The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Army faced off to determine which side was more worthy of the title of “Iron Chef.”
Iron Chef
Back in the 90s, I was a huge fan of the Iron Chef when it got imported to North American television. Although I was normally uninterested in cooking programs, something about the drama and pageantry that went on in Kitchen Stadium struck a chord.
The show was even imported to western countries who tuned it to suit their own tastes, and a lot of others around the world got into those weekly culinary competitions.
So when Fuji TV announced the return of Iron Chef to primetime television, a lot of buzz was generated. However, their two-hour debut claimed just a 10% share of the ratings, half of what the original program regularly held. It got worse from there as later episodes slunk to around 7%.
So what happened to our beloved Iron Chef? Everyone’s got an opinion and so do we.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Cat Lover’s Ramen: Do these instant noodles taste like…cat?
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
We tried Mama’s Poop served fresh from a Tokyo eatery
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Abysmal viewer ratings for Pokémon anime series does not worry its broadcaster the slightest bit
-
