{"id":3053,"date":"2024-08-15T18:36:20","date_gmt":"2024-08-15T18:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/?page_id=3053"},"modified":"2025-08-13T14:33:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T14:33:31","slug":"what-japan-taught-me-ian-ramirez","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/what-japan-taught-me-ian-ramirez\/","title":{"rendered":"What Japan Taught Me -Ian Ramirez"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hero-simple\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Yokohama-2-scaled-e1723491742411.jpg');\" alt=\"What Japan Taught Me\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row justify-content-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12\">\n                <div class=\"center-box\">\n                    <h1 class=\"drop-shadow\"><br><br><br>What Japan Taught Me<\/h1>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n  <h2 style=\"color: #0693e3;font-size: 24px;line-height: 32px\">\n    Chef Ian Ramirez won the grand prize in our Chef Contest: a trip to Japan. Here\u2019s what the experience taught him about cuisine, craftsmanship, culture, kindness, and some very cool ingredients.\n  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n  <p style=\"font-size: 16px;line-height: 28px\">\n    In the fall of 2023, we partnered with our friends at Chef\u2019s Roll to create the <strong>INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition.<\/strong> We challenged chefs to submit their most creative, trend-forward recipes featuring Kikkoman\u00ae Soy Sauce for the chance to win a trip to Japan.\n  <\/p>\n  <p style=\"font-size: 16px;line-height: 28px\">\n    From among the more than 170 outstanding entries we\u202freceived, our panel of judges awarded the grand prize to Chef Ian Ramirez, founder of Mad Honey Culinary Studio, a Michigan-based culinary R&amp;D consultancy.\n  <\/p>\n  <p style=\"font-size: 16px;line-height: 28px\">\n    Chef Ian traveled to Japan in March 2024, and we asked him to share some of his favorite culinary and cultural experiences, discoveries, and \u201caha moments.\u201d\n<br>\n<br>\n<br>\n<br>\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\"><strong>Q: What unique ingredients did you discover in Japan that you believe could bring new dimensions to Western dishes?<\/h2>\n<br>\n<br>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"image-and-text-columns-box image-text-columns   alignwide\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6 order-last  order-md-first \">\n                                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Mackerel-garnished-with-Australian-finger-lime_8-9.jpg\"  alt=\"Mackerel-garnished-with-Australian-finger-lime_8-9\">\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6\">\n                <div class=\"content-box pr-3 pl-3   pl-md-5 pr-md-0 \">\n                    <h2 class=\"custom-title\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/h2>\n                    <p style=\"text-align: left\">A: At an unforgettable \u201cKikkoman Soy Sauce Experience\u201d meal, we had a sauce made with moromi\u2014the fermented soybean mash used to make soy sauce. I found this salty, umami-packed ingredient to be unique and very intriguing. I will definitely be using\u00a0<strong>moromi<\/strong>\u00a0in my cooking and recipe development (if I can get my hands on some!). Another of my more memorable meals was at the Pullman Hotel where my good friend Chef Hiroki \u201cHulk\u201d Kato prepared an amazing multicourse meal. One of the dishes was grilled mackerel with cauliflower foam garnished with red\u00a0<strong>Australian finger lime \u201ccaviar\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>that provided a super fun citrus burst. I will definitely be stealing that combination.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image-and-text-columns-box image-text-columns   alignwide\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6 order-last  order-md-first \">\n                                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/tasting-ferm_8-9.jpg\"  alt=\"tasting-ferm_8-9\">\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6\">\n                <div class=\"content-box pr-3 pl-3   pl-md-5 pr-md-0 \">\n                    <h2 class=\"custom-title\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/h2>\n                    <div style=\"background-color: #F4ECDD;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Another chef friend, Mami Imai, brought me to a fermentation lab where we were able to try all things fermented and pickled in Japanese cuisine. Lots of different vegetables, seafood, and\u00a0<strong>koji<\/strong> (the seed mold used to make soy sauce and sake) of all types, including clear koji. This was extra special for me since I love this kind of \u201cfunk exploration.\u201d <strong>Sake kasu\u00a0<\/strong>(the pressed lees left over from sake production) was a very intriguing product with a texture and flavor that reminded me of a cross between miso and sake.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image-and-text-columns-box image-text-columns   alignwide\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6 order-last  order-md-first \">\n                                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/curedfish_8-9.jpg\"  alt=\"curedfish_8-9\">\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6\">\n                <div class=\"content-box pr-3 pl-3   pl-md-5 pr-md-0 \">\n                    <h2 class=\"custom-title\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/h2>\n                    <div style=\"background-color: #F4ECDD;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">I loved trying nukazuke-style\u00a0<strong>rice-bran fermented and cured fish<\/strong>\u00a0which has a texture almost like jerky. It was salty, full of flavor and umami, and, surprisingly, not at all fishy.\u00a0<strong>Ayu<\/strong>\u00a0was a cured fish that had a funky, sweet-salty, cheese-like flavor to it. It went perfectly with a glass of sparkling sake and crackers. These were absolutely stunning ingredients that I could see using in myriad ways to add umami to dishes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"image-and-text-columns-box image-text-columns   alignwide\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6 order-last  order-md-first \">\n                                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/seaweed-mom-and-son_8-9.jpg\"  alt=\"seaweed-mom-and-son_8-9\">\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6\">\n                <div class=\"content-box pr-3 pl-3   pl-md-5 pr-md-0 \">\n                    <h2 class=\"custom-title\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/h2>\n                    <div style=\"background-color: #F4ECDD;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Chef Mami also suggested that I visit a seaweed shop called Numatanori while I was exploring the kitchenware district of Tokyo, Kappabashi, to look for new ingredients or products to import. The shop is run by a mother-son team, and they were the kindest, most sincere people ever! They shared with me their passion for seaweed and opened my eyes to the huge flavor profile differences between different varieties. They showed me how various types of seaweed are harvested all over Japan. I had no idea I was in for such a treat!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<br>\n<br>\n <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\">Q: Tell us about the touring Kikkoman\u2019s soy sauce production facility. What surprised you, and what did you discover?<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%;padding: 15px 0\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <br>\n<p>A: It was incredible! I got a personal tour of the <strong>Kikkoman plant<\/strong> in Noda, about an hour and a\u202fhalf train\u202fride northeast of Tokyo. I arrived early to walk around the town. The minute I stepped off the train, I was hit with the pleasing smell of Shoyu in the air. Noda is quiet and quaint with beautiful Japanese homes and perfectly manicured gardens. Everything was so clean and orderly\u2014something that I find comforting as a chef who lives by the term <em>mise en place<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n<p>As I entered the facility, I was greeted by a gracious host who directed me to the gift shop so I could look at the unique products and gifts. After I picked out some fun items, my guides treated me to an amazing <strong>tour of the facility<\/strong> that began with a brief presentation on the centuries-long history of Kikkoman and how Soy Sauce is made. We were shown the beginning stages of the fermentation\u202fprocess\u202fusing <strong>Kikkoman\u2019s proprietary koji, Kikkoman Aspergillus<\/strong>. (Unfortunately, they wouldn&#8217;t let me take any of it with me to add to my Koji collection!) Then we walked through\u202fthe\u202ffacility to see the entire production process and finished the tour at the Mame Caf\u00e9 with some delicious <strong>shoyu soft-serve ice cream<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>From there, we paid a visit to Kikkoman\u2018s <strong>Imperial Soy Sauce Brewery<\/strong>\u2014a beautiful building\u202fthat was moved to this site and reconstructed\u202fto show how soy sauce has been made for centuries using traditional techniques. And it\u2019s not just a museum. This brewery still makes a special soy sauce for the Imperial Families of Japan.<\/p>\n\n<p>We ended the day with a hands-on class that included a tasting of different\u202ftypes of soy sauce.\u202fI was struck by how distinctive different soy sauces can be\u2014just like wine or beer! And also, how little the brewing process has changed over the centuries\u2014also just like wine or beer! My recommendation to all chefs and foodies: If you\u2019re planning a trip to Tokyo, be sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kikkoman.com\/en\/culture\/foodeducation\/plant.html\"><strong>book a tour<\/strong><\/a> of the Noda facility and museum!<\/p>\n<br>\n<br>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\">Q: What traditional cooking techniques did you encounter that you found particularly inspiring? How do you plan to incorporate them into your own recipes?<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%;background-color: F4EBDD;padding: 15px 0\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <br>\n<p> A: The Kikkoman team brought me to a traditional Japanese <strong>teppanyaki<\/strong> (griddle-based) restaurant that\u2019s owned and operated by Kikkoman. I had the most incredible multicourse meal that was unlike any kind of Hibachi traditionally done in the US. And I&#8217;m talking worlds apart, not even in the same galaxy! One of the courses featured the largest scallops I&#8217;ve ever seen in my life. Chef Iijima carefully dissected the scallop right on the griddle into its multiple sections of mantle, main abductor muscle, roe and gills. He then meticulously cooked and sliced all of the pieces perfectly. When he was finished, he deglazed the grill with soy sauce, to get all of the scallop fond and made a spectacular dressing with shallots, garlic and oil.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"story-slider\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid justify-content-center\">\n        <div class=\"row justify-content-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 px-5 col-lg-6 story-slider-title\">\n                <h2 class=\"margin-b-40\"><\/h2>\n                <p class=\"p1\"><h4 style=\"color: #0693e3;text-align: center\">It was instantly obvious that Chef Iijima is an absolute master of his craft. This attention to detail and respect for ingredients is something I plan to incorporate into my own recipes.<\/h4><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"container justify-content-center\">\n        <div class=\"photo-slider\">\n                        <div class=\"item\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Wagyu-at-Kikkoman-Teppanyaki-scaled-e1723496704684.jpg\" alt=\"Wagyu at Kikkoman Teppanyaki\">\n                    <div class=\"photo-description\"><div style=\"background-color: #f4ecdd;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Learning teppanyaki grilling technique from Chef Iijima, a master of the craft. Signature presentations featured scallops and wagyu steak. Shinjuku is known for <strong>ramen<\/strong>, so we had to partake of this local treat after we had late night drinks in the Golden Gai district. With its umami-rich broth and tender noodles, it was the perfect culinary indulgence to bring the night to an end.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n                <\/div>              \n                        <div class=\"item\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Okonomiyaki-on-Osaka-scaled-e1723496202702.jpg\" alt=\"Okonomiyaki on Osaka\">\n                    <div class=\"photo-description\"><div style=\"background-color: #f4ecdd;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Osaka is known for their <strong>okonomiyaki<\/strong>. We made late-night trip there just to try this insanely filling and delicious dish. It was hands down the best I\u2019ve ever experienced, and we also had front row seats to watch them create this edible work of art.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n                <\/div>              \n                        <div class=\"item\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Ramen-in-Shinjuku-scaled-e1723496383359.jpg\" alt=\"Ramen in Shinjuku\">\n                    <div class=\"photo-description\"><div style=\"background-color: #f4ecdd;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW256686572 BCX4\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">A <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW256686572 BCX4\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">late-night<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW256686572 BCX4\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\"> bowl of ramen in Shinjuku.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n                <\/div>              \n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<br>\n<br>\n <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\">Q: What did you learn about the cultural approach to food in Japan that has influenced your own perspective on menu creation? What lessons can US-based chefs learn from this to enhance their own culinary practices?<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%;padding: 15px 0\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <br>\n   <p>A: The idea of <strong>becoming expert in a singular craft or item<\/strong>, I find particularly appealing. There\u2019s not a lot of that approach here in the west. I feel that we try to focus on becoming knowledgeable in a multitude of cuisines, crafts and ideas, but rarely focus or dedicate our lives to perfecting any one thing. There are pros and cons to this approach; however, I greatly respect and admire the Japanese for this.<\/p>   \n<br>\n<br>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<br>\n<br>\n <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\">Q: What practical tips would you give to chefs who are looking to integrate Japanese-inspired elements into their current menus?<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%;padding: 15px 0\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <br>\n  <p> A: I encourage chefs to embrace global ingredients and cultural techniques to enhance their dishes with unique flavors and experiences. While it&#8217;s important to respect traditional methods, don&#8217;t be afraid to experiment and adapt these elements to your own style. The unexpected flavor profiles will undoubtedly spark curiosity and delight among your diners.<\/p>\n\n \t<p>Integrating or adding Japanese inspiration to your menu can come from so many places in the culture\u2014not just from ingredients and techniques. You can draw inspiration from things like Japanese architecture, pottery, calligraphy, gardens, artwork and the country\u2019s rich history and traditions.<\/p>\n<br>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<br>\n<br>\n <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\">Q: Is there anything else you experienced on your trip that you would like to share?<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%;padding: 15px 0\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <br>\n   <p>A: Ironically I had the <strong>best burger of my life<\/strong> on this trip\u2014not something I was expecting! It was in the city of Kyoto, and there was a small and unassuming restaurant named \u201cUpit\u201d where the chefs have perfected their craft. It was a life-changing burger.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Breakfast<\/strong> in Japan was very unlike the classic western morning meal of eggs and bacon. Our breakfasts were colorful, plant forward, and filled with things like miso soup to keep that gut health in check.<\/p>\n    <br><br>\n    <div style=\"background-color: #F4ECDD;padding: 15px;border-radius: 8px;overflow: hidden\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Burger-at-Upit-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Burger at upit\" width=\"480\" height=\"400\" style=\"float: left;width: 48%;height: 400;margin-right: 4%;border-radius: 8px\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Yanagiba-sushi-knife-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Yanagiba sushi knife\" width=\"480\" height=\"400\" style=\"float: left;width: 48%;height: 400;border-radius: 8px\">\n      <div style=\"clear: both\"><\/div>\n<br> <br>\n    \n<p>The craftsmanship of <strong>Japanese chef knives<\/strong> is among the best in the world. A lot of the knife makers come from a lineage of generations of Samurai sword makers, and it is a real treat for a chef to go and explore this part of Japan. World-class knives can be found in the Kappabashi kitchenware district. I spent all too much on knives when I visited, and I assume I will do the same next time I visit too! <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<br>\n<br>\n <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <h2 style=\"color: #ff6900;margin: 0\">Q: What life-lessons did you take away from this trip?<\/h2>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%;padding: 15px 0\">\n  <div style=\"max-width: 960px;margin: 0 auto;padding: 0 15px\">\n    <br>\n   <p>A: Speaking as a seasoned traveler and professional eater, I must say that the food experiences here were among the best I\u2019ve had anywhere. Beyond the <strong>high-quality ingredients<\/strong>, handled and prepared with care and respect, I was impressed by the attention to <strong>food safety and hygiene<\/strong>. For the most part, I feel they were better than anything I\u2019ve witnessed in the US. <\/p>\n\n \t<p>Japanese culture seems to have this mentality of <strong>looking out for each other<\/strong>, creating a sense of collective care. It\u2019s the opposite of the individualistic approach of the American mindset, and I find it beautiful and inspiring. They have a culture based on respect\u2014a feeling that \u201ceveryone is looking out for me, so I don\u2019t have to worry about me. And at the same time, I\u2019m looking out for everyone around me, so they don\u2019t have to worry about themselves.\u201d It\u2019s unlike anything I\u2019ve ever experienced. I found myself conforming to this mindset immediately and felt the need to take care of anyone around me, it was very centering and calming. <\/p>\n<br>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chef Ian Ramirez won the grand prize in Kikkoman&#8217;s Chef Competition: a trip to Japan. Here\u2019s what the experience taught him about cuisine, craftsmanship, culture, kindness, and some very cool ingredients.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":3054,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"page-type":[83],"class_list":["post-3053","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","page-type-blog-page"],"acf":{"blog_page_link_text":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Japan Taught Me -Ian Ramirez - Kikkoman Food Services<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What Japan Taught Me -Ian Ramirez - Kikkoman Food Services\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/what-japan-taught-me-ian-ramirez\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kikkoman Food Services\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/what-japan-taught-me-ian-ramirez\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kikkoman Food Services\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kikkomanskitchen\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-13T14:33:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/kikkomanusa.com\/foodservice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Yokohama-2-scaled-e1723491742411.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1676\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1988\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/kikkomanusa.com\\\/foodservice\\\/what-japan-taught-me-ian-ramirez\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/kikkomanusa.com\\\/foodservice\\\/what-japan-taught-me-ian-ramirez\\\/\",\"name\":\"What Japan Taught Me -Ian Ramirez - 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