The Japanese manicure is a ritualistic ... explains Gabriella. "It's used to seal in the nutrients from the paste and to give the nails a slight pink sheen that lasts for about two weeks." ...

Most Americans have been introduced to miso, the traditional Japanese fermented soybean paste, in the form of the ubiquitous soup, served as the first course in most Japanese restaurants.

Which brings me to my current hyperfixation: umeboshi paste. Umeboshi paste is made from pickled Japanese plums that are blitzed and typically mixed with salt (although sometimes honey replaces ...