From ramen shops to sushi stands, there’s no doubt that eating out is big business in Japan. But authentic, local dining is off-limits to many foreigners due to the formidable language barrier that persists outside major cities. Could an app get tourists to pick up the chopsticks?

“Forgettable” is hardly a report people want to hear from reviews of a $250 meal from a Michelin-starred restaurant, but thanks to the wild west world of online reviews, no kitchen is safe. In Japan restaurateurs are furious, as negative reviews take knock-on effects for their businesses.

From controversy surrounding McDonald's 'chicken', to a literal shortage of french fries, fast food in Japan has a far-from-pristine reputation. Combined with increasing consumption taxes, it is any surprise the Japanese are opting to eat at home instead?

With over 61% of people reading online reviews before making a purchase decision, it’s even more important than ever to separate the good ones from the bad. But with peer reviews and professional write-ups often having contrasting opinions, who should we trust – and why?