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Summer Starts at Uwajimaya

Japanese summer has a feeling to it. It’s the sound of fireworks in the distance, cold noodles on a warm afternoon, the fizz of a chilled Ramune, and gathering around the grill with family and friends as the sun stays out just a little longer. In Japan, summer is both energetic and nostalgic — full of seasonal flavors, festivals, and small traditions that bring people together.

At Uwajimaya, summer is one of our favorite times to explore the foods, drinks, and traditions that make the season special.

Whether you grew up with these flavors or are discovering them for the first time, here’s how to experience a Japanese-inspired summer right here in the Pacific Northwest.

Cool Down with Summer Noodles

When temperatures rise in Japan, meals become lighter, colder, and incredibly refreshing. Chilled noodle dishes are a staple of Japanese summer dining — simple to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for warm evenings.

Try:

  • Cold somen noodles with dipping sauce
  • Zaru soba served with tsuyu broth
  • Hiyashi chuka topped with fresh vegetables, egg, and sliced meat
  • Frozen udon for quick weeknight meals

Pair them with crisp cucumbers, shiso, green onions, or fresh seafood for an easy summer dinner that feels restaurant-worthy at home.

Fire Up the Grill

Summer in Japan also means outdoor cooking and smoky, savory flavors shared with friends and family.

Japanese-style BBQ is less about heavy sauces and more about highlighting quality ingredients and balance. Thinly sliced meats, seafood, yakitori skewers, and grilled vegetables all shine on the grill.

A few favorites:

  • Mishima Reserve yakiniku beef cuts
  • Japanese yakitori (skewered chicken)
  • Japanese BBQ sauces and marinades
  • Fresh seafood – including a large selection of live, local shellfish
  • Japanese A5 wagyu and thin-sliced beef

And don’t forget the sides — tropical fruits, pickled vegetables, and chilled salads complete the experience.

Sip on Summer Favorites

No Japanese summer is complete without iconic seasonal drinks.

From nostalgic Ramune sodas to refreshing teas and fruit drinks, summer beverages are part of the fun and discovery of the season.

Look for:

  • Ramune in classic and unique flavors
  • Calpico and yogurt drinks
  • Iced green teas and barley teas
  • Japanese coffee drinks
  • Chilled sake and sparkling sake selections

Our sake departments feature a variety of chilled options perfect for summer entertaining, seafood pairings, and patio dinners.

Discover Seasonal Snacks & Treats

Part of the joy of visiting Uwajimaya in the summer is discovering something unexpected.

Summer shelves are filled with limited-time flavors, cooling treats, and nostalgic snacks inspired by Japanese festivals and warm-weather traditions.

Favorites include:

  • Trendy fruit-flavored ice creams
  • Kakigori (Japanese Shaved Ice) ingredients
  • Citrus snacks and gummies
  • Japanese chips and savory rice crackers
  • Mochi desserts and frozen treats

Bringing Summer Traditions to the Pacific Northwest

For nearly 100 years, Uwajimaya has connected communities across the Pacific Northwest through food and culture. Summer is one of the most exciting times in our stores — filled with seasonal flavors, fresh seafood, colorful displays, and opportunities to discover something new.

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a weekend gathering, or simply looking for inspiration for your next meal, we invite you to experience the flavors of Japanese summer with us.

Because summer starts with good food — and the best summers are shared together