cream and pancakes for those with a sweet-tooth. 

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA at Terminal 1 will be calling Singapore location for popular Japanese brands who will set up new outlets in Singapore:

• Popular ramen brand from Fukuoka – Ikkousha, doles out Yatai-style ramen 
• Katsu curry specialist Yoshimi, set to open its first overseas outlet 
• Megumi Maru, Singapore’s first-ever maze don concept created by renowned maguro wholesaler Misaki Megumi Suisan

Dine at SORA and stand a chance to win a pair of round-trip ANA Airlines tickets to Japan. 

65 Airport Boulvard, Unit #03-21 Terminal 1, Changi Airport 

Tel: +65 6242 9087

JW360° welcomes you. They are a restaurant, retail shop and café store which invites you to experience the REAL JAPAN from 360°! 

JW 360° is a Japanese multi-concept food destination. It comprises Restaurant Suju Masayuki, a restaurant offering simple comfort food, JW 360° Café, a coffeehouse serving a seasonal menu of drinks and desserts, and Nomono, a specialty store featuring Japanese food products – some of which are available for the first time in an overseas market.

78 Airport Boulevard, Unit #01-223/224/225 Jewel Changi Airport

Bincho at Min Jiang delivers the same authentic Japanese yakitori experience to Dempsey Road, in a contemporary industrial-chic hideaway at Dempsey Road. Like its flagship venue at Tiong Bahru, the restaurant is tucked away behind decades-old Cantonese restaurant, Min Jiang by Goodwood Park Hotel. 

Step through the hidden entrance amidst beautiful greenery and treat yourself to a cosy, intimate dining experience – starting with its discrete location; an unassuming entrance via a dark black door with frosted glass panels; a charming vaulted roof; copper-hued interiors; with a Japanese folk playlist providing background chatter.

The restaurant offers the same yakitori selection as its outpost in Tiong Bahru, as well as a selection of luxurious offerings and seasonal items, only available at Bincho at Min Jiang. 

Set in the lush flora of Dempsey Hill, the 40-seater restaurant occupies the 1000 square foot space of the monochrome one-story colonial building. Situated away from the main cluster, the restaurant provides a tranquil escape away from the bustling lifestyle and dining enclave of Dempsey, complete with a beautiful green picturesque backdrop. 

Following his success at running Bincho at Hua Bee, the new Bincho at Min Jiang will be helmed by Executive Chef Asai Masashi, who hails from the Hyōgo Prefecture in Japan. Formerly of the prestigious Abeno Tsuji Culinary Institute, Asai-san spent thirteen years of his career refining his skills at various dining destinations in Hyōgo, Osaka, and Kyoto. 

Growing up in the Hyōgo Prefecture, surrounded by pristine produce from the land and sea, Asai-san developed an appreciation for exquisite, seasonal ingredients from a young age. Holding these ingredients in high regard, he thoughtfully curates his menu according to the 24 micro seasons in the Japanese calendar, showcasing the best ingredients each season has to offer. 

With more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Chef Asai Masashi understands the importance of precision execution over simple ingredients and continues to masterfully shares his philosophy of Japanese grilling to Bincho at Min Jiang. 

True to the restaurant’s name ‘Bincho’, synonymous to the famed Japanese white charcoal Bincho-tan, the restaurant offers a selection of Yakitori grilled to perfection over an open fire. The signature Yakitori Platter features various part of the chicken, where no protein is left out, from the chicken thigh, breast, neck, wing, skin to its tail, heart, liver, gizzard, and cocks comb.  

Another note-worthy dish Chef Asai created for the new restaurant is the Uni Shabu Shabu, featuring a luxurious ‘Uni broth’ made from fresh Sea Urchin. The creamy, cloudy dashi-based broth boasts a light orange colour and a distinct aromatic fragrance. Originated first in Osaka, Japan, the Uni Shabu Shabu set features the broth served in a personal sized hot-pot, a spread of air-flown seasonal seafood items (eg Oyster, Crab, Abalone, Prawn), seasonal vegetables and sashimi-grade Sea Urchin. 

Guests may enjoy the fresh seafood shabu-shabu style over the simmering broth. To complete the dish, the server uses remaining soup broth in the hotpot to prepare an umami-rich Uni Porridge using Yumepirika rice, spring onions and other condiments like kizami nori (seaweed) and shichimi (seven-spiced powder). The rich, creamy and comforting Japanese porridge is topped with fresh uni. 

On Bincho’s grilled menu is Yasai Maki (translated as Vegetable Rolls), a type of meat rolls featuring thinly sliced pork or beef, wrapped around seasonal vegetables, skewered and grilled. The range of Yasai Maki features an extensive list of seasonally available vegetables like Japanese long yam, young corn and mushroom amongst others. Grilled over the Bincho-tan charcoal, these skewers offer a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, with each meat roll paired with its own complementing sauce. 

7A & 7B Dempsey Road

Located in Duxton Hill’s eclectic neighbourhood, diners will be charmed at the newly-revamped RIZU, whether seated in the intimate indoors or the spirited outdoor alfresco area. The newly revamped interior provides more space for each table to enjoy a more intimate, relaxed dining experience. More than just a tasteful offering, but an experiential one as well.

Their new menu is carefully crafted to cater to various dining purposes, all the while ensuring an authentic gastronomic experience.

The Signature Omakase is RIZU’s trademark offering, an exquisite 8 course tasting menu handcrafted by Head Chef Shimohigashi. For those looking to elevate to an unforgettable dinner experience, enjoy the Premium Omakase that can be specially tailored to your palate and tastebuds. 3 days advanced booking is required.

Lastly, the Ala Carte menu is perfect for patrons who are more interested in a night of drinking, and wish to pair it with a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi flown in from Japan.

No more average beauty. Find multi labels and next generation Japanese skincare, beauty and health items at the newly-opened Make Hero store.

Reborn into your dream beauty with hero and and heroine products that save you from your beauty troubles. It is time to reset your expectations of beauty and health and transform into your own hero and heroine, ready to face all of life’s adventures. 

Make Hero is a joint-venture between Make-Up Inc in Osaka, Japan and Hirosophy in Tokyo, Japan. Make-Up Inc is one of the largest distributor for innovative and niche health and beauty brands in Japan and Hirosophy is one of the best selling brands in duty free city shops and tourist shopping districts. Hirosophy uses premium ingredients to create their wide range of Skincare products and health supplements with superb anti-aging efficacy. Make-Up Inc target to deliver a range of innovative and high performance health and beauty products from non mainstream brands from all parts of Japan.

78 Airport Boulevard, Unit #B1-281 Jewel Changi Airport

Email: hello@makehero.shop

Charcoal Grill & Salad Bar Keisuke at Paya Lebar Square is the 19th outlet by Ramen King, Mr Keisuke Takeda. 

At Charcoal-Grill & Salad Bar Keisuke, they serve a variety of sumiyaki (charcoal-grilled) items focusing on traditional fish dishes enjoyed by the Japanese mainly Mackerel, Salmon, Yellowtail and Black Cod fish.

Served in an authentic style of Japanese gozen (set meal) which consists of a miso soup, sn onsen egg as well as a serving of traditional Japanese rice cooked in a small iron pot.

Additionally, there is also a free-flow salad bar with more than 25 types of Japanese osousai (side dishes) and vegetables to choose from.

60 Paya Lebar Road, Unit #B1-16 Paya Lebar Square

Tel: +65 6241 8588  

Enjoy hearty and delicious Japanese meals with Sora Boru at 313@Somerset.  

Dig into their signature DonBoru, Noodles or CurryBoru, or design your very own ChirashiBoru at this fast-casual restaurant. 

Their Snow Beef Don features flame-grilled beef slices topped with parmesan cheese. 

313 Orchard Road, Unit B3-19/20, 313@Somerset

8 Grange Road, Level 2 Cineleisure

Email: tenkaichi_sg@yahoo.com.sg

Tucked along Zion Road is Yujin Izakaya, a lively hang out where one and all are received as friends. Spotting an industrial-chic look, the unassuming modern 50-seater izakaya features a bar that opens to the five-foot way and main street, beckoning with the glow of display fridges showcasing an enticing range of sake. Step past the metal mesh doors at the entrance and you will find yourself being welcomed into a space humming with positive energy.

An open kitchen anchors the room dressed in a palette of black and copper, and this is where chef-owner Freddie Lee fires up a curated repertoire of creative bites that take its inspiration from the traditional Japanese izakaya. The menu spans inspired cold and hot appetisers, smokey grilled vegetable, meat and seafood dishes, beautifully singed skewered items, warming items served in small bowls and light desserts.

56 Zion Road

Tel: +65 6235 0429 Email: yujinizakaya@lesamis.com.sg

Uniqlo Singapore will open its newest store at Jewel Changi in April. This new store which spans over 2,200 sqm will be the second largest Uniqlo in Singapore.  

Uniqlo at Jewel will include a dedicated Uniqlo T-shirt (UT) corner, which will showcase the latest UT designs they carry. Shoppers can look forward to an exclusive early launch of their Marvel x Jason Polan UT collection at this new outlet.

Website: www.uniqlo.com/sg

Hailing from Tokyo, 1 Michelin-starred ramen house, Hototogisu, has opened their 3rd third outlet at Paragon. 

The new branch, Ha-Oh Hototogisu, boasts a spanking new distinct menu which has been developed by Master Chef Yamamoto, who has specially flown in from Japan and spent weeks in Singapore to prepare and curate new flavors for this outlet. 

The stars of their new menu are their Crab Ramen and Iberico Shoyu Ramen which are both exclusively available only at their Paragon branch. 

Hototogisu Ramen was founded in 2006 by Chef Yamamoto in Tkyo, Japan. His resolute and meticulous persistence to his craft has earned him numerous world-class accolades.

290 Orchard Road, Unit #B1-47 Paragon

Tel: +65 6262 1304 

Tokyu Hands has announced that they will open their newest branch at the upcoming Jewel Changi Airport. This will be the chain’s fourth branch to open in Singapore.

Tokyu Hands is a Japanese department store and offers their customers hints on enriching their daily life through their wide range of products and various events. .Shoppers at Tokyu Hands can expect to get their hands on a range of items from Japan including high-quality living ware, hobby, lifestyle products and more.

Website: www.tokyu-hands.com.sg

Email: info@tokyu-hands.com.sg

Photo credits: Tokyu Hands & Matcha-JP.com

390 Orchard Road, Unit #02-08 Palais Renaissance

Minka is a Japanese restaurant specialising in Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) for lunch hours and Sushi Omakase for dinner hours. (for dinner). 

Located at Oxley Tower and currently in their soft launch phase, Minka's patrons can look forward to trying their succulent sashimi rice bowls or meticulously-prepared sushi offered during different times of the day.

138 Robinson Road, Unit #01-06, Lobby 2 Oxley Tower

Photo credits: SGFoodSteps & Minka

Epicureans, rejoice! Udon Kamon has just opened at Eat At Seven, Suntec City. The restaurant offers the widest range of udon broths in Singapore, including shoyu-based dashi, tonkotsu, house speciality Japanese spicy magma and tom yum.

“Kamon” refers to “family crest”, which is used in Japan to indicate one's origin, family lineage and status. 

The restaurant imports premium bonito (katsuo fish) from Kagoshima that has been aged for at least two years. The bonito flakes are freshly shaved and used to make dashi broth as well as garnish. Udon Kamon will offer two types of shoyu-based udon broth. Available in spicy and non-spicy options, its tonkotsu broth calls for white miso and pork collar, and is cooked for eight hours.

Helmed by Executive Chef Kamogi Noriyuki, Udon Kamon specialises in sanuki udon, the most popular type of udon in the Shikoku region. Made with Japanese wheat flour, salt and water, the noodles are thick, squarish and have flat edges. At Udon Kamon, the noodles are freshly made on a daily basis.

3 Temasek Boulevard, Level 3, Eat at Seven, Suntec City Tower 1

Tel: +65 6266 5338

Omurice Keisuke is the 17th outlet by Ramen King, Mr Keisuke Takeda under the Ramen Keisuke chain in Singapore. Serving customers with classic Japanese comfort food - Omurice (pronounced as omu-raisu) which is a Western-influenced Japanese dish that consists of a wrapped omelette ("omu") over western fried rice with ketchup. Customise your own Omurice combo by choosing from their range of sauces and salads.

201 Victoria Street, Unit #04-01 Bugis+

Tel: +65 6634 4558

29 Stanley Street

Tel: +65 6221 3665 Email: phoenix@chi-kinjo.com

Popular Japanese discount chain, Don Don Donki, will be opening their 3rd and largest Singapore store at City Square Mall on 11 January.

Last September, the company announced that they plan to open a total of 10 stores in Singapore by 2020. 

The chain is operating in Singapore as Don Don Donki instead of their original name, Don Quijote, because a Don Quijote restaurant already exists here in Dempsey Road. 

180 Kitchener Road, Unit #B2-05/18 City Square Mall

Email: support.sg@dondondonki.com

Every is a multi-concept store where you can find everything you wish to buy when in an authentic Japanese convenience store. You will be surprised by what you can find at Every. 

Enjoy daily hot & fresh food prepared by their in-house Japanese chef at their dine-in cafe space, located within the same premise of the store. Patrons can also enjoy different labels of white to red wine from their own automated wine dispensing machine. 

593 Havelock Road, Unit #01-03/04 Isetan Office Building

Email: info@skyoceanmart.com.sg

Why head all the way to Hokkaido for Baristart Coffee's popular soft-serve and hot brews when you can have it here in Singapore too? 

Hailing all the way from Hokkaido, Baristart Coffee uses pure uncompromising quality Hokkaido dairy produce that is both rich and creamy with a tinge of sweetness.

65 Tras Street

Tel: +65 6904 3169 Email: info@baristartcoffee.sg

Michelin-starred ramen restaurant from Tokyo, Konjiki Hototogisu, has set up their 2nd restaurant at the new wing of the revamped Great World City. 

Operating as Hototogisu Ramen at Great World City, this new branch boasts a spanking new menu lineup which has been developed by newly-crowned Michelin-Starred Master Chef Yamamoto.

Exclusive to the Great World City branch is the introduction of "Oyster Ramen" with two versions for patrons to choose from. Either the clear soup based Oyster Shio Ramen ($15.90) and Oyster Paitan Ramen ($15.90) with creamier broth.

1 Kim Seng Promenade, Unit #01-143 Great World City

Niku Kin is a modern Japanese restaurant that specializes in yakiniku and wagyu bowl dishes, which use 100% Hokkaido Wagyu.

The newest addition to the Craig Road neighbourhood, the restaurant blends the freshest and highest quality food and drinks with top level service in a fun and casual environment.

The menu, which changes daily, is created by Chef Tsubo from Hokkaido and focuses on all 32 parts of a Hokkaido bred Wagyu Cow, from rib to rump. Enjoy the marbled meat, cooked on traditional charcoal grills.

Niku Kin is also proud to be a farm-to-table restaurant. You can shop for their wagyu cuts via their online store and enjoy the quality meat in your own home.