From sushi to ramen, Japanese food is globally adored. It’s so uniquely different from other cuisine that Japanese-produced products are often required to recreate these dishes in kitchens across the world. And 2015 saw the highest export figures from Japan since records were first kept.

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?

Unlike the usual superfoods, Slim Pasta doesn’t add anything to your diet; no antioxidants, no vitamins, no enzymes or minerals. It's slimy, chewy and look a bit like space food – but it claims to be the best-selling low calorie pasta in Europe. So why are dieters so keen to slurp down Slim Pasta?

With more women than ever working in Japan, the need for quick, nutritious meals has become of utmost importance for busy wives and mothers. How have depachikas – food halls in department stores across the country – helped overturn cultural stigmas surrounding ready meals?