Akemi and Andrew Balmuth own and operate Yokohama-based Nagano Trading, Japan’s largest importer, distributor and retailer of American craft beer. With roots going back to 2004, they incorporated the company in Yoshidamachi in 2012. Two years ago, after a 3.5-year stint in California where the couple operated the company remotely, they returned to Yokohama with ambitious plans for the future. Since then, the company has been expanding its staff and operational reach rapidly. While Nagano Trading is changing the landscape of beer in Yokohama for certain, its ripples are traveling ever wider. “Our business is not political,” says Andrew. “It’s…
Author: Seasider
If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, there are several food items you’ll certainly miss upon your return–poke bowls and fluffy pancakes are a couple of them. While Hawaiian restaurants are abundant in Yokohama, Merengue in Minatomirai stands out with its ideal location in a sunlit spot. Inside, the relaxing music and atmosphere transport you to the islands, allowing you to forget about the bustle of the big city beyond its doors. We, of course, had to order the aforementioned Hawaiian comfort foods together with tropical drinks to get into full vacation mode. The Salmon and Avocado Mayonnaise Poke Bowl (¥1080) was…
Any normal summer we’d be talking about all the great concerts and festivals that take place this season. As we all know, this isn’t a normal summer. Instead of dwelling on the negative, let’s look at the positive–and there is a significant amount to consider. In Yokohama, and Japan as a whole, we have been much more fortunate than many other countries in the world during this pandemic. Let’s not take it for granted! We should be thankful that we are once again able to visit our favorite shops and restaurants, even if it may be for takeout only. Our…
The last few months of self-isolation may have been a time for people to discover new interests while exploring current hobbies. Drawing and painting seem to be popular activities among kids and adults alike, perhaps because of their calming effect and subjective nature. In this article, Kensuke Takahashi gives us insight into his career as an artist, and shares his favorite art materials and tools, as well as advice for aspiring artists. Takahashi has collaborated with Yokohama Brewery and worked on multiple album covers. Born and raised in Yokohama, Takahashi also talks about how this city had presented opportunities that…
Cafe Geek’s bright, airy layout and relaxed feel make it instantly endearing to any coffee shop buff. A varied decor of plants, assorted artwork, trinkets and reading material lend it its character. The mood is set by a steady flow of mellow, Western rock classics streaming unobtrusively in the background. But like any good cafe, it’s the staff that put it over the top. Cafe Geek is run by affable husband-wife team Yu Akimoto and Ji-hyoung Yu. They serve every order with a pleasant profusion of smiles–something that makes it easy to become a regular. The couple wanted to create…
Kamakura’s Rudy Brew is a craft beer bar that blends Western culture and cuisine with a solid dose of Japanese beer. Energetic punk rock and ska provide a driving but unobtrusive musical background for this street-level establishment, which recently celebrated its first year. Just outside Kamakura Station’s east exit opposite the popular Komachidori shopping street, it makes for a great stop after a day of touring the city. Bar manager Jeremy Kircher is a transplant from the U.S. He runs the small bar with help from his wife Miku Yoshimura. Kircher grew up in Pennsylvania and spent 10 years in…
Just a few days, a few hours, a simple word. They’re all precious moments. Sometimes we forget memories and the time we’ve spent, but photography reminds us of them. Shoot moments that you want to embrace. Because one day, you’ll find yourself embraced by those moments. By Moemi Abe
The light at the end of this long tunnel–that’s the June sun (unless monsoon rains are falling)! We know these last few months have been difficult. However, it seems we’ve come through the tunnel of uncertainty. The situation, as it relates to COVID-19, is improving. Businesses are returning to normal and people are venturing out again. We shouldn’t abandon caution just yet, and we should still follow sensible practices (face masks, hand washing, etc). We should also support our local businesses–they need your help to recover. Patronize them if you can. We’ve said it before and say it again: Together,…
With many people spending much more time dining at home these days, we suspect our readers have been experimenting in the kitchen. For aspiring chefs out there, a full arsenal of spices and seasonings makes all the difference. Yokohama’s own Iwai Sesame Oil Company produces a range of high quality sesame oils, pastes and other flavorings that should keep you busy conjuring up new recipes. Iwai was founded in 1857 in Sakura City, Chiba, but relocated to Yokohama in 1893 due to the city’s strong commerce. To this day, the company still employs its traditional methods of production, meticulously roasting…
Ohkawa Tetsuo is the 6th member of his family to hold the title of president of Ohkawa Printing Company. This Yokohama-based company has been printing the Yokohama Seasider for about ten years, and also works with many other Yokohama businesses. Mr. Ohkawa recently spoke with our founder, Ry Beville, about the importance and future of print media. Both were aware of the irony (and unfortunate nature) of this interview appearing in the first fully digital edition of the Seasider, due to the Coronavirus. At the same time, it seemed more important than ever to discuss these issues. Why do you…