My Favorite Japan

2007-12-03T06:08:00.000-08:00

SHIWASU -- the last month of year --

The Japanese character in above picture is read " SHIWASU ".

We call December "SHIWASU".

SHIWASU means that it is the busy season even teachers have to run, they have a lot of thing to do.

Acutually, in December, people have many things to do.

They will have winter holiday for some days, so they need to prepare in their job.

In their home, people is engaged to do OOSOUJI, clean up!

Also people prepare season's greeting card, Chirstmas gift, new year decoration in their house.

In spiritual meaning, Year End is the point for review themselves and building new plan of next year.

Not only teachers but also you have to run in December!

2007-03-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

SOTSUGYO -- graduation --

March is the season of graduation in Japan.

Fiscal year in school starts at April ends at March.

At the graduation ceremony we can see girls who wear Haori and Hakama, those are Japanese traditional costume.

In the ceremony they sing songs "Hotaru-no-Hikari" and "Aogeba-totoshi".

Hotaru-no-Hikari is expression from attendance and the other is from graduates.

Wish graduates brilliant future!

2007-03-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

Shunbun-no-hi -- Vernal Equinox Day --

Shunbun-no-hi occurs on about March 21, the day when the sun reaches the vernal equinox, and the length of the day and night is equal. In Japan it is designed as a national holiday.

Also we call a week which includes Shunbun-no-hi "Higan".

In those days we are required to respect our ancestor with visiting tomb to pray for them.

And more we eat Ohagi in that week.

It is traditional food made by rice covered with bean jam.

Originally it was made in the home to offer to the spirits of the ancestors, but now it is a typical Japanese confectionery.

2007-02-27T03:51:00.000-08:00

HINAMATSURI -- doll's festival --

Hinamatsuri occurs on March 3 and is an occasion to pray for young girls' growth and happiness.

Most homes with girls display small dolls contained several kinds of rolls for this festival.

But recently it is increasing the families who have not enough space to display these dolls in their houses.

Instead of these traditional dolls, they display only two representative dolls called Odairi-sama and Ohina-sama.

People believe they should put away it as soon as the day passed otherwise the girl might be late for marriage.

2007-02-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

YUKIMATSURI -- snow festival --

At deep snow area there are snow festivals in winter season, mostly February.

Main content of the event is snowy statue.

The arts are so beautiful, wonderful and great.

Especially in night time, they are lighted by colorful spot lights so they seem so fantastic.

Most popular festival is taken place in Sapporo.

At there it is held contest of snowy statue every year, among several dozen of those.

To make only just one snowy statue, it needs plenty snow.

Self Defense Forces takes a part for carrying and building snow.

When you go there, do not forget pocket warmers.

2007-02-14T04:13:00.000-08:00

St. Valentaine's Day

Feb 14th is the day which makes men fidgety all the day.

Because in Japan, on the Valentaine's Day girls (women) would give chocolates to boys (men) for the sign of love, appliciation, and respect.

10% of yearly sales of chocolate is made during this season.

This is almost the day like festival.

But for men it is not all happy things, because one month later, The White Day is coming, which is the day turned around men and women.

This day is not based on regional story, but on the strategy of chocolate company!

2007-02-06T04:17:00.000-08:00

KANI -- a crab --

The sense of taste in winter is crab.

In Japan there are several kinds of crabs, Taraba-gani, Ke-gani, Watari-gani, etc.

Its name depends on its place of production.

Each of us has the favorite way how to eat the crabs.

Fresh as sashimi, broil, boil in the pot with vegetables, etc.

My favorite is fresh as sashimi.

But it is served only at specialized restaurant.

Usually we can enjoy boil one.

We have it with vinegar soy sauce.

It is so delicious!!

2007-01-30T02:59:00.000-08:00

SETSUBUN
-- the eve of the first day of spring --

Setsubun signifies the turning point day of season.
It changes from winter to spring.
The day is February 3rd.

At the day, people scatter parched soy beans inside and outside their homes with yelling "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! ".
The yelling means "Out with the ogre! In with the happiness! ".

And people eat the beans same number as age.

In big shrines and temples it is held the festival of this beans scattering.

2007-01-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

OSHIRUKO
-- sweet red-bean soup with rice cakes --

This is one of the representative foods in winter season.
It makes our body so hot.

Red-Bean is very famous food in Japan.
Especially it is congenial with rice cake.

You can make it with no knowledge.
You can get a package of red-bean soup and rice cake at supermarket.
Just make those hot and put rice cakes into soup.
That is it!

Some Japanese who is traveling to overseas bring the package in their bags.
Let's try!

2007-01-16T02:43:00.000-08:00

Ski season is coming

At last Ski season is coming this year.

In this year it has not been so cold so far.

For most of the people it is comfortable to live, but for some people it is so serious situation, who works at winter resort like ski area.

But recent cold weather has brung snow to those areas.

The best ski area in Japan is Hokkaido.

There is powder snow like Canadian resort and it is getting popular among foreign people for their vacation.

For example, the ski resort 'Kiroro' is full of Australian year by year.

The best season of Ski is February. There is plenty snow.

My favorite one is Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort which has many courses for all skills player.

The Skyline Course has wonderful view.

Let's go and enjoy winter resort!

2007-01-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

Osechi Ryori -- New Year dishes --

Osechi Ryori is eaten as special side dishes in three days of New Year.
Since long time ago until this recent ten years, the period of New Year three days is the holiday for mostly people.
That is why we need Osechi Ryori, there had been no place to buy fresh food or to go out for dinner and lunch.
The peaces of the dishes are suitable for preservation.

But recently the situation of society has been changed.
The shops and stores open through the year including New Year holidays.
The choice of meal has been spread.
So people who do not cook and eat Osechi Ryori are getting a lot.
The one for take out has been popular.

2007-01-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year

The New Year's Day is celebrated by so many people all over Japan, and one of the important days through the year.

At the New Year's Eve and the Day, lots of events are held in each community or religious place.

At the Eve, called Oomisoka, major event is Joyanokane.
In some temples there is a big bell. People strike the bell hundred eight times, it is the number of year's worldly passions.

The countdown event is also held in many places.

At the Day and usually through three days, people go Hatsumode, visit to shrine to pray wellness and good luck for New Year.

And it is going to end the Happy Holiday season.

2006-12-21T00:41:00.000-08:00

YUKIMI-DAIFUKU

This is kind of ice dream dessert and one of the Japanese favorite snacks.

Ice cream is covered with soft rice cake.

YUKIMI means to enjoy snowing.

DAIFUKU means the snack made from rice cake.

Usually ice cream is eaten in summer season, but this ice is popular in winter because of its name.

You can get this at any convenience store, supermarket easily.

2006-12-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

Aisatsu-mawari

Aisatsu means greetings.
Mawari means going around.

This is the word represented at business occasion in period of year-end beginning of the year.
Business people visit each other for greetings sometimes with calendars or notebooks made by their companies.

Also they often have parties called Bonenkai or Shinnenkai.
Especially in December weekend many pub will be fully booked.

It is very important as communication method of Japanese.

2006-12-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

OOSOUJI -- cleaning out once a year --

This is one of Japanese traditional yearly event.

Of course people clean up house day by day.
This OOSOUJI means special one.
For example, they clean up windows, backside of furniture, cover of the lump shades, etc.

So in December the useful goods for cleaning up are sold a lot.

This is why Japanese think New Year should be freshness.

I have also just started to do OOSOUJI at last Sunday.
New Year is coming soon.

2006-12-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

Illumination

December is the season of illumination.

At theme park, shopping center, and other spots we can enjoy to see fantastic art.

Recently, like Europe or U.S.A, it is a boom to decorate house with illumination in winter season.

Sometime we go out at night time to see around those illumination.

The biggest events of illumination are Luminarie of Kobe and Millenario of Tokyo.

But Millenario had already terminated till last year due to construction of Tokyo station.

Luminarie will start on DEC 8th 2006 for 2weeks.

2006-12-04T04:03:00.000-08:00

Winter season is coming!

People feel the sign of winter when they hear the word of December.

Actually I saw snow first time in this year on yesterday.

Some of ski resort has already opened with artificial snow by machines and little of real snow.

According to weather forecast, this winter season will be not so cold.

This news might be not welcome for those people whom it may concern with winter sports.

I am looking forward to enjoy skiing.

2006-11-30T03:29:00.000-08:00

NENGAJOU -- season's greetings message card --

In Japan the biggest event through a year is New Year but Christmas.
Like Christmas cards for foreign people, we send NENGAJOU at New Year as season's greetings.

Every year has its sexagenary cycle once per twelve years.
So, the card design will be related to that.

Post office sells public card which has lottery.
But recently many people use own cards made by their PC.

Now it is coming December, it is the season for preparing of season's greetings!

2006-11-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

MOMIJI MANJYU -- bun with a form of maple --

I have introduced about trees turned red at previous story.

The main tree is maple.

It becomes red, yellow and orange with autumn sunshine.

Speaking of maple, MOMIJI MANJYU is very famous.

It is bun including bean jam formed as maple.

Particularly as a speciality of Hiroshima prefecture it is well known in Japan.

But you can get it at department store at anywhere of major city in Japan.

2006-11-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

KOHYOU -- trees turn red --

I took this photo yesterday.

The famous landscape of autmun is this turning red of trees.

Kohyou starts from the colder area and spreads to south warm area through autumn.

On this weekend it will make heavy traffic jam at those area.

Also on website, many information sites are ready before season.

The way to enjoy Kohyou which I like best is combination with Onsen, hot spring.

After viewing Kohyou, Onsen makes me hot both heart and body.

Further more, if it is possible with viewing from outside bath at Onsen, it is nothing to say.

2006-11-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

THE JAPAN TIMES

This is great helpful daily newspaper for English speaking people to know what happens in Japan.
You can get it at convenience store, Kiosk and bookstore.

For the Japanese, it is also helpful for carrier change to foreign foundation company.
So, the readers of it seem to be serious. ( just kidding! )

If you are lucky, you can get it inside airplane forwarding to Japan.

2006-11-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

RADIO STATION

While staying in Japan, you can listen to the radio at your hotels, rent-a-cars and shops.

Basically the language is Japanese, but some station has English program, further more there is some English based channel.

Disk Jockey is bilingual, sometimes native speaker.

You can get the latest information of the news, music about your country.

You do not have to worry about becoming homesick!

2006-11-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

MUSICAL

For all people of the world, it is associated musical with Broadway in New York.
It is so high quality culture spot.

In Japan, SHIKI THEATRE COMPANY is famous as a professional musical group.
They have private theaters in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka.
Incredibly all theaters are always fully booked.

Ticket's cost is around JPY10000-.
Quite only a few day tickets are available.
Advanced reservation is strongly recommended.

2006-11-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

NOH -- Japanese performing art --

NOH is Japanese oldest form in musical theater.
The player wear mask and do not speak just express by their whole body.

The play proceeds with background song which is traditional one called UTAI.

The atmosphere is so mysterious.
The stage located outside suits for NOH, especially night time.

You might feel Japanese spirits.

2006-11-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

KABUKI

This is one of Japan's main traditional theater forms.

There are some specialized theaters for KABUKI in Japan.

Not same as other theaters, those have characteristic equipments which are elevated runway, revolving stage, trapdoors.

One of the important things is casting.

KABUKI is played only by actor with no actress.

Because of that reason, they need too much make up when they play as female.

KABUKI is proceeding with slow pace.

And sometimes audience is hard to hear the serif due to their unique and traditional saying.

2006-10-31T03:43:00.001-08:00

SHAKUHACHI -- a bamboo flute --

It is kind of recorder.

It is made from bamboo.

The hole is four in the front and one in the back.

It has begun since the Edo period.

Now it is usually played together with TAIKO, drums.

2006-10-30T01:54:00.000-08:00

KOTO -- a Japanese harp --

It plays more hard sound than that of harp.

Because of it, the ensemble is good for KOTO.

Sometimes KOTO is played with other instruments like SHAMISEN.

KOTO is becoming on the stage at New Year concert.

In the hotel we can see the small concert of KOTO at that time.

The players always wear KIMONO.

It is also beautiful.

2006-10-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

SHAMISEN -- a three-stringed Japanese banjo --

Shamisen is also Japanese traditional instrument.
Usually shamisen is played with other instruments like Taiko, Fue.

But in 1999, the duo of professional shamisen player has come up!
The name of duo is Yoshida-Kyodai, it means Yoshida brothers.

Their concert is so exiting!
It looks like a pops concert, not a classical concert.
You can get a CD at store.

2006-10-26T05:29:00.001-07:00

TAIKO -- a drum --

This drum is called OODAIKO, it means big drum.

In festivals like a summer festival "BON-ODORI", it must be needed.

The way to play is so simple.

The player has two sticks and hit the drum.

Sometimes two players hit for one drum at once.

There are many teams of TAIKO players.

The show of the TAIKO team is so exciting same, it seems to represent Japanese spirit.

2006-10-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

WAGAKKI -- Japanese musical instrument --

In Japan there are traditional musical instruments.

Now we can see those at the official ceremony of the imperial family through the TV.

But in recent years, the people who are professional of those instruments have come up and gotten the status as a musician same like as a pops singer.

From next story I introduce some instruments and musicians.

2006-10-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

KAKI -- a persimmon --

This is also famous fruits in autumn.

The pure orange color is bright for our eyes.

Persimmon has two kinds of its taste.

Sweet one and astringent one.

When you get persimmons, be careful not to take astringent one.

It is too heavy to eat.

But unfortunately it is so difficult to find out which is astringent one.

Astringent one is good for dried persimmon.

2006-10-23T02:11:00.000-07:00

NASHI -- a pear --

There are some kinds of pears.

In Japan, Japanese pear is popular than others.

From September to November, it is time for harvest.

Among Japanese pears, there are also some kinds by its taste, watery, sweet..etc.

90% of a tear consists of water.

It is also healthy for body!

KOSUI, HOSUI, NIJUSEIKI are major brands of tears in Japan.

You can get easily at supermarket.

2006-10-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

KURI -- a chestnut --

This is Japanese flavor in autumn.

A nut is so prickly on the tree.

Inside of the prickly cover, again, it has hard hull.

After break the hull, we roast the nut.

It becomes very sweet and can be arranged for many deserts.

I like mostly a parfait or a cake of it.

In Japan sometimes we mix it with rice, called KURI GOHAN.

It is tasty, too!

Let's try before winter comes!

2006-10-17T03:50:00.000-07:00

ROTEN BURO -- outside bath --

In many ONSEN accommodations there is ROTEN BURO, it is the outside hot spring bath.
Sometimes it has a roof and a fence.

In winter season, people feel so hot on the lower half of the body (because it stays in the hot spring), so cold on the upper half.
That contrast is quite cool!

Especially at the nigh time, it makes us so relaxing.
Stars are brilliant, moon is shining, no noise except the sound of nature.

Depend on the accommodation, there are several outside baths.
So people can enjoy different tasteful bath.

2006-10-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

KASHIKIRI ONSEN --private bath --

KASHIKIRI ONSEN is a boom in this few years.

It is private hot spring bath.

Usually guests use the private bath with paying extra charge , it is around JPY3000 for 1hour.

But there are not always private bath in all accommodation.

You need to check at the booking time.

Sometimes it belongs to the room.

It is really private, you can use anytime you like.

Of course the room charge is higher than those of others.

2006-10-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

ONSEN makes you healthy

ONSEN has a lot effect for human health.

It has power to keep human body good conditions, further more has power to recover damaged body.

Since long time ago, Japanese has used ONSEN for medical treatment.

But recently, it is considered as a leisure or excursion to go to ONSEN.

There are rules in ONSEN for medical treatment.

I do not know the detail, but I can guess like follows.

First, in the morning, you take the bath 5 minutes.

Next you have rest 5 minutes.

Repeat these 3 times.

After several hours rest, repeat this cycle again.

For the healthy tourist, they need to be careful for too much taking bath.

It would cause YUATARI, it means feeling dizzy.

2006-10-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

The manners for ONSEN

1. At first, you need to have KAKEYU, it means you should not go into the bath before you clean up your body. Usually at the entrance there is the space for having the shower.

2. Do not bring the towels into the bath.

3. Do not take swim suites.

4. Do not run even though children, it is so slippery!

5. Do not dive into the bath.

6. After taking bath, let's wear the YUKATA!

2006-10-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

How to enjoy ONSEN - continued -

After you finish dinner all, staff is coming into your room for bed making.

It takes only few minute. Because it is a "futon", not a bed.

Before you go to bed, you would go to ONSEN again.

Usually there are several different baths in the accommodation.

Try another one!

Breakfast is served from 7AM to 9AM. You can point the time you like.

Before breakfast, you go to ONSEN again!

Totally you try ONSEN three times during your stay.

I believe it is the best way to enjoy staying at ONSEN.

2006-10-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

How to enjoy ONSEN

Usually we think ONSEN means ONSEN-Ryokan, that is Japanese style accommodation at hot spring.

So " let's go to ONSEN" means to stay at Ryokan at least for one night.

Basically check in time is 3PM.
Recommended time for check is before 5Pm.
After check in, you will go to ONSEN first.

You need to back room around 6PM.
Dinner time is starting.
The dinner is so uniquely, it is also traditional Japanese style.

It is called "KAISEKI style".
There are plenty plates for small portion.
For example Sashimi, Tempura, Nabe, etc.

Rice and miso soup will be served at the end of dinner time before desert.
If you like to have those more earlier, you may ask the staff.

-- to be continued --

2006-10-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

ONSEN -- hot spring --

Japanese likes ONSEN very much.

In Japan there are plenty ONSEN spots over the country.

ONSEN is classified by its effect and kind of spring.

For those people who expect to get over their disease, the effect is important.

Depend on the kind of spring, the effect is different.

Also for all people to visit ONSEN, it is fun to choose their favorite one.

From next story, I will introduce how to enjoy ONSEN.

2006-10-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

KOUYOU -- autumnal tints --

My recommended season for visiting Japan is coming, it is autumn!

It is the time to begin autumnal tints.

It is starting from south area, and going to the north area.

Around Tokyo, the best season of autumnal tint is October.

There are some good points for viewing that.

You can find those points easily on web sites.

When Japanese talk about KOUYOU, they would imagine ONSEN, too.

It is hot springs.

Next, I'm going to talk about ONSEN!

2006-09-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

MATSUTAKE -- mushroom --

MATSUTAKE is famous among Japanese as expensive delicacy in autumn.
It is one of the precious mushrooms.

Especially the one made in Japan is so expensive.
Recently the one which is imported from Korea, China is major than domestic one.
The imported one is cheaper than domestic.

MATSUTAKE is good for its aroma.
Always Japanese likes aroma as much as taste.

Do not forget to check out its price at restaurant before you order!

2006-09-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

UNADON -- broiled eel bowl --

There are specialty restaurants which serve eel mainly.

It is quite difficult to cook eel.

It is said that it takes for 3years to learn on skewers, 8years to split, whole life to broil.

At outside the eel restaurant, it smells nice by the smoke.

It costs about JPY2000 for UNADON.

Please also try the soup cooked with eel's liver.

2006-09-26T04:35:00.000-07:00

KAISENDON -- seafood bowl --

It is served at SUSHI restaurant.

KAISENDON is good for the visitor, because the price is very clear, it is around JPY2000.

Inconveniently at some SUSHI restaurant the price is not clear before checking out.

KAISEN includes several kinds of seafood, basically tuna, salmon roe, squid, prawn, etc.

Always the Japanese horseradish, Wasabi, is put together in the bowl.

I usually make it melt with soy sauce and put on the bowl.

Be careful to take too much Wasabi!!

2006-09-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

OYAKODON --parental bowl --

In this bowl, the main are chickens and eggs, those means parent, called OYAKO.

This is also the one of the classical bowl in Japan.

You can find this at SOBA or UDON restaurant.

Sometime they serve as a combination of OYAKODON with SOBA or UDON.

It is usually reasonable.

The taste of OYAKODON depends on each restaurant policy, so if you can find the satisfied one, you are so lucky!!

2006-09-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

GYUDON -- beef bowl --

Beef and onion are topped on the bowl.

Those are boiled well with special sauce.

In Japan the restaurant which serve GYUDON is very popular.

You can see that at anywhere.

The price is reasonable, which is around JPY400.

It is kind of fast foods like a McDonald's.

2006-09-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

TENDON -- rice bowl topped with tempura --

Normally TENDON includes tempura of prawn at least.
And more, edible leaf, fishes, vegetables are topped as tempura.
TENDON needs its sauce, which taste is very important.

It is not so easy to cook tempura at home because of the difficulty to handle cooking oil.
The result of tempura depends on the action with cooking oil.

Recently there are also many restaurants at which we can order to take out TENDON with reasonable price.

Let’s take TENDON before its hot is gone.

2006-09-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

DOMBURI -- bowl rice --

There are plenty kinds of bowl rice in Japan.

Tendon -- tempura

Gyudon -- beef

Butadon -- pork

Oyakodon -- chicken and egg

Tamagodon -- egg

Chukadon -- chinese cuisine

Currydon -- curry

Steakdon -- steak

Kaisendon -- seafood

Unidon -- sea urchin

Ikuradon -- salmon roe

and more...

Let me introduce typical bowl rice from next story.

2006-09-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

TEMPURA -- deep fried --

This is also Japanese famous food.

Whatever you like can be fried as tempura.

The one you choose is covered with beaten egg and bread crumbs, then put into the oil.

The popular food is prawn, fish and vegetables.

Of course fresh one is good.

But usually tempura is expensive when you have it at the restaurant.
It is not so difficult to cook at your home (or friend's home), it makes you exciting!

Let's have a tempura party!

2006-09-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

How to choose SUSHI restaurant

In the case you are invited to SUSHI restaurant, you are very lucky!
You do not need to worry about choosing restaurant.
If you go there by yourselves, keep in your mind those advices.

1. Choose crowded restaurant
This is most important thing.
It means the fish is always fresh.

2. Can recognize the price clearly
When you can not find the price list outside, it is better to avoid there.
You find the one, check it of "NAMI-NIGIRI" as a barometer.
If it is up to JPY1200, the restaurant might be safety to your wallet.

3. Avoid the one located on the main street
Those restaurants tend to charge high, because of their house rent fee.
Check the one behind the main street.

I hope these advices are helpful for you!

2006-09-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

SHUN -- in season --

Any food has its best season.
Of course fish also has it.
For example squid's best season is MAY.

When you go to SUSHI restaurant, please pay your attention to each fish's season.
Mostly the recommended menu is stuck in the restaurant, so you can find it easily.
If you go to expensive SUSHI restaurant, you could not find any information on the wall, so you should ask the staff or master.

2006-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

TSUKIJI -- fish market --

The largest fish market in Japan is TSUKIJI, which is located in TOKYO.

At here, tourist can look in the market for sightseeing.

Be careful for the off day information.
Sunday is closed, saying strictly, dealing is off but we can go and just see into the market.
Only some shops are opened outside the market.

If you want to see the dealing, you have to go there before 5AM.
Also you can eat fresh fish in the market, but most of the restaurant will be closed till noon.

The market is very wide, so it is better to get the map before you go there.
Further more if you have Japanese friends, he (she) will help you greatly.
Sometime the words among the market's professionals are difficult to understand.

2006-09-05T02:29:00.000-07:00

SUSHI - continue -

You can order to take out SUSHI.

If you have your favorite SUSHI, you can order a la carte.

Otherwise you can also order per person you like.

In case of that, SUSHI is picked up by restaurant.

It is enjoyable that having take-out SUSHI in our house with watching TV, talking with friends, drinking wines, listening music.

2006-09-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

How to eat SUSHI - continue -

As a great supporting player, the pickled ginger is important.
We call it Gari.

It makes our mouth neutralizing from the fat.
So if you like fatty one, you do not need to take it.

But it is not good to take too much.

Another supporter is Agari, it means hot green tea, Ocha.
If you like alcohol you may order the one, but not so, Agari is better.
Of course it is free of charges.

Let us enjoy with Gari and Agari!

2006-09-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

How to eat SUSHI

Basically it depends on you.
You may eat whatever you want.

But Let me introduce the way which is good among Japanese.
It is wisdom to make you be satisfied more.

First you begin to eat from Shiromi-category, which is for example sea bream, halfbeak, etc.
Those have low fat.

Next is shellfish category.
Abalon, ark shell, cockle, shell ligament, etc.

Otherwise ika & tako are also good.

Next is Akami-category.
Tuna, bonito, yellowtail, those are with tasty fat.

Last one is Makimono, which means made with dried seaweed.
For example, sea urchin, salmon roe, kappa maki, etc.

This is the orthodox way.
It brings you more nice tasting.

2006-08-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

TAI -- sea bream --

There are two kinds of SUSHI.

One is Akami, the other one is Shiromi.

Akami means reddish SUSHI for example MAGURO.

Shiromi means whitish one which represent is TAI, sea bream.

Shiromi is more crispy and light taste than Akami.

There are a lot of kinds of Shiromi SUSHI.

I always try some kinds of those.

2006-08-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

UNI -- sea urchin --

One of my favorite SUSHI is UNI, sea urchin.

But you need to be careful when you order UNI.

Because UNI is very delicate SUSHI, in other words freshness is so important.

Especially in Hokkaido, it is quite delicious in the best season.

It is wisdom to ask somebody when you choose SUSHI restaurant.

2006-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

MAGURO -- tuna --

One of the most popular menu of SUSHI is tuna, MAGURO.

MAGURO has three category.

One is AKAMI, lean.

This is the cheapest category of tuna. It has only low fat.

Second one is CHUTORO.

It has more plenty fat than AKAMI, and also price is higher.

Last One is OTORO.

Much fat is there and the price is so high!!

Of course my favorite is OTORO, but because of my wallet situation, I always compromise CHUTORO instead of OTORO.

2006-08-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

SUSHI -- sushi --

I guess SUSHI is already known by everyone who are interested in Japan.

It is one of the most poplular Japanese food.

When you want to eat SUSHI, you have two choice.

One is KAITEN-SUSHI, the other is not KAITEN.

Today I introduce KAITEN -SUSHI.

It is very convenient for tourists, because the price is quite clear and you can choose with your sight.

SUSHI on the dish is moving in front of you, so you just pick up your favorite one.

Some restaurant have English menu also.

Usually we eat SUSHI with soy sauce.

When you go to KAITEN-SUSHI restaurant, at first you should watch another customer's behavior, and it is OK you follow the way. It is very simple.

If you can not find anything you like, you can order to the staff directly.

It is enough one time experience.

From 2nd time you might look not tourist.

2006-08-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

AYU no SHIOYAKI

-- river fish grilled with salt --

AYU is one of the most popular river fish in Japan.

Fishing season is from May to October.

Most nice way to cock AYU is grilling with salt, SHIOYAKI.

Additionally when you do SHIOYAKI, you should use charcoal fire not gas stove.

Recently the nature AYU is decreasing year by year. In spite of nature one, it is increasing cultivated one.

But the taste is so different it causes the difference of the prices.

If you have the chance to eat the nature one, you are so lucky!

2006-08-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

UNAGI -- eel --

Japanese eat ells as usual.

It is quite strange culture in the world.

In July there is a day called "Doyo-no-hi".

At that day it is good to eat ell since long time ago.

I guess, the day is located at the beginning of summer, therefore people believe they need to take nourishment by eating eel.

Anyway, at that day, the store which sell eels are so crowded, people make long line.

There are some way how to eat eel.

Most popular one is KABAYAKI, it means broiled one.

We enjoy not only taste but also smell.

In front of the store it spread nice smell.

2006-08-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

YUDACHI -- shower, squall --

Especially in summer season, it sometime has Yudachi in the afternoon.

It is like a shower or squall.

The signal of coming Yudachi is towering cloud.

It is not expectantly and it continues for a while.

If you are living alone, you need to be carefully to dry up your clothes at outside through the day.

No matter how it is shiny in the morning, it might have rain in the afternoon.

Also, when you go out, it is better to bring a small umbrella.

2006-08-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

BONODORI

-- dance in summer festival --

ODORI means dance and BON means specific summer season.

In summer festival it has held BONODORI event.

At the center of the dancing area, a tower building is built with Japanese drums.

Around the tower people are dancing to the music and drums.

Usually dance is easy not so difficult.

So you look for a while, you could join the dancing circle.

Let's enjoy Japanese dance!

2006-08-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

NATSUMATSURI
-- summer festival --

July and August are the seasons of summer festival, Natsumatsuri.
There are plenty festivals in Japan, which are all characteristically depend on each local culture.

In most cases, those are consisted of fireworks show, Bonodori ( dance show), street stalls.
You can also see YUKATA people, it means the people who wears Japanese kimono.

When you go to the Natsumatsuri, you need to bring Uchiwa and to spray insect repellent.

2006-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

SENSU -- folding fan --

This is very useful to carry out.

It is able to be folded compact like a pen case.

When you spread it, it will be shown various graphics on the SENSU.

About at least 30years ago, many people have had SENSU.

But now, it is difficult to see those people.

2006-08-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

YUKATA -- plain summer kimono --

There are some kinds of kimono in Japan.

Yukata is plain one in summer.

At least 5 and more years ago, only few people take Yukata in special occasion, like summer festival, fireworks show.

But recently, Yukata is getting popular including among young generation.

People feel cool and comfortable with Yukata.

For the men it is also good as indoor wear.

Yukata has plenty variation of colors and design.

It is fun not only wearing but also watching.

2006-08-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

UCHIWA --flat fan--

This is a Japanese traditional item in summer.

This is used as a handy fan in home, office and sometimes at outside.

Now when we feet hot, naturally we use air conditioning.
But only 50years ago, most of Japanese were using Uchiwa.

Let's get your favorite one.

2006-08-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hiyashi Chuka --Cold Chinese noodle--

Another typical food in summer is hiyashi chuka, it means cold Chinese noodle.

It is based cold noodle and cold soup, and topped with tomato, grilled pork, eggs, etc.

Usually we eat noodle called "Ramen" through the year.

But in summer, it is too hot. So many people order Hiyashi chuka. Hiyashi means cold.

Sometime we eat it with mustard or mayonnaise. It is up to the favor of each person.

We can eat hiyashi chuka, basically, from June till September.

2006-07-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hiyamugi -- cold noodle --

One of the popular foods in summer is Hiyamugi.
It is like Udon noodle, but it is thinner than Udon.

The biggest feature of Hiyamugi is its soup.
Usually Udon is eaten with hot soup based on soy source.
This Hiyamugi is served with cold water and block ice.
Then we eat it with the cold soup, also with spring onion and grated ginger.

Especially in hot summer, we tend to lose appetite.
Hiyamugi is so nice food in that occasion.

2006-07-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Canned coffee

Same as green tea, there are plenty kinds of canned coffee in Japan.

With sugar, no sugar, with milk, no milk, cafe au lait, etc...

You can get it at vender machine or shops like convenient store.

Do not make a mistake when you choose at vender machine, in winter season, hot one is there.
Hot one is shown by red tag.

Try several kinds and find your favorite one!

2006-07-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

"OCHA" -- green tea--

One of the most popular beverages in Japan is OCHA, green tea, especially cold one.
In this few years, plenty new kinds of green tea have appeared.

For Japanese, we can recognize its difference by each product.
For example, smell, bitter or mild, impression...
But for tourists, it is quite difficult to find its difference.

Anyway please try one which you like at the shop, it costs about 150yen for one small bottle.

2006-07-24T06:41:00.002-07:00

　　" DAGASHI " -- cheap sweets--

When I was a child, the shopping at DAGASHI shop is quite a fun for me same as my friends.
It was 30years ago.
At that time, DAGASHI is very popular among children.

There are plenty kinds of DAGASHI at the shop and they were so cheap, 10yen, 20yen, and so on.

But, with the passage of time, DAGASHI had been gone from our daily life.
5 or 6 years ago, no more DAGASHI was in the shop.

However, DAGASHI has come back!
Recent years, we could see DAGASHI at several shop, of course price is still cheap.
Main consumer is not children, but adult like our age.

In Tokyo, there is DAGASHI bar, which is the bar with DAGASHI all you can eat.

It is very convenient for the tourist as souvenir.
Let's try it out.

2006-07-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Rainy season --Tsuyu--

Japan has four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Between spring and summer, we have one more extra season called Tsuyu, it means rainy season.
Japan is so long through north and south, so the rainy season's period is different at each area in Japan.
At my district, Aichi-Prefecture, it continues from the beginning of June to the end of July.

In rainy season, it is not strange that it rains through the week.
Same as at another area, usually rainy season is not welcomed so much.
Anybody seems to be waiting the summer.

However, it is very important the role of rainy season. Rain brings us the blessing of all lives.

Today is July 23th. It is coming the end of Tsuyu soon.
Thank you for the rains and welcome the summer!

2006-07-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

In Japan Haagen-Dazs ice cream is very famous as same as in another country.

Especially in summer, we can buy at anywhere like a supermarket, convenience store.

I like cookie and cream flavor best!
Next one is green tea or caramel flavor.

Recently not only in summer but also through the year we can buy the Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

In the store you can also find Japanese original ice cream.

It is fun to find your favorite one!

2006-07-17T04:27:00.000-07:00

Kakigoori - shaved ice

Kakigoori is one of the most popular food in summer.

You can get it at the shops with small curtain like a picture.

The picture's character shows "koori", it means shaved ice.

At the shop, you can choose syrup which is topped on the shaved ice.

Most famous is strawberry, lemon, melon, and green tea.

My favorite is green tea with Japanese bean jam, which is called Ujikintoki.

Shaved ice is popular food in fireworks show, too.

Outside is so hot and shaved ice brings us cool.

Also shaved ice is a food only in summer season.

This year I do not eat yet, so try soon!

2006-07-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Senko-Hanabi

There is another kind of the way how to enjoy fireworks.

It is senko-hanabi.

This senko-hanabi is very small so you can play with your hands.

You have the top of it by your hands and ignite on the other side.

It shines about for one minute so transiently.

Most of Japanese like both big fireworks in the sky and small senko-hanabi.

You can get the senko-hanabi at any convenience store as a package of small fireworks.

2006-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest fireworks show is Sumidagawa hanabi taikai.

Sumidagawa is a big river flowing through Tokyo area.

This year it will be held on July 29th.

Last year about 1million audience joined this event.

We can see about 20000 fireworks in the sky.
Also TV will broadcast through this show.

We can enjoy this fireworks with some situation.

Normally, most popular way is by walk.
Another way is by the small ship called yakatabune.
This ship should be reserved completely and it is so difficult to get the ticket.
But the ship, of course, goes on the river nearly to fireworks. It must be so exciting!

If you have the chance to see any fireworks show, you are very lucky to find Japanese culture.

2006-07-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

Fireworks -- " Hanabi"

One of the most popular event in summer is fireworks, we call hanabi.
Mostly in July and August there are plenty opportunity we could see the fireworks.

The number of the fireworks during show time is at least around 1000 up to 30000.
There are many kinds of fireworks, for example, like a flower, rocket, animals, human faces, etc.
It takes about 2hours for one show.

Fireworks is so beautiful and artistic.
When we see fireworks, we always say "ohhhhhh" "wahhhhh".
In another words, we can say it is the symbol of Japanese heart.

But only one thing is problem.
A lot of people goes to fireworks show so it is like a traffic jam in the morning time on weekday.
Do not miss your friends!

2006-07-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

The number who has visited Japan is about 5 million per year and it is growing year by year.
This my blog " My Favorite Japan"( called "MFJ" ) will be written for the people who are trying to visit Japan, who want to know more about Japan, and who just know about Japan.

I would like to introduce real deep information about Japan, and wish it is useful for those people who are interested in Japan.

Also I wish more and more people visit Japan at near future and enjoy their stay.

Now I am living in Nagoya, located at center of Japan.
And before, I have lived in Tokyo ,Yokohama.
Also I have been traveling all over Japan and many friends are there.

Please enjoy at MFJ!