Top 5 Most Common Ingredients Used in Japanese Food

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For many years the Japanese kitchen remained a mystery to many people, and it was only until Sushi restaurants began to appear, did the concept of eating Japanese food begin to capture the imagination of an increasing number of people, simply because Japanese food has its own distinctive tastes and appearance, is healthy and basically easy to prepare.

Japanese food is mostly rice based, and can be spicy but not overly so, with lots of fresh vegetables, herbs and spices being the principal ingredients.

There a number of basic ingredients that you will need to have on hand when you set off to cook a typical Japanese meal. Here is a list of the top five.

Surprising though it may seem, the most popular ingredient of any Japanese dish is rice. But not just any rice- Japanese rice. Most home cooks when they think of rice almost always connect up with either Persian rice, Jasmin rice or some of the other common brands of Thai rice. However Japanese cuisine lends itself much more to rice that is basically tasteless as well as being capable of absorbing and retaining lots of water which is highly important in the preparation of Sushi.

Soy Sauce
Japanese food is characterized by its many subtle flavours, with a lot of the nuances being provided by the adding of Soy Sauce to herbs and vegetables. Once again it is important for the sake of authenticity to find a genuine Japanese Soy sauce with the most popular Japanese brands, which can be found in most leading supermarkets or oriental food stores coming from the Kikkoman Company. Kikkoman produce two types of soy sauce, the first Koikuchi which stands out for its black, deep colour and Usukuchi which is lighter in colour but has a saltier taste. An experienced Japanese chef will know exactly where to add each of these varieties of this essential ingredient.

Rice Wine
Rice wine is another must on the list of essential ingredients in Japanese food, with Sake being the best known, while Mirin also carries out the same role in flavoring rice, although it comes with considerably lower alcohol content. By adding rice wine, the rice will not only taste better but will have a shiny appearance and be less inclined to stick to the cooking pan.

Good Quality Raw Fish
As the bulk of the Japanese menu is based around raw fish, it’s possible to understand why a good fish stock powder is a very common ingredient in Japanese cooking. Other flavorings that will need to figure near the top of any Japanese shopping list are Ponzu which adds lemon flavoring to Japanese dishes and also mayonnaise, but only that made in Japan.

Fresh Vegetables
Add to that list lots of fresh vegetables, particularly peppers as well as raw fish especially salmon as well as edible seaweed known as “Nori” which is used to bind the “maki-zushi” variety of Sushi.

Cooking Japanese food can be an invigorating challenge for any competent cook. However the chances of success will be that much higher if the proper ingredients are used.

Andrew is a specialist in Japanese food. Over the last 4 years, Andrew has been distributing equipment for Japanese restaurants including conveyor sushi belts and rice cookers. Allan is also a regular blogger and forum contributor.

Japanese Robot vs Human: Rock-Paper-Scissors

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The researchers at the University of Tokyo’s Ishikawa Oku Laboratory have created a new robot which specializes in rock-paper-scissors where it is guaranteed to win the game 100 percent of its matches by using common human trait known as cheating. The researchers have developed a program for the “Janken” robot to recognize the hand shape of the human opponent and counter it within millisecond.

The program that the robot utilizes is called the human-machine cooperation system. It relies on a high-speed vision to stay one step ahead of its opponent. There is no way that a human can win the game for it can move 33 times faster than humans.

According to Professor Masatoshi Ishikawa, the human eye can only process 30 frames per second at most, but the robot can process 1,000 frames per second. As a consequence, the robot responds at a lightning speed for it has the capability to read the hand of the opponent faster that the human eye.

A Japanese TV station wanted a robot that is easier to understand and they have requested to build this rock-paper-scissors machine. Maybe this news is a bit old but… ‘Go-Go-Gadget’ Janken!

Top writers and artists world wide join forces to raise money for japan

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On March 11, 2011, one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history struck near Honshu, Japan, triggering a 23-foot high tsunami that devastated the coastline and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear plant. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese lost their lives, their homes, and their livelihoods.

This terrible catastrophe has inspired many in the art community to help. FABLES FOR JAPAN is a collection of stories and artwork donated by writers, artists, animators, and students.

These talented people from around the world, ranging in age from fifteen to eighty-six, have come together to raise money and help rebuild Japan. The book brings together a fascinating mix of styles – fiction, poetry, painting, illustration, and comic book art – all connected by the theme of Japanese Folklore.

FABLES FOR JAPAN, BOOK 1 (of 3) is now available as an e-book download. 124 pages! 28 contributors! 24 amazing stories, all for $4.95!

All Proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross in care of Japan.

For additional information, please check out our website, www.fables4japan.com, as well as our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Fables4Japan

Stuff Gaijin Say in Japan (and things they don’t)

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I found these videos entertaining.

Things Gaijin (foreigners in Japan) say:
I laughed at “This burger tastes different” – but I think it’s true. The ketchup tastes different too. I thought I was going a bit crazy but then I’ve noticed some McDonald’s offering ketchup and “American ketchup” at the dispensers. Because of this, I feel less insane.

 

Things Gaijin never say (I cracked up at “I miss Nova”)

 

And finally stuff American’s say (not as funny as the first one, but worth a mention)

Cruise Japan: Japan’s Top 3 Luxury Cruise Destinations

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Have you ever dreamed of visiting Japan but don’t know where to start? Do you have a passion for travel and cruising the open seas? Looking for luxury cruises, a Japan adventure and a vacation of a lifetime? Combine all three factors and your solution is to check out the top 3 luxury cruise destinations in Japan.

Imagine seeing the glorious sites of Japan, taking in the dazzling lights of large vibrant cities, charming century-old towns, historic Japanese landmarks, enjoying a lively cultural experience and exploring ancient shrines, lush Zen-like gardens and magnificent temples. Tourists flock to Japan every year, not only for its historical explorations, but for its outstanding electronic industry, pop culture, top-notch fashion industry and world-famous designs.

Even with all of this excitement, Japan still holds a land of natural beauty that can range from sun-kissed beaches and turquoise waters of the Okinawa islands to the sweet-smelling lavender-filled farms and snow-capped mountains. When we think of Japan, we picture the skilled sumo wrestler, lightning-fast subway trains, geisha art, hospitality at its finest, suited business men, old-world traditional festivals, artistic food and Mount Fuji hikes. Japan boasts a mix of everything for everyone and when you visit Japan, you are guaranteed to make memories of a lifetime.

Cruise Ship in Japan

Avid cruiser? If you are thinking of cruising across Japan and want to enjoy Japan in luxury, check out these top 3 luxury cruise destinations in Japan.

Cruise to Nagasaki and Visit with Japanese History

Nagasaki is one of the best destinations for a luxury cruise stop-over. Take in picturesque views of the historic harbor as you cruise into port. Sample the local ramen specialty called Champon, visit the famous shopping arcade called Hamanomachi where you can find beautiful Japanese arts and crafts or awaken your taste buds by trying some kaiseki. Go sightseeing for a while when you are off the cruise ship, visit the Nagasaki Kannon Universal Temple, the Dejima Museum or stroll along the flagstone streets, known as the Dutch Slopes.

Visit Kobe in Luxury: Must-See’s

When you get off the ship in Kobe, make sure you visit must-see attractions such as the Kobe City Oji Zoo, Mount Maya, Kobe Botanical Gardens and do some window shopping at Kobe Harborland. You can also enjoy some of the finest Japanese cuisine in Kobe, so make sure you have planned your visit ahead of time so you can get it all in within your visit. Kobe is extremely popular with cruise goers worldwide as it is bustling with activity and fun.

Window Shop and See Kagoshima in Style

If your cruise ship offers you ample time to explore when visiting Kagoshima, make sure you visit popular attractions and places such as Mount Sakurajima, the Yunohira Lookout which boasts magnificent views of the harbor, Nagashima Museum and the Kagoshima City Aquarium.

Explore these top luxury cruise destinations in Japan and make sure you provide yourself with enough travel time at each destination so that you can see what Japan has to offer its visitors.

This post was written on behalf of Seasons in Style, offering a diverse selection of luxury holidays at resorts and hotspots around the world, including Japan. Find them online at http://www.seasonsinstyle.co.uk/. Thanks for reading!

Sumo Wrestling At A Glance

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While many people have heard of Sumo wrestling, most people don’t realize that the sport has a long and fascinating history as well as a specific place in Japanese culture. In fact, Sumo wrestling has been practiced in Japan for as long as there is recorded history of the country. During the Heian period from 794-1185, Sumo wrestling was known as a part of traditional court rituals for more than three hundred years. The Japanese people have turned to Sumo wrestling to solve feudal political disputes between warlords, similar to the jousting practiced in European countries at the same time. Later, the sport remained popular simply as an organized form of entertainment, and various Sumo “leagues” gathered to form a single professional organization.

Sumo throwing salt

Purifying the ring by throwing salt

Today, Sumo is a hugely popular professional sport in Japan- you can find Sumo arenas in nearly every town. Some people consider Sumo the national sport of Japan, since it is not only native to the country, but also one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country. Sumo wrestlers are notoriously obese, with some weighing as much as 580 pounds, and many of them wear the distinctive clothing and hair style of the Sumo wrestler. While the sport was originally found only in Japan, it has become popular in a number of other places around the world.

The sport is based in Shinto ritual, and the rules are elegantly simple. Two wrestlers enter a fifteen foot ring, and the first person to be forced out of the ring or who touches the ground with anything but his feet loses. While the rules are simple on the surface, the sport has a governing body that closely monitors matches and has even created a list of seventy ways of defeating an opponent. The Sumo Association lists both common tactics such as under and over arm throws, as well as specialized techniques that are named and described by the Association, and such moves as tripping and slapping are considered legal. Only eye-gouging, punches, and hair-pulling are banned by the rules of the sport.

Competition within the sport is fierce, with opponents fighting as many as ninety matches a year to reach high the upper ranks of the sport. The Sumo Association carefully ranks and categorizes each wrestler, and earning a top ranking is a very prestigious and lucrative position for any wrestler. Many Sumo wrestlers begin training as young as thirteen years old, and the sport had a reputation for abusive tactics until recent years.

Visitors hoping to see a Sumo wrestling tournament should plan on visiting during the odd moths of the year. Major events are held in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. There are also tours held throughout the year in different parts of the country and even overseas. The sport has become increasingly popular in Hawaii, and there are numerous events held there. Suumo matches among top wrestlers are often televised, and much of Japan comes to a standstill as people stay home to watch matches. The sport is a perfect example of how traditional parts of the Japanese culture remain relevant in this highly modern country today, and experiencing a live Sumo wrestling match may turn anyone into a fan.

See Japan On the Cheap With These 4 Travel Hacks

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The old adage “the best things in life are free” definitely apply to traveling in Japan: walking the neon streets of Shinjuku and basking in Mt Fuji’s glory are must-do experiences that don’t cost a single Yen (or require a vault full of gold).

That being said, you do need to eat and sleep during your stay, which in pricey Japan may be beyond the means of most budget travelers. These 4 hacks can help you save a boatload of cash during your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Book Hostels Online

Obviously sleeping is going to be one of your top costs during your stay. Even if you’re well beyond your backpacking years, a hostel may make sense for you. Japanese hostels have high standards of cleanliness and more often than not offer private rooms at a fraction of the price of a hotel and tend to be even cheaper than even capsule hostels.

Sites to comparison shop include HostelBookers.com and HostelWorld.com

Eat Moving Food

No, it’s not alive but rotating sushi bars are the rage in almost every major city in Japan. Not only is eating sushi an integral part of your Japanese experience, but it can also save you a lot of cash as well. Many sushi bars offer low-cost rolls starting at 99 yen (about 1 US Dollar) and up.

Use Buses

Japan’s famous Bullet Train is absurdly expensive –even with the famous 7-dayvisitor pass. Travel like the locals do (at least the students) and travel by bus. Japan has some pimped out buses that offer plush reclining seats and other amenities not seen in the West. Most companies offer overnight buses that are perfect if you’re traveling long-distance (Bonus: night buses also save you money on a hostel or hotel for that night).

Go “Free” Whenever Possible

Many of the most sought-after experiences in Japan — from seeing a Geisha show to sleeping in a ryokan — are pricey. That being said, there are a number of completely free or low cost activities in every Japanese city. When you first arrive in Japan, opt for these free activities first and splurge later if you have extra money. Some top free Japanese experiences include walking through Nara park, window shopping in Ginza and Hiroshima peace park.

Spencer Mitchell recently returned from a 2-month trip to Japan, and thanks to these money-saving tips, he was able to afford it. When Spencer isn’t on the road, he’s usually posting surveys for money reviews on his website, SurveySpencer.com. His most recent review was for the paid survey panel Ipsos I-Say.

Japan vs The Yakuza (Video)

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In Japan there are about 80,000 Yakuza members belonging to 22 organizations. 5 are based in Kyushu and Fukuoka prefecture alone there were 18 gang related shootings in 2011 along with death threats against the city Mayor. Japan has been trying hard to crack down on the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) and the numbers appear to be dwindling, however as laws change, organized crime must adapt or die.

If you’re interested in learning more about this type of underworld, check out Photographer Anton Kusters journey and books he’s published including an interview he did to share his experiences.

From Aljazera -

A new law, the Organised Crime Exclusion Ordinance, was implemented nationwide late last year. Under this law, the National Police Agency and other government departments are trying to get businesses to stamp out mafia links, directing banks to increase safeguards to stop money-laundering, cut off loans to mob-related companies and deny bank accounts to individuals with known gangster ties.

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