Shinobi

While you might think of Japan as a nation of rice, you'd be surprised by the utter ubiquity of bakeries in the country. Bread has taken a long time to rise here, but the results are remarkably appetizing! So let’s begin by looking briefly at the history of bread in Japan.   Bread In Japan A Brief History Bread first came to Japan through Portuguese traders and missionaries in the mid-16th century. However, Christianity was banned in the early 17th century, and any toehold bread had made went with it. But the name stuck, the Japanese word for bread in ...

Shojin-ryori is the traditional dining style of Buddhist monks in Japan and grew widespread in popularity with the spread of Zen Buddhism in the 13th century. As the cuisine is made without meat, fish, or other animal products, it can be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. A typical Shojin-ryori meal is centered around soybean-based foods like tofu along with seasonal vegetables and wild mountain plants, which are believed to bring balance and alignment to the body, mind, and spirit. This simple meal contributed to Japan’s elegant haute cuisine called "Kaiseki", and today can be eaten at the dining ...

Wasabi is more than a hot green paste on the side of sushi. It is a pillar of Japanese food culture, with a long history, a unique chemistry behind its punch, and everyday uses that go far beyond high-end restaurants. This article explores wasabi’s origins, flavor science, health-related properties, and how it is prepared and enjoyed in Japan.   What Is Wasabi? Wasabi is the rhizome of Wasabia japonica (often called Japanese horseradish). Freshly grated wasabi offers a bright, nose-tingling heat that rises quickly and fades just as fast, leaving a clean, slightly sweet aftertaste. Grated wasabi is traditionally served ...

I’ve long dreaded summer; it’s my least favorite season, at least in Japan. Back in Europe, I didn’t mind the summers because they were dry. It’s early July; the rainy season is more or less over now in Japan for this year, and temperatures are already mirroring those of last year on some days. It seems that during the summertime in Japan, no matter where I go, the heat keeps constantly bugging me. To Survive The Summer In Japan Here are some tips for surviving the Japanese summer heat –many of these tips will help you beat the heat and ...

Those who have to pass the practical driving test in order to convert their foreign licenses should be prepared for a long and sometimes frustrating process. First-time pass rates are low even for native Japanese, who routinely spend 200,000 to 300,000 yen for lessons to teach them how to pass this test. There are many seemingly minor details that must be considered. A positive attitude and patience will go far towards minimizing cost, time spent at the driver's license center, and test failures. The following information is based on the experience of a former Saga JET. This advice does not ...

In Japan, you usually obtain a driver’s license by taking lessons at a private driving school. You obtain a license by entering a designated driving school and taking the lessons needed to acquire driving skills and accumulate driving knowledge. Most driving schools offer driving lessons and classes only in Japanese. Although in recent years this has changed, some schools have English speaking staff, and some even hire foreign, or native English speaking instructors.   In the case of Tokyo The Koyama Driving School in Tokyo, says it is “the only driving school that provides lessons in English.” Most Japanese go ...

The Japanese Speaking English It is a question that has been asked many times. Why do some Japanese people struggle to communicate in English? Even though English is taught in junior high school and there are thousands of English conversation schools all over the country, the level of English in Japan remains low compared to other developed countries. This is especially problematic when Japanese students travel to study abroad. A number of professors at various school surveyed said that their Japanese students often have difficulties communicating in English. These are not students from the rural Inakadate, Aomori region of Japan ...

Japan's tap water is very drinkable. The national water infrastructure is reliable and purification facilities are well-maintained, so the tap water is of good quality and easy on the stomach. Though in the north of Japan (which would include Tokyo), the water tastes slightly more mineralised. In fact tap water is sold in Japan. Bottled Tokyo tap water is available for sale. This product was created for Tokyo PR purposes, so it can be purchased for around 100 yen a bottle.   Is the taste different? Some visitors to Japan, particularly those from Europe, may notice something strange when they ...

Some Japanese toilets are an attraction all in their own, with a range of technological features that are sure to alarm the first time user. The high-tech toilets, which are in most homes, hotels, and shopping centers, feature an electronic panel that controls an array of handy features including seat warmers, hot air dryers, and tiny robotic arms that squirt warm water at the guest. These technological marvels have become commonly known as washlet, a name that is the trademark of Toto, the largest manufacture of these high-tech bidets. Japan is the world’s leader of toilet technology, some toilets can ...

When the Japanese summer arrives — humid, hot, and relentless — there’s one drink that never fails to cool people down: iced coffee. Known in Japan as “aisu kōhī” (アイスコーヒー), this chilled version of coffee has been loved for over a century, becoming a symbol of summer itself.   A Long History of Chilled Coffee Iced coffee isn’t a modern invention. In fact, Japan has been enjoying it since the Taishō era (around the 1920s), when coffeehouses began serving it with gum syrup and milk. At that time, drinking cold beverages like iced tea was already common, so it was ...