When you bite into one of Akinori Kimura’s apples, the delicious flavor permeates your whole body, like a sip of virgin spring water. But the most incredible thing was how many times we encountered this same sensation: when trying local vegetables and meats; when eating a simple ramen at a local eatery; and from the breath of the wind as we took in the views from the foot of Mt. Iwaki. This was a trip that raised the standard for deliciousness. We met peope who make their food with true affection, and we layered each of their stories onto a fresh slice of bread.