Wanna Eat Japanese in Denver Like a Pro? Talk to Gil.
Japanese food has always been a deeply personal obsession for local author Gil Asakawa. He grew up in Japan and made his way to Denver in time to witness first-hand what he calls a “cultural evolution — nay, revolution” in the availability of Japanese food in America. Now with ramen shops and sushi bars drawing crowds all across Denver, Asakawa’s got a new book out combining memoir with history, called “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat! A Tasty History of Japanese Food in America.” So we invited Asakawa back to the show to go deep on his love of Japanese food in Denver, from Benihana and Sakura Square to his family’s unique relationship with the defunct Denver Tofu company. Plus, don’t miss Asakawa’s personal recommendations for the best Japanese food in town.
Looking for even more inspiration for your next night out? Chow down on our daily morning newsletter: https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/
What’s your favorite Japanese restaurant in Denver? Tweet at us @citycastdenver
Leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Backlash Mounts Against Gov. Polis Over Tina Peters. Plus, Denver Halts Data Centers
Governor Jared Polis’ controversial decision to commute former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ prison sentence last week is still reverber...
What’s Tipping the Scale on Colorado’s Population?
After decades of super-charged economic and population growth, Colorado is at a turning point. So, is this state growing or shrinking? An...
Is Mayor Mike Coming for Mutual Aid Mondays? Plus, the Unhoused Woman Dividing Wash Park
Mayor Johnston promised to solve unsheltered homelessness in his first term – nearly three years into it, there are still questions about...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Denver
Would Denver be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more tha...
Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...
Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...
Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...
AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...
After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...