When we think about pizza, our minds often jump right to Italy – gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and crispy crusts. But what happens when Japan, Sushi, matcha, and PAK creativity put their spin on this sweet dish?
You get something bold, beautiful, and delicious: Japanese Pizza!
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Japanese Pizza — where East meets West, and umami meets cheesy indulgence.
The History of Japanese Pizza – How Japan Made Pizza Its Own
After the end of World War II, pizza was introduced to Japan, but one could hardly have predicted that it would evolve into something so distinctive. Initially, pizza was a luxury item that was only available in high-end hotels and cafés, which were often designed in a foreign style in Japan. It was brought to Japan by Western restaurants and American servicemen.
But Japan doesn’t just copy trends — it reinvents them.
The consumption of pizza in Japan increased dramatically due to the expansion of various pizza chains, such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut, in the country during the 1980s. These businesses began to fulfill personal orders in an attempt to win over the citizens’ hearts (and their palates), and tried to repeat the spirit of Japanese food.
Enter: Japanese-style pizza.
Think: Teriyaki chicken instead of pepperoni. Corn and mayo instead of marinara. Seaweed, squid, mochi, and miso are replacing sausage and olives.
Suddenly, pizza wasn’t just Italian or American — it was Japanese fusion at its best.
What is Japanese Pizza?
Pizza from Japan is unlike any other pizza. It combines traditional Japanese ingredients and cooking methods with the idea of pizza from the West. There are two popular versions:
- Okonomiyaki – Often dubbed “Japanese savory pancake”, it’s sometimes referred to as Japanese pizza because of its round shape and customizable toppings.
- Modern Japanese-style Western Pizza – This version uses a traditional pizza crust but is topped with Japanese flavors like teriyaki chicken, mayo, seaweed, wasabi, and even mochi!
In this article, we’ll focus on the Japanese-style fusion pizza that you can easily make at home.
Why You Should Try Japanese Pizza
- Great for experimenting: you can mix and match both traditional and contemporary ingredients.
- Specific taste: Everything from Umami-rich sauce to unexpected toppings, such as Misso-coated brinjal or Bonito Flex.
- Perfect for gatherings: This is perfect for meetings because it is certainly an audience-pleaser and a discussion starter.
- Easy to make at home: You don’t need to go all the way to Tokyo to sample it since the ingredients are now easily available and it’s easy to make at home.
Teriyaki Chicken Pizza in the Fusion Style: A Japanese Pizza Recipe
Let’s prepare a delicious Teriyaki Chicken Japanese pizza with seaweed flakes, scallions, and a mayo drip!
Ingredients
For flour (or use store-bought pizza base):
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons Japanese mayo (Kewpie recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 finely chopped green onion
- Niri, or dried seaweed strips
- Bonito flakes (optional)
⏱ Recipe Timing & Prep Table
Step | Time | Description |
Dough prep & resting | 1 hour | Mix, knead, and let it rise |
Cook chicken & marinate | 15 mins | Cook chicken and coat in teriyaki sauce |
Assemble pizza | 10 mins | Roll dough, add toppings |
Bake pizza | 15–18 mins | 200°C / 400°F until cheese melts |
Final garnish | 5 mins | Mayo drizzle, seaweed, bonito flakes |
Total Time | ~1 hour 40 mins |
Instruction
- Prepare the dough (if you use the premiere, let this scene).
Stir yeast, sugar, and warm water together. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes until a foam forms. Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Work in a viable flour. Let it rise for an hour while covered.
- Prepare the Chicken
Cook your chicken until tender. Stir in the teriyaki sauce and set aside for a little while.
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Assemble the Pizza
Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Place it on a baking tray. After applying a thin coating of teriyaki sauce, top with mozzarella and your teriyaki chicken.
- Bake
Within 15 to 18 minutes of baking, you will see some browning on the crust and some bubbling cheese.
- Garnish
Serve with sesame seeds, green onions, bonito flakes, seaweed strips, or as you want.
You may also pipe the Japanese mayo in a crisscross pattern.
Tips for Perfect Japanese Pizza
- Use Kewpie Mayo – this is rich and creamier than regular Mayo.
- Balance your taste – teriyaki is sweet and salty; Don’t overdo it.
- Make it vegetarian – Use tofu or eggplant instead of chicken.
- Get creative – try to top like corn, shoemaker, kimchi, or Misso mushrooms.
Japanese Pizza vs Okonomiyaki: What's the Difference?
Feature | Japanese Pizza | Okonomiyaki |
Base | Pizza dough | Batter (flour, egg, cabbage) |
Cooking method | Oven-baked | Pan-fried or grilled |
Toppings | Cheese, meats, seaweed, sauces | Seafood, cabbage, sauces, bonito flakes |
Cheese? | Yes | Rarely |
Shape | Round pizza-like | Pancake-like |
Questions and Answers
What is Japanese pizza?
Japanese pizza is a fusion pizza made with a classic dough and Japanese ingredients, including nori (seaweed), Teriyaki chicken, and Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie).
What distinguishes this from pizza in America?
Meats like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan or sausage are more common on American pizza.
Seafood, tomatoes, sweet sauce, and creamy mayonnaise are the hallmarks of Japanese pizza, which is known for its umami flavor.
What is the most common Japanese pizza topping?
- Teriyaki chicken
- Corn & mayo
- Nori (seaweed)
- Shrimp or squid
- Mochi (rice cakes)
- Bonito flakes
- Soft-boiled egg
- Miso-glazed vegetables
Is Japanese pizza spicy?
Not usually. It is sweeter, vegan, and creamy. But you may use Wasabi Mayo or Japanese Chile Flex (Shichimi Togarashi) to add some spice.
Does it provide vegetarian options?
Yes! Tofu, brinjal, maize, soy, miso, and mushrooms may all be used to make a vegetarian version. Bonito flakes and seafood sauces should be avoided.
I am American. Can I try Japanese pizza?
In big cities like LA, NYC, or Seattle, there are fusion restaurants serving pizza with a Japanese character. If not, try to do it at home; Most supplies can be seen online or in Asian supermarkets.
Conclusion
A traditional food that is well-liked all over the world, a new and exciting twist in the form of Japanese pizza. It is stated that geographical boundaries do not limit the availability of high-quality food, and as a result, innovation in the kitchen can lead to truly extraordinary dishes.
Whether you are hosting a weekend get-together or just want to indulge yourself, you really must try this Teriyaki Chicken Japanese Pizza. It is an essential must-do.