Are you looking for a balanced and nutritious diet? If yes, ‘teishoku’ is a good idea. The foundation of Japanese cuisine is the concept of ‘ichiju-sansai’ (one soup, three dishes). Ichiju-sansai includes all five essential nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, providing a balanced intake of the nutrients necessary for health. This makes it […]
Healthy and Delicious: The World of Japanese Set Meals Read More »
Japan is considered one of the top countries in the world with a high proportion of ‘non-religious’ people in the population. Even though many Japanese people say, ‘I am non-religious,’ they might hold their weddings in churches, celebrate Christmas at the end of the year, visit shrines at the beginning of the new year, pay
Unique Japanese Christmas Culture Read More »
Japanese people primarily use chopsticks for their meals. Of course, we use forks when eating spaghetti and hands for hamburgers. It’s customary to say “Itadakimasu” (a phrase to show gratitude for the food) before starting a meal and then pick up the chopsticks. At home, we use reusable chopsticks made of wood or plastic. At
The Japanese Dining Table: Chopstick Culture and Etiquette Read More »
Where to go this weekend? Let’s head to a roadside station! Across Japan, there are many roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) full of charm. These facilities, located along national highways and other roads, serve as rest stops. They offer a direct market for local agricultural products and specialties, as well as gourmet food and hot springs, making
Soba Adventures: Exploring Roadside Stations and New Year’s Eve Rituals Read More »
Ando Tadao is a renowned Japanese architect known for his minimalist designs and innovative use of concrete. He was born in 1941, in Osaka. After traveling around the world, he self-studied architecture and founded Tadao Ando Architect & Associates in 1969. Some of his famous works are located on the remote islands of Naoshima and
Journey Through Art : Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest Read More »
Find Unique Souvenirs with Gachapon! Gachapon, also known as “gacha,” refers to capsule toy vending machines that sell small toys or accessories encased in plastic capsules. Gachapon is named after the sound it makes when you turn the handle (“gacha”) and the capsule pops out (“pon”). These machines are extremely popular in Japan and can
The Appeal of Gacha Pon, Capsule Toy Read More »
A bento is a portable meal traditionally enjoyed in Japan. It involves neatly packing a balanced assortment of meat, fish, vegetables, and eggs into a bento box. Today, I’m making a bento and tonjiru (pork miso soup). Tonjiru is packed with meat and vegetables, making it highly nutritious. It’s a perfect warm dish for the
Bento and Tonjiru Recipes Read More »
The phrase “Kyo no kidaore, Osaka no kuidaore” is a well-known Japanese saying that contrasts the cultures of Kyoto and Osaka. It translates to “Ruin oneself by spending on clothes in Kyoto, ruin oneself by eating in Osaka.” This expression highlights the idea that people in Kyoto are known for their love of fine clothing,
Japanese Food Bucket List: 10 Foods to Eat from Osaka Read More »
Omotenashi: A unique Japanese concept rooted in the country’s history and culture, where people sincerely value and respect each other. Omotenashi means treating others with respect and hospitality without expecting anything in return. It’s the concept of ensuring that the other person is satisfied through respectful and considerate interaction. So, what actions specifically demonstrate “omotenashi”?
Interesting Japanese Customs and Culture Read More »
In Japan, it is customary to do a thorough house cleaning at the end of the year. The roots of this tradition can be traced back to “susuharai” (soot sweeping). In the past, homes had hearths and cooking stoves that caused soot to accumulate, so sweeping away the soot became symbolic of cleaning. Additionally, the
Starting the Year-End Cleaning Early Read More »
