The Traditional Japanese Meal or Banquet

The traditional Japanese meal or banquet is divided into consecutive courses according to the method of preparation. For example, a grilled dish comes before a steamed dish, and a steamed dish before simmered foods, and so on. The bare minimum of the meal consists of miso soup, rice and pickles (tsukemono).

The Japanese meal is a symphony of flavour, colour, texture and seasonal produce. It is fresh and prepared so that the foods natural flavour is enhanced. The traditional basic formula of a Japanese meal is “soup and three”. That is soup and three main dishes as follows:

1. Fresh, uncooked fish (sashimi)
2. A grilled dish (yakimono)
3. A simmered dish (nimono)

These dishes will be followed by boiled rice, pickles, tea and fresh fruit as dessert.


The following is an outline of a complete traditional Japanese meal or banquet.

BEGINNING               Appetizer (zensai)
                                 Clear soup (suimono)
                                 Fresh, uncooked fish (sashimi)

MIDDLE                    Grilled foods (yakimono)
                                 Steamed foods (mushimono)
                                 Simmered foods (nimono)
                                 Deep-fried foods (agemono)
                                 Vinegared or Dressed salad (sunomono)

END                          Boiled rice (gohan)        *
                                 Miso soup (miso-shiru) * served together
                                 Pickles (tsukemono)     *
                                 Green tea (ryokucha)
                                 Fresh fruit

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Picture of the Week Takayama, Gifu, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. It is a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. It is a great place to spend a few days or to use as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsen hot springs.

This picture is of the Hida Takayama folk village, which is near Takayama.

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Daiso Japan

Daiso Japan, the discount superstore is coming to Australia and a shopping center near you. Daiso originated in Japan with the 100 yen store and now has 3200 stores worldwide in 24 countries. The first Australian store will open shortly in Melbourne, and offer over 120,000 different products at the bargain price of $2.80. Some of the products on offer include mugs, vases, dishes & plates, homeware, snacks, drinks, stationary, clothing, cosmetics, bags, toys, and loads of weird and wonderful products from Japanese culture, all items at a flat price of $2.80. The products are Japanese quality items at bargain prices. Daiso buys in bulk, so it can offer the consumer lower prices. It will provide real competition for the likes of Big W, Kmart and Office Works with its products and prices.

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Chopsticks

Chopsticks are the traditional eating utensils of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and the Northern provinces of Laos, Thailand, and Burma. They are generally believed to have originated in ancient China and then spread over Asia with the influx of Chinese immigrants. Chopsticks are usually made of bamboo or plastic but can also be made of metal, bone, ivory and various other types of wood.


In Japan, chopsticks are called hashi and written as箸.

Types of Chopsticks

There are many different types of Chopsticks. Very long chopsticks (30-40 cm) tend to be used for cooking, especially for deep frying food and are called saibashi in Japan. Shorter chopsticks are usually used as eating utensils.

There are so many different types of chopsticks out there that it can be difficult to choose. Metal chopsticks are used in Korea and are quite good as they are durable, easy to use and clean. Japanese and Chinese will use either wooden or plastic chopsticks. Bamboo and wooden chopsticks are very cheap, low in temperature conduction and provide a good grip. In Japan disposable chopsticks or waribashi are very popular with restaurants and fast food. These come as a piece of wood that is partially cut and must be split into two by the user. Plastic chopsticks are also very cheap, low in temperature conduction and are resistant to wear, but don`t provide the grip of wooden chopsticks and can be harder to use to pick up food as they tend to be slippery.

My family in Japan prefer the wooden type which are short to medium length and are lacquered and last a very long time.

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Nori Japanese Seaweed

Nori or seaweed is a type of algae, traditionally cultivated in the harbours of Japan. Today nori is farmed, processed, toasted, packaged and sold in standard size sheets. Nori has a lot of health and nutritional value and is regarded as a "Super Food". Nori is packed full of much-needed vitamins and minerals, including some relatively rare trace elements. Nori is rich in iodine and iron and quite high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin (B2). Not only does it have all these nutritional riches, it is also a low-fat food!

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Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.
This picture is of a Shrine famous for its pure water. Most travellers to Gujo Hachiman stop by to taste its wonderful water.

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Blossoms And Shadows

Blossoms And Shadows a novel by Lian Hearn, is a fascinating historical epic that follows one woman as she lives through the tumultuous years of Japan's 19th century cival war. This is the story of the birth of modern Japan as told by a young woman Tsuru who breaks every stereotype of the Japanese lady. This is a fascinating period of Japan's history with Japan in the mid 1860s in a grip of a revolution almost as tumultuous as the French Revelution 100 years earlier, yet we in the West know very little about it. This book lets readers feel they are there among the revolutionaries, guided by the engaging character of Tsuru.

The authors passion for all facets of the Land of the Rising Sun shines through in her description of the social customs and her honourable warrior characters.


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Travel Visa to Japan

You will need a valid passport and if your country has an agreement with Japan which includes most Western nations then you do not require a visa as you can obtain landing permission on arrival without a visa. This is usually good for a stay of up to 90 days, although certain European nationalities are permitted to stay for 180 days if they note a longer stay upon entry. In some cases you might also be asked to prove that you intend to return to your home country, which can be done via a return plane ticket. You are also required to complete an immigration card, which is usually handed out on the flight be landing and must be handed in at customs upon entry.

Once in Japan, you must carry your passport with you at all times. All foreigners (except those on government business) over the age of 16 are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures into Japan. This may also be followed by a short interview conducted by the immigration officer. Refusual to any of these procedures will mean denied entry to Japan.

Travellers entering Japan for longer than 90 days are required to obtain a Certificate of Alien Registration within 90 days of arrival. The ARC or gaijin card as it is known must be carried with you at all times in lieu of your passport. This card must be surrendered upon exit from Japan, unless you hold a re-entry permit.

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Japan hikes taxes on cigarettes to curb smoking

Japan has this month just imposed a record 40 percent tax hike on cigarettes in a bid to curb the nation's smoking rate which is the highest among major industrialized nations. In Japan approximately 36.6% of men smoke and 12.1% of women smoke. The price rise will increase the price of Japan's most popular brand, Mild Seven, by a third to 410 yen or USD$4.93 a pack.


In the weeks leading up to the tax increase, smokers across Japan stocked up on their favourite cigarettes with many of my smoker friends purchasing a years worth of cigarettes to bet the price rise.

Smoking is still allowed in most public places in Japan, but authorities have tried to discourage smoking in public areas such as airports, train stations and government buildings. A lot of places in Japan now have designated smoking rooms with most Japanese smokers complying.

Sourced from The Associated Press Japan 2010

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Easy Japanese Cooking Recipe Hiyayakko Japanese Chilled Tofu

This month`s Easy Japanese Cooking recipe is Hiyayakko Japanese Chilled Tofu

Chilled tofu is called Hiyayakko in Japan and is the most popular tofu dish. All you need to do is place toppings on top of chilled tofu and it`s a great appetizer to serve during the warmer summer months.


Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 0 mins
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
• 2 blocks silk tofu
• Dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
• Chopped green onion
• Grated ginger
• Soy sauce
• Karashi mustard

Method
1. Cut tofu into halves.
2. Serve the tofu in individual bowls.
3. Put grated ginger, dried bonito flakes and chopped green onion on top of tofu. Place as much as you like.
4. Pour some soy sauce onto the tofu before eating. Also put some karashi mustard on the tofu if you would like.

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Amusement in Japan

Karaoke

Karaoke (カラオケ) was invented in Japan and is the most popular form of entertainment for young Japanese. Most cities in Japan will have some kind of Karaoke Bar or Karaoke Box. The bigger cities will have karaoke boxes that occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends can rent a room to yourself for an hourly rate that often also includes all you can drink, with refills ordered through a phone on the wall. The major chains all have a good selection of English language songs along with the classic Japanese pop songs and enka.

Pachinko

Pachinko is a form of gambling that involves dropping little steel balls into a machine. Pachinko is extremely popular among middle aged Japanese men. Prizes are awarded depending on where the little steel balls land. Pachinko is worth giving a try just for the unusual experience alone, but be aware because most pachinko parlours are full of ear splitting noise and a toxic cloud of nicotine smoke.

Baseball

Baseball is hugely popular in Japan and is easily the most popular sport. Baseball was first introduced to Japan around 1870 by an American professor. Baseball is played in most if not all Junior High Schools and High Schools in Japan with the National High School baseball tournament the most watched sporting event on TV during the summer. Japan has its own professional baseball league known as Nippon Professional Baseball with several Japanese players such as Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui going on to become top players in Major League Baseball in the US.

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Steve Biddulph in Frankston

Steve Biddulph, the author of Raising Boys and child psychologist will make an appearance at the Frankston Arts Centre on Monday, 25 October. Steve Biddulph offers simple practical ways to help boys to grow up to be happy, positive, caring and motivated. The event will be held at the Frankston Arts Centre, Playne Street, Frankston from 7:30pm – 9:15pm and costs $10 per adult. Bookings are required as places will sell quickly. To book call 9784 1060 or visit http://www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/.

Pet`s Day Out

Pet`s Day Out is on again this Sunday, 10th October 2010 from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. Treat your pet and family to a fantastic FREE day of tasty treats, entertainment and displays. Free children`s activities include: Amusement Rides, Face Painting, Giant Animal Farm, Reptile Display, and Pony Rides. The event will also feature special guest Dr Chris Brown from “Bondi Vet”, who will host the PETstock Pet Parade. Pet`s Day Out will be held at Ballam Park, Cranbourne Road, Frankston (Melway Ref, 103 B5).