We're way past sushi

Mizu 212

Modern take on \o7shabu-shabu\f7, where diners cook their own meat and vegetables in boiling water right at their seats. 2000 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 478-8979.

Karaoke Bleu

Japanese songs dominate the private studios at Yuu-Yuu down the street, but the clubby Bleu is a smallish bar where you're just as likely to hear sorority gals wailing Beyonce. 2064 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 477-4794.

Chabuya

For ramen-o-philes, heaven: the only U.S. outlet of one of the most-respected upscale ramen houses in Japan. 2002 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 473-1013.

Volcano Tea

Still the favorite for boba, a hyper-sweet concoction of tea, sugar and colored balls of tapioca sucked up through a ski-pole-sized straw. 2111 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 445-5326.

Zip Fusion

Korean-French fusion dishes such as jalapeno tuna tempura, washed down with clear, vodka-like soju made from rice, barley and sweet potato. 11301 W. Olympic Blvd. (310) 575-3636.

FuRaiBo

For years, the area's most popular Japanese pub-style eatery. Crowded and fun, with specials like \o7tabesaki\f7: chicken wings fried in peanut oil. 2068 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 444-1432.

Giant Robot

Load up on obscuro Japanese pop culture like T-shirts, art books and collectible plastic figures, from the mass-produced Evil Ape series to a $300 Tim Biskup artist's model. Store, 2015 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 478-1819. GR2 gallery: 2062 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 445-9276.

gr/eats

Run by pop culture hounds, the Giant Robot cafe offers an eclectic menu great for lunch. 2050 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 478-3342.

Video Addict

If you keep up with all of the Japanese soaps, game shows and sitcoms, or want to start, this is the source for Japanese expats, Hollywood directors and Japanophiles citywide. 1818 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 312-5083.

Mousse Fantasy

At Sawtelle's only breakfast joint, owner Oscar Fay will make you an omelet and coffee as a warm-up for delicious light pastries and cakes in the afternoon, but it closes before the late-night crowd arrives. 2130 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 479-6665.

Nijiya Market

Nijiya is Japanese pop in the form of grocery shopping, a universe of strange candies, gorgeous fruits, an infinity of seaweeds and canned coffees in packaging too wonderful to throw out. 2130 Sawtelle Blvd. No. 105. (310) 575-3300.

Catch 22

A tiny new cafe open till midnight, sometimes with DJs spinning for lingerers out on the sidewalk. 11301 W. Olympic Blvd., No. 103. (310) 473-3668.

Black Market

Trendy clothing store and under-the-radar art gallery whose DJ-powered openings for artists like Ed Hardy attract hipsters spilling out into the street. 2023 Sawtelle Blvd. (310) 966-1555.