Publication Profile: Japanese Food Guide
Interview

Publication Profile: Japanese Food Guide

Tell us about Japanese Food Guide. What inspired you to launch it from Melbourne?
Japanese Food Guide is an online publication dedicated to Japanese food and drink, regional specialties, and explaining the ins and outs of Japan’s unique culinary culture.

After living and working in Japan for a decade, and returning to Melbourne in 2019, I knew there was so much more that wasn’t being told about Japan’s history and culture around food, particularly in English publications. I was in a unique position to curate that content.

As a travel writer, I’ve experienced first-hand the dramatic impact COVID-19 has had on the travel industry. But, in the past year and a half, those in the food niche have been experiencing unprecedented growth. I knew I could tell the story of a country I love, as well as the cultural and historical aspects that inform so much of my travel writing, through the lens of food. I also had the confidence that food will always have international appeal through shared human experience, even when physical travel is not possible.

What sort of content do you produce on the site, and how often?
The content explains Japanese food culture in a way only insider voices can, from dining etiquette, to what to eat and where to eat it, and addressing the cultural wonders and oddities that you didn’t know what to make of.

New content is currently published on the website once a week, but we are soon to increase this to two-to-three times a week.

Who is your audience? Who are you trying to reach?
The content naturally attracts a Japan-based audience, however, the target audience is based outside of it. Particularly in the US and Australia, we are trying to reach those who want to know more about Japanese culture through food, as well as acting as a practical guide for visitors planning future travels to Japan.

Tell us about your editorial team. Who covers what on the site?
The team is made up of a group of incredibly talented female writers who have extensive lived experience in Japan. They have the language and cultural skills, as well as access to information, that allows us to produce content that you won’t find anywhere else. That’s where the website’s tagline, "The Informed Guide to Japanese Food & Drink", comes from.

What each writer covers depends on their particular expertise. We have writers who cover history and culture, food destinations and experiences, vegan and vegetarian cuisine, halal food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and current food and drink trends. These are just some of the themes.   
 
How can PRs work with Japanese Food Guide? Who should they get in touch with? What sorts of story pitches are you interested in receiving?
We particularly welcome PRs who are working on behalf of DMOs (Destination Marketing Organisations) to promote the culinary scene of their client’s particular city, town or region in Japan, to get in contact regarding sponsored post opportunities.

Do you take contributed articles?
Yes, if written by someone who has the necessary lived experience of Japan to align with our publication’s philosophy. Other content pitches may be accepted and written by our curated team as part of a sponsored post opportunity.

For any content pitches or queries, please feel free to get in touch.

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Jessica Korteman

Founder / Editor

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Japanese Food Guide

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