What's on New Year in Japan.

How is it going?  Are you enjoying New Year`s Eve??

 

 Today, I`ll let you foreigners know few things about Japan`s New Year. (written 31 Dec)

 

 1, oshogatsu お正月, this is how we call the enitial 3 days of January. Traditionally, people are allowed to be indulged during the 3 days. Oshogatsu is family orientated, equals to Christmas in Western coutries.

 

 2, New Year`s special greeting, `akemashite-omedetogozaimas`あけましておめでとうございます=`A happy New Year` in English.

 

 3, osechi-ryori  おせち料理 (New Year`s special dishes),  according to old tradition, the people cook the special meal at home to feed the families during the 3days.

 

 4, nengajo 年賀状  New Year`s greetig card, this is what we exchange to greet who we know such as frieds and colleages for the coming year. Equals to Christmas card in Western coutries.

 

 5, hatsumode 初詣=The fist visit to a temple or a shrine for praying (see The Isagawajinjya Shrine researched 25 Dec)

 

Over all

Even in "oshogatsu", the major supermarkets are open plus the convenience stores are available. You can get supplied what ever you want. I'd say "No Worries".

 

Conclusion

I guess, the above list would tell you pretty much enough about our "oshogatsu. You just ask me, if you want to know more about it. However, the only way to celebrate "osogatsu" is that "get relaxed" and "stay warm" while it's very good to hang out for "hatsumode". I hope you watch tonight's boxing fights on TV (researched 22 Dec). See ya!

 

Get ready for New Year's Eve in Nara.

Mission, New Year`s Eve (written 28 Dec 2013)

We`ve just got a couplle of days left to New Year's Eve. Today, I`ll let you know what happens in the season.

 

 A part from boxing fights (written 22 Dec), we have a series of things towards New Year.

 

1, intesive house cleaning (大掃除 ousoji),"Iguess you would have already hered this". Tradisionaly, people have to clean up what they own before New Year. However, my dad was a keen cleaning man. Every year when it comes to the season, he got me into "ousoji"to clean whatever at house.

 

2, the premier TV programs on New Year`s Eve, the men and the women singing competition on NHK is traditionally what they watch.

 

3, New Year's Eve Buckwheat noodles 年越しそば (toshikoshisoba), the people pray for longevity and health by eating long thin noodles for the coming year.

However, various types toshikoshisoba is sold at the supermarkets across the nation. You can cook a bowl of toshikoshisoba on your own, more over you are allowed to top your bowl of soba with whatever you like.

I actually recommend you tempra prawn and grilled mochi (rice cake)

 

 

 

4, New Year's Eve temple bell 除夜の鐘 (jyoyanokane), this is what you want to do at the night of 31st of December. The gigantic bell at a temple is rung for 108 times to celebrate the passing year and the coming year.

 

Here is the list of temples whare you can ring New Year's temple bell in Nara pref (referred My town Nara 21, Dec issue) 

 

 1, The Todaiji Temple 東大寺 address 406-1 Zoshi,Nara city 奈良市雑司町406-1. ph 0742-22-5511.

 

 2, The Kofukuji Temple 興福寺 address 48 Noborioji, Nara city 奈良市登大路町４８. ph 0742-22-7755.

 

 3, The Yakushiji Temple 薬師寺 address 457 Nishinokyo, Nara city  奈良市西ノ       京町457. ph 0742-33-6001.

 

 4, The  Toshodaiji Temple 唐招提寺 address 13-46 Gojo, Nara city 奈良市五条町 13-46 ph 0742-33-7900.

 

 5, The Saidaiji Temple 西大寺 address 1-1-5 Saidaijishiba, Nara city 奈良市西大寺芝町1-1-5 ph 0742-45-4700.

 

6, The Hannyaji Temple 般若寺 address 221 Hannyaji, Nara city 奈良市般若寺町 221 ph 0742-22-6287.

 

7, The Obitokedera Temple 帯解寺 address 734 Imaichi, Nara city 奈良市今市町 734 ph 0742-61-3861.

 

8, The Ryozanji Temple 霊山寺 address 3879 Naka, Nara city 奈良市中町3879 ph 0742-45-0081.

 

9, The Shoryakuji Temple 正暦寺 address 157 Bodaizan, Nara city 奈良市菩提山町 157 ph 0742-62-9569.

 

10, The Ensoji Temple 円成寺 address 1273 Ninnikusen, Nara city 奈良市忍辱山町 1273 ph 0742-930353

 

11, The Chokyuji Temple 長弓寺 address 4442 Kami, Ikoma city 生駒市上町4442 ph 0743-78-3071

 

12, The Matsuodera Temple 松尾寺 address 683 Yamada, Yamatokoriyama 大和郡山市山田町 683 ph 0743-53-5023

 

13, The Shigisan Chogosonshiji Temple 信貴山 長護孫子寺 address Shigisan, Heguri, Ikoma gun 生駒郡平群町信貴山 ph 0745-72-2277

 

14, The Chogakuji Temple 長岳寺 address 508 Yanagimoto Tenri city 天理市柳本508 ph 0743-66-1051

 

15, The Abemonjyuin Temple 安倍文殊院 address Abeyama Sakurai city 桜井市阿部山 ph 0744-43-0002

 

16, The Muroji Temple 室生寺 address 78 Muro Uda city 宇陀市室生78                  ph 0745-93-2003

 

17, The okadera Temple 岡寺 address 806 Oka Asuka village Takaichi gun 高市郡明日香村岡 806 ph 0744-54-2007

 

Over all, You have to go to the temples (not the shrines) to ring the bell.

There is a log hanging down from the ceiling to ring the bell at a bell hall. Watch how they do to ring it and do it alike. The sound of rung bell is believed to cleans evil out of you.

However, each temple has their limitation and safety regulation to ring it.

And you must get there by 10 to 11pm to get lined up.

 

Conclusion

It's freezing cold at night of 31st of December. There fore, you can experience Japan's true tradition and culture. It's very special to hang out for listning to "jyoyanakane"to be rung.I just say to you guys to remember watching boxing bouts on TV (researched 22 Dec). Take it easy. 

The Isagawajinjya Shrine in Nara city

Mission, The Isagawajinjya Shrine (researched 25 Dec 2013)

 

 Hatsumode (初詣)= First visit to a shrine or temple (hatsumode is the main thing during oshiyogatsu (お正月 = the New Year`s Holiday)

 

 New Year is around the corner, however, the New Year's Holiday season would be the prime time of a year. Today, I`ll let you know The Isagawajinjya Shrine that is good to visit for your hatsumode in Nara  city.

 

 

 

 

 

 Here is what I know about the shrine.

 

1, the shrine was built in year 593, is dedicated for Himetaraisuzuhimenomikoto (ひめたらいすずひめのみこと) who is the Empress of the first Emperor jinmu 神武. The shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Nara city.

 

2, the place is known as a shrine for having easy delivery and good child rearing.

 

3, a few festivals are held in January and Jun.

 

4, The Shinto styled wedding is held at the shrine. (pay) 

 

5, The Shinto exorcism is practiced to request. (pay)

 

6, omikuji (writen oracle) is available.

 

6, Kaeru-ishi (蛙石＝the frog shaped rock) is worshiped at the shrine. "Kaeru"  means a frog in English, rhymes with "going back", "coming back" in Japanese. There fore, it is blieved that the rock as a lucky rock to get money back and get lucky back.
 

 

 

In addition

I bought a horse shaped lucky charm clay bell. Since it will be year of the horse in 2014, horse shaped items are sold all over the nation. 

 

 

 

Over all

The shrine is centrally located in Nara city. You can stop by there as a part of exploring Nara city for your hatsumode. It sits right  in between JR Nara station and the Nara park (The Todaiji Temple, The Kofukuji Temple and The Kasugataishiya Shrine). I suppose the plase would be the best spot to avoid the crowd for "hatsumode."

Check the web site for the maps on http://www.isagawa-jinja.jp/izagawa.index.html.html

 

 

 

 

How to get there

You can get there on foot from the JR Nara station and the Kintetsu Nara station. It takes around 30min.

Car park is available next to the shrine, costs you ¥300 for 30min.

Address 18 Komamori, Nara city Nara

Ph 0742-22-0832

Web site http://www.isagawa-jinja.jp/izagawa.index.html.html

 

 

 

 

Cost

No admission fee is required to enter the shrine.

A horse shaped clay bell costs you ¥ 500

 

Conclusion

As usual, The accessibility for wheel chair doesn't be seen at the shrine. It is  gravelly all the way at the spot. The public toilet is located while no priority toilet is placed.

                                          It was a nice and sunny day.

 

Who wants boxing on New Year's Eve in Japan??

Mission, how to enjoy the 2013 New Year's Eve in Japan. (written Dec 22,

 2013)

Boxing fights have been some of the biggest things to enjoy and celebrate

New Year's Eve in Japan.

 

                                                      

                                               　　We love boxing.

 

 

 

Yes, you can watch 'em live on TV. Following this new tradition, they are having 3 world title bouts and a trial match on 2013 New Year's Eve in Tokyo and in Osaka.

Today I'll tell you all those foreign boxing fans in the land of rising sun.

 

The first of all in Tokyo, WBA world super feather weight title fight will be held. The fight includes "The knock out dynamite" undefeated champion Takashi Uchiyama vs the challenger Daiki Kaneko. Uchiyama's been defending his title for 7 times, has had fights on New year's eve a few times. Now, Uchiyama is one of the best boxers in the nation. I would say this match is what you have to watch.

 

                       "The knock out dynamite" Uchiyama is ready for it.

The fight will be on TV Tokyo network from 9:30pm 31 Dec.

 

Coming up next in Tokyo, WBC world super feather weight title bout will be on. The fight includes the champion Takashi "the bomber left" Miura vs the challenger Dante Jardon (Mex).

 Miura has his fighting record that is 40 fights 34 wins (22 knock outs)2 losses 2 draws.

However, the fight would be fierce and nasty, it'd be the one to end up the year. Must watch!!!

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　"The bomber left" Miura is doing his business.

 

The fight will be on TV Tokyo network from 9:30pm 31 Dec.

The first in Osaka, WBA world light fly weight title bout will be on. The fight includes "Osaka's favorite boxing kid" the undefeated champion Kazuto Ioka vs The undefeated challenger Felix Alvarado (Nicaragua). This world title bout has more technical aspect of boxing than the above WBC super feather fight. However, Ioka was born to be a boxing world champion, comes from a famous boxing family, his uncle is a former 2 time world champion, his dad runs the boxing gym where Ioka trains. Now, the kid has become undefeated 2 time  world champ. While the challenger is also undefeated as well as technical plus has good strikes and combos. In short, the bout has no doubt to be firing. Must watch!!

 

"The kid" Ioka is in action.

The fight will be on TBS network on 2013 New Year's Eve.

 

Up next in Osaka, WBA world minimum weight champion Ryo "bad ass" Miyazaki will have a trial fight against a world ranked Thai fighter. However, this is not a world title bout. Now, Miyazaki aims at world light fly weight belt. The fight determines if he is good enough to step up to heavier division.

 The fight will  also be on TBS net work at New Year's Eve Night.

 

Over all

I'd more recommend you the event in Tokyo than one in Osaka because it has not only "the knock out dynamite" Takasi Uchiyama but "the bomber left " Takashi Miura. The two have solid strikes. Especially Uchiyama guarantees you the event comes to conclusion in dramatic style.

 

At last

If by any chance, you ever get to watch TV on New Year's Eve before you hang out for "hatsumode." You pretty much should be in tuned those channels on TV.

They`ll get you breaking on through to New Year!!!

 

                                                        

                                              Who wants boxing?

 

Have you tried oden yet?



Mission, oden stew (researched 14 Dec  2013)

 It`s been freezing cold this winter in Japan.

 

 Today, I`ll let you know oden stew ”おでん” which is our special dish for the winter. Eating oden keeps you warm through the winter.

 

 

 

 The other night, my wife cooked her oden at her kitchen.

 

 

 

  Here is how she cooked.

 

 Ingredients

 1, Japanese radish

 2, egg

 3, fish cake

 4, beef snew

 

 5, dry kelp sheet

 

 

 

 preparations

 

1, immerse a dry kelp sheet in water

 

2, boil the eggs.

 

 

 

 

 

3, skin off a Japanese radish, chop it evenly into a few peaces. Precook cut peaces by a pressure cooker for 1min.

 

 

 

4, precook beef sinew by a pressure cooker for 10min.

 

 

 



 5, partial boil fish cakes to remove excess fat.

 

 

 

 

Cooking

 

1, place kelp sheet at the bottom then beef sinew, Japanese radish, fish cake and peeled boiled egg into a large pot.

 

2, put water into the pot just enough to cover the ingredients.(Remember to put the immersing water for dry kelp from section 1 of the preparation.

 

3, stew it for10-15min

 

4, let it cool to get it more taste such as "umami"旨味”

Serve it in a large bowl. Japanese mustard is good to top with, if you want a few more kicks.

 

 

 

Over all

As you see the whole recipe, the preparations are all about cooking oden. How ever, don't bring the large pot to boil in the cooking process.

The section 5 of preparations (removing excess fat) is optional. Using a high pressure cooker is not necessary.

 

Conclusion

You can find oden stew at the convenience stores. They present it and sale it beside a cash register. All you gotta do is point what you want with your finger. One piece of oden costs you around ¥100. I recommend you egg and Japanese radish. Go get yourself our winter speciality!!!

What's going on to Japan's Christmas?

Mission, Japan's Christmas (written 08, Dec 2013)

 

Christmas is on the corner.

 Would you ever wondered what happens in the Christmas season in a  nation like Japan? I will tell you what's going on to Christmas in my country.

 

 

 

 Yes, we celebrate Christmas in Japan.

 Even though, the majority of Japanese people are not Christians, they not only celerate it but also love it. I suppose Christmas would be well acccepted by the peope, it is now an essencial event in December.

 How ever, our Chritmas is a little different to your Chritmas. Today, I'll let you know what goes on to Japanese Christmas.

 

 1, Christmas is more popuraly clebrated among the young people and the families withh little kids.

 

 2, Christmas parties are held by the families and communities.

 

 3, Christmas ornaments are seen in town and at home.

 

 4, Christmas presents are exchanged or given on Christmas Eve or Cristmas day.

 

 5, roasted chicken is served at the Christmas parties while roasted turky is unlikely served in general.How ever, some people eat sushi at Christmas parties.

 

 6, Christmas light displays are on at the major spots in town.

 

 7, exchanging Christmas card is not very much practiced because we have our own new year greeting card called "nangajo" 年賀状 ,thus the people would be too busy for Christmas card.

 

 

 

Over all

 In general, Chrismas is about having fun lather than a religeous event in the nation.

 However, I was working at a little sushi takeaway when I was younger, had tons of costmers who after sushi platter to enjoy them selves on Christmas.

 Farther more. Chrismas was over comatialized during the buble economy period. Luxury presents and expensive dinners at very fine restaurants were loved  by the crowd.

 Actuarly, I had Cristmas in Australia and South Africa in the summer when I was  travering. I got drunk on the beach after surfin', was crazy.

 

 

 

 Conclusion

 I know Chritmas would originally be religeous while it wouldn`t be bad to just have fun.

 

 

The photos from Wakayama

Reports from Katsuragi town, Wakayama pref (Photos taken 03, 24 Nov

2013, captioned 01 Dec 2013)

 

My wife sent me a few photos of what she sees during her stay in Katsuragi town, Wakayama pref.

 

Today, I put those pictures of usual stuff in Japan, which you would find in  countryside of the nation.

 

Welcome to where the streets have no name.

 

 

 Street with no return.

 

 

                             A road sign saying " road of the history"







 

 

The jizo-son 地蔵尊  (this is what the local people worship. They keep it nice and tidy on a daily basis to show sign of respect.)

 

 



 

The kinokawa River 紀ノ川

(the river runs into Seto inland sea 瀬戸内海)

 

 

 

A creek runs into the Kinokawa River

 

 



                        

Going home.

 

Conclusion

My wife stayed in Kihoku town for a few weeks, met some nice local people there. She says the place is in midle of rural area, aging of the population is seriously progressing.



 

 



Get lucky in Nara.

Mission, The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine and a lucky charm (researched 19 Nov 2013)
 

 

 

The other day, I researched The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine and a lucky charm.

 

Here is what I found.

 

 

 

The first of all. The Shrine is dedicated to SUGAWARA Michizane (who is known as a master calligrapher)

 

The second, there is the mound for old, used calligraphy brushes.

 

The third, several ceremonies and events are held at The Shrine through the year. (see their web site http://www.sugawaratenmangu.com/)

 

 

"I hear Nara fude matsuri 奈良筆祭り (held on the 20th of March) is worth visiting. Watching the calligraphy performances and stuff."

 

 

 

The forth, the uniquely shaped lucky charm.

As you can see the pictures, the lucky charm is shaped the bird called "鷽" ウソ pronounced "uso", rhymes with "lie" in Japanese.

There fore, it is believed that the lies  you've ever made, become the truths by doing a swap your lucky charm with some one else as saying "kaemasho"  "let's swap it" at the uso kae shinji 鷽替神事 held on the 25th of June.

Generally, a lucky charm is shaped a little square bag, containing a peace of paper, written the name of shrine or temple. While the "鷽" lucky charm is shaped a bird. After buying a bird shaped lucky charm, you are advised to place the thing at a nice and clean spot in your house to let it protect you and your family for the year. Remember, your lucky charm expires in a year.

 

 

 

Over all

The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine is a small place. You might miss it, if you drive to go there. I suppose the shrine would have been worshiped by the local people and the calligraphers for very long time, how ever, the place is not a popular visiting spot.

As it turned out, the accessibility for wheel chair doesn't exist at the shrine, has a tiny car park(accommodates 3-4 cars) in front. You must visit there with a good tough assistant to accompany with.(if you use wheel chair)

 

Cost

No admission fee is required.

A free parking area is available.

A bird shaped lucky charm costs you ¥1000.

 

How to get there

The shrine is located 800m South from the Yamatosaidaji station 大和西大寺駅, it is near the bus stop Hannasugawara 阪奈菅原 on the route Hannna 阪奈道路.See their web site for a map http://www.sugawaratenmangu.com/.

Address 518 Sugawarahigashi, Nara city, Nara  奈良県奈良市菅原東町518

Ph 0742-45-3576 FAX 0742-45-3518

 

 

 

Conclusion

The day I went there was cold and occasional rain, plus gaps and gravel.

Even though facing all those hardship, I had a great research at the shrine.

 

 

 

"The red hot"七味唐辛子

Mission, "the red hot" 七味唐辛子 (seven flavored chili pepper) (written 17 Nov 2013)

 

"Woud you like to look for any spicy food when you travel over seas?

 If so, you do good."

 

 

 How ever, we have a legendary mixed chili pepper called "七味唐辛子” (shichimi-togarashi)( seven flavored chili pepper) in Japan.

literally, the mixed chilipper is made of combination of seven types of spices  in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 The typical spices which you find in the mixed chili pepper are listed below

1, opium poppy seed (芥子の実）

2, mandarin peelings (陳皮)

3, sesame seed (胡麻)

4, Japanese pepper (山椒）

5, hemp seed (麻の実)

6, perilla (紫蘇）

7, seaweed (海苔）

8, green laver (青海苔）

10, ginger (生姜)

11, rape seed (菜種)

(As you see the list, it's more than 7. But who cares?)

 

Over all

 The shichimi-togarashi can get your favorite Japanese food more funky. I recommend you to use it to gyudon, soba, udon and so on.

The dynamite chili powder kicks your ass.

 

 

 Conclusion

 Acutually, the mixed chili pepper is sold every grocer across the nation. Usually, it is sold in a little glass bottle in red, says "七味唐辛子”.The most popular label  is”House"ハウス . Go get yourself our majestic mixed chili pepper to enjoy Japan's food culture.

 

 Tips

 There is another chili pepper called "一味唐辛子” ichimi-togarashi out there. Be careful not to
get confused because  it looks like pretty similar. You might be better to ask them before buying. In fact, the ichimi-togarashi has more kicks than the hichimi-togarashi.