Brendan Liew

For any visitor to Japan, it becomes immediately clear how central the convenience store, or konbini, is to everyday life. Different from our understanding of the convenience store in the US, Japan’s three huge chains—7 Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson—are the beating heart of the nation. Locals will pop into the konbini multiple times a day for household items, umbrellas (during...

A Day in Tokyo is a culinary journey through one of the world's most vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of Shinjuku to the hidden corners of Ueno, this book takes you on a delicious food adventure from breakfast through to dinner, showcasing the diverse tastes and ingredients of Japanese cuisine. Start the day with unbelievably fluffy Funwari Hottokeki, dive...

For travellers crossing Japan by rail, few things capture the excitement of the journey quite like the ekiben, the bento boxes that are available at train stations. Delicious dishes packed neatly into lacquered trays, cardboard cases, or even plastic trains, these regional lunchboxes offer a taste of the landscape that rushes past your window. Each train station has its own...