Taku

What is Real Wasabi? Its Unique Qualities and Characteristics Wasabi is one of Japan’s most famous and beloved condiments, but not all wasabi is created equal. The most prized form is known as "hon-wasabi," or real wasabi (Wasabia japonica). This plant grows naturally along mountain streams in Japan, where it requires pristine, cold water and specific conditions to thrive. Due to these strict growing conditions, real wasabi is both rare and expensive.   The flavor of real wasabi is delicate and complex, with a gentle heat that quickly fades, leaving a subtle sweetness and earthy notes. This unique taste perfectly ...

Kishimen is a traditional flat udon noodle widely enjoyed in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Known for its broad and flat shape, Kishimen offers a distinct texture and slurping experience compared to regular udon. It is a beloved dish that represents Nagoya's food culture, cherished by both locals and visitors alike. In this article, we explore the unique characteristics and deep flavors of Kishimen.   The Unique Shape and Texture of Kishimen One of the most distinguishing features of Kishimen is its broad and flat shape. Unlike regular udon, Kishimen has a larger surface area, allowing the broth and dashi to cling ...

Amazake (pronounced ah-mah-zah-keh) is a traditional Japanese fermented drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. True to its name, which means "sweet sake," Amazake is known for its naturally sweet flavor. Unlike other sweet beverages, Amazake's sweetness comes not from added sugars but from the natural fermentation process, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious individuals. There are two main types of Amazake: one made from rice koji and another made from sake lees. Rice Koji Amazake is made by fermenting rice with rice koji, resulting in a naturally sweet and nutrient-rich drink. On the other hand, Sake Lees Amazake ...

A ninja, also known as shinobi, refers to spies and assassins who operated secretly in Japan's historical periods. Predominantly active from the medieval era through the Edo period, ninjas were deeply rooted in Japan's history and culture. Their presence was especially significant during the Sengoku period (late 15th to early 17th century), a time of intense conflict among warlords vying for power. The primary tasks of ninjas included gathering intelligence, conducting sabotage, and assassinating key figures. Unlike samurai, ninjas had to operate in secrecy, mastering the arts of stealth and disguise to carry out their missions effectively.   The Training ...

Ryokan is Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. More than just a place to sleep, a ryokan is an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, Ryokans were once the main place a traveler would stay in Japan. Today the Ryokan has changed very little in style but is more of a place where tourists go to get a real feel of what living in a traditional Japanese home is like. incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths, and local cuisine, making them popular with both Japanese and ...

Hanko is a small cylindrical object, 1~2 cm in diameter, and 5~6 cm in length, with one's name in stylized letters carved into the surface of one end. It is usually made of wood, but various materials such as stone・ synthetic resin, and metal are used. One sticks the carved surface into a red ink pad, then presses it on paper. In Europe and North America, a person's signature is regarded as important, but in Japan, the Hanko is in place of the signature. There are three main types of "Hanko" depending on the application.   Jitu-in（officially registered seal） The ...

Katsuobushi is dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). It is also known as Bonito flakes when young bonito is used as a cheaper substitute for skipjack tuna. Katsuobushi or similarly prepared fish is also known as okaka.   Until "Katsuobushi" is made ... First, remove the head and internal organs of the raw bonito and grate it into 3 pieces. (Cut out the body on both sides centering on the bone) The cut bonito are carefully arranged in a basket and boiled in a large kettle. The reason for boiling is to sterilize, prevent spoilage, and speed up ...

Tamago kake gohan (“egg over rice”) is a popular Japanese breakfast dish, which consists of hot steamed Japanese rice, topped with raw egg, and toppings. There is no correct way of making tamago kake gohan. Some people beat the egg first, then pour it over their rice. Some people only use the yolk. Toppings can include whatever you feel like adding. Scallions, nori, furikake, bacon,all are delicious! This dish is so popular in Japan that is sometimes called TKG for short. Food Safety Japanese eggs are premised on raw food, so hygiene management is thorough from the production stage, and ...

It is estimated there is a vending machine of some variety for every 20 people in Japan. With Japan’s population in excess of 127 million people, there must be some 5 million vending machines in the country. This figure might be hard to believe, until you step foot in Japan. There are vending machines for virtually everything, from the expected soft drink, ticket and food machines to the unusual machines which sell underwear or stuffed toy animals.   General vending machine Many of the drink machines provide both hot and cold beverages, and they are fairly cheap in contrast to ...

In Japan, it is common to see "no tattoos allowed" signs at establishments such as restaurants, public bathing areas (Onsen), gyms, public swimming pools. But why is this? Tattooing is the most misunderstood form of art in contemporary Japan. Demonized by centuries of prohibitions and rarely discussed today in civilized circles, people with tattoos are outcasts in their own country — banned from many beaches, pools, and public baths.   Reason Ask anyone to explain the reason for this vilification and most will blame the yakuza and their penchant for body ink; better-informed citizens may even trace the roots of ...