Culture, seasons, and stories from our window to Japan.
7/15/2026
Every summer, people across Japan celebrate one of the country's most beloved traditions: Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival. Rooted in a centuries-old legend, Tanabata is a time to reflect on hopes, dreams, and wishes for the future while coming together as a community.
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6/10/2026
On June 27, 2026 Yama Sushi Marketplace will join Complex Family Style Fest to honor the fish truck operators, brokers, families, and communities that helped shape Japanese American food culture in Los Angeles.
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4/24/2026
This month, we invite you to take a closer look at the stories that shape our communities—stories of resilience, tradition, and quiet excellence. Some are told through history books. Others are shared through family legacies, and some live on through food. Our team at Yama Sushi Marketplace took a m
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4/15/2026
Taste of Yama is more than just a tasting—it’s an invitation to experience the heart of what we do. Just like a Spring Matsuri brings together diverse foods, people, and traditions in one place, we’re creating a space where you can discover new favorites, revisit familiar flavors, and share in the
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3/18/2026
At Yama Sushi Marketplace, that story begins early in the morning. It’s long before the rice is cooked or the knives are sharpened. It begins with our trusted partner, Pacific Fresh Fish, and with the shared belief that clean, nourishing food starts with uncompromising quality.
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2/12/2026
Sunny Seki is a Japanese-American author, illustrator, and storyteller known for sharing traditional Japanese folktales with warmth, humor, and cultural authenticity. The Tale of the Lucky Cat tells the story behind the famous Japanese “maneki-neko,” the beckoning cat statue believed to bring good
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1/29/2026
The Year of the Horse represents strength, independence, and endurance. In many cultures, moments of new beginnings are paired with symbols of good fortune. In Japanese culture, this takes the form of meaningful charms designed to attract luck, protection, and success—each with a specific purpose
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12/29/2025
As the New Year approaches in Japan, families welcome Oshōgatsu (New Year) with beautifully arranged boxes of traditional foods called Osechi Ryōri. More than just a festive meal, osechi is a culinary expression of hope, symbolism, and intention for the year ahead. Each dish is chosen not only for f
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11/28/2025
The holidays are here, and nothing says “I care” like a gift that’s thoughtful, fun, and a little unexpected. At Yama Sushi Marketplace, we’ve curated a lineup for every type of person in your life, from the matcha lover to the beauty buff to the friend who claims they’re “impossible to shop for.”
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11/10/2025
November 14 marks National Pickle Day , a time to celebrate all things tangy, crunchy, and deliciously preserved. While dill and bread-and-butter pickles may be the stars in the U.S., Japan has its own flavorful lineup of tsukemono (漬物) — traditional Japanese pickles that add color, balance, and
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10/17/2025
Kimono Mom shared her signature Umami Sauce with everyone, and Chef Ko crafted a special “Mochiko Nori Chicken with Umami Twist!” 🍗🔥
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9/29/2025
Japan isn’t just home to sushi, cherry blossoms, and anime. This October, the Yama store becomes spooky and changes to a Halloween theme featuring Japanese obake (お化け). Step inside and you’ll find playful decorations of kappa lurking by the sorbet freezers, karakasa umbrellas peeking from the corn
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8/29/2025
At Yama, we love listening to our community, and recently, so many of you have asked for something light, low-carb, and high in protein. We get it! Our West LA location is right next to 24 Hour Fitness, and lots of you swing by after a workout, looking for a meal that fuels your body without the car
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8/18/2025
Back-to-school is a time of excitement and new routines, but it can also feel overwhelming. Yama is here to make the transition joyful with two hand-curated promos designed to support kids and parents this season.
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7/16/2025
Furoshiki may look like just a piece of patterned fabric, but behind it lies tradition, care, and creativity. Yoko Nakazawa, who grew up wrapping bento boxes with her mother, shows how to wrap with Furoshiki and its beauty.
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6/27/2025
It’s officially ume (plum) season in Japan, but it’s sour . It’s salty . Why do people keep eating it? Let’s talk about why this little fruit is such a big deal.
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5/17/2025
Did you know there are countless fun and healthy ways to use shio koji? Keep reading to discover your new favorite ingredient!
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4/16/2025
In this spring edition, we explore the origins of hanami , its rise as a national tradition, and introduce local seasonal dishes that celebrate the flavors of spring.
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11/14/2024
Raise your glass to NARUMI CRAFT SAKE , our newest sake exclusively sold at Yama Sushi Marketplace. Made with Yamada Nishiki rice polished down to 50% of its original rice grain, this junmai daiginjo evokes complex flavors of vanilla and citrus. Narumi Craft Sake's JAZZ is an homage to our sake s
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10/16/2024
You’ve come to Yama for our fresh sashimi cuts and sushi rolls. We’re thrilled to introduce the rice factory , a specialty store that makes the freshest rice in Los Angeles. Now exclusively on our shelves. Get to know more about them in our newest blog entry.
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10/7/2024
You've most likely had it with your sushi. Learn more about wasabi, from its medicinal properties to its historical presence in Japanese culture.
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