So, I have been very slack with posting blogs recently …. this is due, in part, to the fact that I have found a sake partner in crime…. an accomplice who is as obsessed with Japanese culture, language, travel, movies, books, food, cooking and Nihonshu (sake) as I am. We are currently exploring the delectable…
Bento Wars
I love to make bento box lunches for, and with, my daughter when I have the time. It is fun and strangely satisfying, to put together a cute and edible creation which tastes yummy and looks super appealing. When I am able, it is for fun, and she likes to show her school friends what…
Calligraphy
Have you ever wondered at why every Japanese person has exquisite handwriting, when writing in English? I believe it is because they have finely honed fine motor skills, due to the fact that they practice calligraphy throughout their schooling life. Last time we were in Kyoto we were fortunate enough to experience a calligraphy homework…
It’s Been a While….
I haven’t blogged in a few weeks, sorry, I am coming back…. I did do a guest blog, about Kyoto, a few weeks back. I was so happy to be asked by Mohamad to write for his Around the World Series….. Here is a link to the blog…. see you soon ☺ https://mohamadkarbi.com/2017/05/25/kyoto-the-cultural-epicentre/
Mighty Matcha
So, there is a lot of hype about matcha, lately. Personally, I totally get it. I love matcha. My kids love matcha. We make matcha cheesecake, matcha protein balls and matcha icecream. Yum. But matcha is not for everyone. The flavour is a unique blend of bitter and umami. Not for the faint of heart….
Uniquely Japanese- Tsundoku
Some Japanese words have no English equivalent. This is the case for many languages, where there is no literal translation, or if there was, it would not make sense. Many of the Japanese words, that are not in the English language are beautiful, some tragically so. Today, I am going to talk about my favourite…
Searching for Sengoku Samurai
Japanese history is amazing, long and not really taught at all in Australian schools. The more I read, the more I am pulled into the fascinating world of feudal Japan. Samurai and ninja, castles, battles and shoguns. It’s such a rich tale of violence and beauty. I studied history all the way through school and…
Me, Japan and Suicide
Suicide is a hard subject to talk about. Especially when your Western culture has very little idea on how to talk about it, or anything else related to death. The English stiff upper lip has lead to many subjects being deemed as taboo. However, when you find yourself in a situation where you have to…
Well, well, well…. Japanese wells, actually
What is the significance of the humble well in Japanese imagery? I had not even realised that there was a significance until I was reading Peter Carey’s Wrong About Japan. Toward the end of the book, which follows Peter Carey and his son on their trip to Japan, the father and son watch a DVD…
Japanese Etiquette 101- Honorifics
Before I went to Japan I had seen old movies where the foreigners called the restaurant owners Mama-San, and had a vague understanding that San was something like Mrs. I had no idea that honorifics are part of everyday life in Japan, and that I would one day answer to both カイリさん (kairi-san-my name- Kylie-san) カイリ先生(kairi…
Japan and poignant story telling….
I love reading books, and watching movies, and I particularly love reading books or watching movies that are insightful and provide commentary on what it is to be human. In my experience, I have found many Japanese story tellers to get the balance of joy and tragedy so right. I also find that they do…
Japanese Etiquette 101- Hashi (Chopsticks)
The day after we arrived in Japan for the first time Mya and I did a Sushi cooking class in Asakusa. It was an excellent idea (in hindsight) as our beautiful teacher, Yoshimi-Sensei, armed us with some essential local knowledge, including hashi etiquette. Hashi, or chopsticks, are, of course found in many other countries. However,…
