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David Nakamura

David Nakamura

David Nakamura is a staff writer for The Washington Post who believes that safe tap water is an important ingredient for any city that aspires to food supremacy. More

David Nakamura is a staff writer for The Washington Post who missed authentic Japanese food so much that he took a year off to escape to Tokyo on an international affairs fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations. He has written about politics, education, sports and, every now and then, Japanese food for the Post. He headed a team of reporters that was awarded the 2005 Selden Ring Award for investigative reporting after exposing excessive levels of lead contamination in the District of Columbia's drinking water and the government's failure to notify the public. His general philosophy is that safe tap water is an important ingredient for any city that aspires to food supremacy.
Japanese Rice Balls: Have Them Your Way

Japanese Rice Balls: Have Them Your Way

Filled with salmon or cod roe or plums, onigiri, the local equivalent of sandwiches, provide endless variety. Japan 1, PB&J 0.… More »

King of Bluefins: Worth the Cost?

When a mammoth fish makes headlines, the author visits Tokyo's tuna auctions for a view of the action.… More »

On New Year's, A Break From Cooking

Japanese housewives stay out of the kitchen the first day of the year. How they prepare for their day off.… More »

Japanese Food With a Foreign Twist

Japanese Food With a Foreign Twist

Japan is home to cuisine from far-off lands like China and America. The author shares his pick of the two.… More »

Restaurant Guide: Tokyo Beats Paris

Restaurant Guide: Tokyo Beats Paris

The famed Michelin guide gave more stars to cuisine in the Japanese city than the French culinary capital.… More »

How Japan Defines 'Fat'

After the country placed a legal limit on waistlines, the author reflects on why he loses weight while he's there.… More »

In Tokyo, Dining in the Dark

In Tokyo, Dining in the Dark

A modern monk invites the author to dinner--with one catch. Everyone must wear blindfolds.… More »

30 Courses and Lots of Leftovers

30 Courses and Lots of Leftovers

A marathon dinner in Japan leaves the author too full to enjoy the Waygu steak. SLIDE SHOW  IMore »

SLIDE SHOW: 30 Courses and Lots of Leftovers

David Nakamura explains how to prepare for and enjoy a 30-course meal.… More »

I Ate Whale Meat

I Ate Whale Meat

After the author accidentally eats whale at an office party, he explores why the Japanese serve it--and why Americans object.… More »

At a Tokyo Bar, Glamour Has Its Price

At a Tokyo Bar, Glamour Has Its Price

At a bar made famous by Lost in Translation, the author gets an unpleasant surprise at the end of the night.… More »

Tofu With a Side of Earthquake

Tofu With a Side of Earthquake

In the middle of a ten-course feast at a Tokyo tofu restaurant, another Japanese specialty is served: earthquake.… More »

Running Under the Influence

Running Under the Influence

At Tokyo's Beer Mile, runners drink one brew every 400 meters. But the real party begins after the race.… More »

Eel: Japan's Beat-The-Heat Secret

Eel: Japan's Beat-The-Heat Secret

Forget air conditioning. Eating eel is the way to stay cool this summer, according to Japanese tradition.… More »

Lessons of Japan's Recession Food

Lessons of Japan's Recession Food

A man who became a chef in Japan's last recession teaches the author something about resilience.… More »

In Japan, Soul Food From a Can

In Japan, Soul Food From a Can

American influence in Okinawa has inspired residents to add Spam to noodles and corned beef to omelets.… More »

In Japan, Making Farming Cool

In Japan, Making Farming Cool

A Japanese CEO is trying to revive his country's agricultural sector by encouraging young people to farm.… More »

Making Up For Lost Eating Time

Making Up For Lost Eating Time

A year in Tokyo gives the author a chance to taste all the city --rated number one by Michelin--can offer.… More »

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