Every Friday, we feature a one-on-one Q&A with Japas, our resident curators: Maíra Kimura, Yumi Shimada, and Fernanda Ueno—founders of Japas Cervejaria. They will share their personal reflections on culture, travel, and the everyday moments including their connection to Japan.
Q. Do you have any favorite artisans, shops, or restaurants in Japan?
Maíra: I admire people who modernize traditional techniques while preserving their essence—it inspires my creativity. I’d love to introduce this kind of craftsmanship to our audience. My favorite restaurants, each with their own charm, include EUREKA! by Marie Chiba for its creative cuisine, Kanda Matsuya for its elegant, traditional soba, empura Meshi KanekoHannosuke Nihombashi for exquisite tempura, and Manten Sushi Nihonbashi for exceptional sushi.
Yumi: I love restaurants that elevate Japanese ingredients, like AFURI Harajuku with its yuzu ramen. Jomon in Shibuya is a yakitori haven hidden in plain sight, and Sasagin is a cozy izakaya for Japanese sake lovers.
Fernanda: I enjoy immersing myself in local flavors and music. One standout was Jazz Blues Soul Bar in Shibuya—run by a vinyl collector with 10,000+ records. It’s not for everyone, but the atmosphere is unforgettable. The owner takes care of the bar and the music selection by himself. He can be a bit rude to customers, which is why the Google score is so low, and he might not be very happy with large groups of people.
Photo:Japas