Did you know that originally all Geishas were men?

Yakisoba

My favourite festival food in Japan is without a doubt Yakisoba. It is cooked to order right infront of you and fills you up on a cold winters day while you explore Japan. A whole container of food will cost between $5 - $10.

I have since made my own version with authentic noodles and special yakisoba sauce from Tokyo Mart in Northbridge (Sydney). If I have some left over chicken from the night before, I will throw that in and make it an even heartier meal.

Here is my creation!

Complete with pickled ginger and nori (seaweed) garnishes. My chopsticks are fromTakayama and are shunkei laquerware. The gunmetal coloured plate is also from Takayama.

Individual serving with miso soup as well.

I am hungry just looking at these photos!

G

Algorithm March!

If you have ever been to Japan, you have no doubt watched some Japanese TV.
We all know the crazy Japanese TV shows but I would like to show you something which I just love. This is called the 'Algorithm March'. It is actually from a children's TV show. It has caught on around the world and you can see lots of people posting their own versions on you tube.
I just love the simplicity of the algorithm march. I used to look forward to watching it of an evening before I would go out for dinner.
Each episode would have the hosts doing the march in a different environment.

This time it's with Ninja!!!  http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xwme5_algorithm-march-ninja_fun

Algorithm march with airline workers! http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1diah_algorithm-march-airline-s-workers_fun

So simple and fun!! Only in Japan!!!

G

[Photo of the day]

As the sakura petals fall to the ground they form a pink blanket which is just beautiful.

Photo of the day - Serene Sakura

One of my favourite photos of a branch of a Sakura tree hanging over the water. Taken at Shinjuku Gyoen.

J-Pop!

If you are interested in the music scene in Japan or Asia in general and are in Australia, then check out channel SBS at 8.30am on Sunday's for PopAsia. This features the latest video clips from Japan, Korea and China.

I have watched it for a few weeks and it's a lot of fun and they all take their pop music very seriously!

Give it a chance and immerse yourself into Asian pop and keep up with the latest J-Pop for your next trip to Japan!

G

Home cooked meal in Japan - Nagomi Kitchen

I found this on the internet last night and I just had to share it with you all! This company organises for visitors to go to a local Japanese family's house to have a genuine home cooked meal.

I think this is such a great idea. I will definitely sign up for the experience on my next trip!

Check out the link here: http://www.nagomikitchen.com/

You can also do some cooking classes to learn how to make some authentic Japanese meals. Awesome!!!

G