Taka and Charlotte Nakamoto opened Momiji Japanese Restaurant and Bar in August 2003. In Japanese, the word Momiji is the name of a tree, the Japanese Maple. This tree is particularly beautiful in the autumn, when the leaves change colour. Japanese people enjoy making trips to areas of natural beauty, to view the autumn leaves.

Miyajima Island, near the city of Hiroshima, is so famous for its dramatic autumn views, that the MOMIJI leaf has become a symbol of the Hiroshima region. The name "Momiji" was chosen because Taka is originally from Hiroshima and Charlotte spent a number of years there.

Many people are surprised to find a Japanese restaurant in the small Norfolk market Town of Harleston and tend to ask "Why Harleston?". The choice of location is not quite as random as it may seem as Charlotte is originally from nearby Bungay, and while living in London she and Taka would often come back to this part of the country to visit family and friends. The idea of introducing a completely new type of dining to the area really appealed to Taka and Charlotte and since opening they have gained many loyal customers.

The style of eating is known as Izakaya; this type of Japanese restaurant differs greatly from the typical Western "starter, main, dessert" format. The best way to experience Japanese food is to order a number of dishes to be shared among your group, as the main feature of Izakayas is the communal dining style. By sharing dishes with your party everyone can enjoy a wide range of dishes and it makes for a relaxed, sociable evening.

If you think that Japanese food is all about eating raw fish you will get a pleasant surprise - though you will find sushi - as they offer a wide variety on their menu from delicious starters like mushrooms in a light tempura batter with a chilli-mayonnaise or chicken kara-age, juicy marinated chicken, crispy fried with a spring onion sauce, to mains featuring steak, chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes.