Explore Japan

Episode Synopsis

Bread is enjoyed by people around the world, and while it seems like a Western staple, Japan too has a long bread history that goes back to the late 19th century. An essential part of Japanese food culture, the country is currently seeing a unique evolution in its bread scene. Japan is the birthplace of many types of bread including anpan, melonpan, and currypan. In this program, meet two bread artists gaining recognition for their eye-catching bread inventions. First is Ran, the creator of the “Illustration Bread,” who now has over 330,000 social media followers. The bread she creates reveals delightful visuals as the loaf is sliced. The second bread artist is Elly, who is redefining the melonpan with her colorful, decorative creations. Join us as we step into the world of picturesque bread-making, with Elly and Ran as our guides. A treat for the eyes as well as the mouth, see how the Japanese bread world continues to innovate and surprise in modern times.