Is there really that big a difference? I'm a New York Jew, raised in Queens, living in Manhattan most of my life, and have consumed bagels in both as well as in Brooklyn. I've eaten many, many bagels in my lifetime and don't recall ever thinking there was a noticeable difference in the bagels each borough had to offer.

When I finally make it to Japan (trip has been reschedule twice so far), I would be happy to bring a suitcase full of NYC bagels for anyone who would like them.