The Dave Chang Show Japan: Feeling Seen With HIKARI
Nov 20, 2025
Dive into the delightful world of Japanese culture as Dave cooks karaage for filmmaker Hikari. They explore Osaka's unique food scene and discuss the intriguing dynamics of honne and tatemae in social interactions. Hikari shares insights about her films, including the artistic portrayal of the Yakuza and the concept of rental families in Japan. Laugh along with Dave's cooking mishaps and a light-hearted segment on modern dating. This engaging conversation seamlessly blends culinary tips with cultural reflections!
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Quick Karaage Technique
- Marinate karaage briefly—10–15 minutes is enough to extract flavor without changing chicken texture.
- Use dark meat, ginger, garlic, soy, mirin, and a starch dredge (corn/ potato/ tapioca) for the classic crust.
Convenience Stores Shaped His Palate
- Dave lived in Izumi Tottori and ate almost every meal from convenience stores, which reshaped his food perspective.
- That experience inspired his lifelong interest in everyday Japanese cooking and bento-style meals.
Homeless Shelter Kitchen Lessons
- Dave lived in a homeless shelter while working in Tokyo and experienced harsh kitchen conditions and social stigma firsthand.
- He learned techniques (e.g., cornstarch dredge) and observed systemic gaps in Japan's social safety net.