The Ultimate Gourmet Treat: 'Summer's Finest Eel' – Otona no Shumatsu August 2026 Issue Released Today

This month, we present a lavish special feature on luxurious eel, a summer tradition established in the Edo period by Hiraga Gennai. From fragrant kabayaki to delicate shira-yaki, from skewered varieties showcasing different cuts to even eel sashimi—indulge fully in the refined pleasures of summer's finest. Also featured are our editorial team's picks for "dishes worth preserving for the future" and a special on refreshing Japanese summer sweets.

Savor Eel Bowls Crafted by Masters of Skill and Pride

Iki—the Edo-era aesthetic valuing grace and spirit in daily life. And eel—another summer iki tradition, championed and popularized by Hiraga Gennai. Enjoy fragrant kabayaki, subtly flavorful shira-yaki, skewered eel with diverse cuts, and even sashimi. These dishes make rice and sake irresistible. Dive into our grand feature on luxurious eel and savor summer's iki to your heart's content.

Celebrating 25 Years Since Launch of 'Otona no Shumatsu'!

Thanks to our readers, 'Otona no Shumatsu' celebrates its 25th anniversary since launch. In our second special feature, we spotlight "one dish worth preserving for the future" from restaurants opened after our 2001 debut. Editors and writers each selected their personal favorites. This is our heartfelt tribute to our loyal readers and the wonderful establishments born during our 25-year journey.

A Close-Up on Refreshing Japanese Sweets

In this season of pleasant summer sounds—chirping cicadas and wind chimes—cool, silky, wobbly, and jiggly sweets bring joy to the palate. We introduce a variety of refreshing Japanese sweets from cafes, kissaten (traditional coffee shops), and wagashi shops. Later, we feature delightful confections perfect as gifts—cool to the eye and palate. From timeless classics to modern creations, we present them all with enthusiasm.

With just this one issue, you'll find delicious discoveries without relying on internet searches!

Don't miss Japan's most widely placed gourmet magazine in Tokyo salons (according to our editorial survey).

Main Contents of Otana no Shumatsu August 2026 Issue

・The Ultimate Gourmet Reward

Summer's Iki: Eel

・Thrill at Craftsmanship, Sigh at Skill

Be Moved by the Master's Eel!

・The Frontier Trend: "Local Grilling"!

New Eel Restaurants

・Savoring Nature in the City of Water

Shimane Eel Journey

・Debating Unforgettable Flavors

The Eel We Want to Eat Again from That Town

・Luxury Within Reach

Eel Skewer Bars & Final Eel Bites

・Investigating the Hottest Eel Trends (1)

Inside the Farm: "Musashi-Buri" Eel from Saitama

・Investigating the Hottest Eel Trends (2)

Is 'Nozawa-ya Honten' Really That Delicious!?

・Catch Volumes? Prices?

The Current State of Eel, as Seen by Our Editorial Team

・Selected by Our Editorial Staff

"One Dish from That Restaurant" Worth Preserving for the Future

・Wonder Trip

Kumano Kodo Nakasendo: Walking the Revived Path

・Silky, Wobbly, Chewy, Chilled

Refreshing Japanese Sweets

・Otona no Shumatsu Otoriyose Club

"Spicy & Delicious Gourmet"

★ Regular Columns: Yoko Yoshida's "Hitsujimeshi – Eat Grass, Work Hard", Razwell Hosoki's "TamaGo!!", Daido Moriyama's "Weekend", Macky Makimoto × Takeshi Kadokami's "Delicious Correspondence", Ai Kayano's "Koyoi no Kayano", Hiroyuki Isobe of [Alexandros]' "Suited Teardrop Ladder", The Toji's Evening Sake, Oto-Shuu Backstage Bulletin Board, This Month's Gold Medal Spot, The Masked Writer's One-Month Food Diary

Otana no Shumatsu August 2026 Issue

Release Date: July 15, 2026 (Wednesday)

Price: 930 yen (tax included)

https://amzn.to/4x1GTZx