I've had japanese curry in japan. And also have japanese friend who make this. Why is the city sauce so dark? Real japanese curry is a golden amber color.

Hi Saskya! Our curry sauce is a particular regional type of Japanese curry from Kanazawa, Japan, Northwest of Tokyo. It's always a darker color, served on a metal plate, with shredded cabbage on the side-- unlike more "traditional" Japanese curries. The reason for the color is 1. It's marinated for 55 hours, which darkens it, and 2. It uses pork which lends it a darker color as well.

Its heavily americanized for a much more US centric palette so it can be marketed to a broader target audience. The color is more mentally acceptable for people who are used to red wine sauces with their beef or pork.