Daggertooth pike conger, Muraenesox cinereus, is popular in western Japan. Boiled and cooled in iced water, they are served with pickled ume plum paste. The white meat looks refreshing, tastes nicely light. They give good energy to keep yourself healthy during humid, hot summer.
Japanese culture
Lesson in Yukata
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun a yukata. It is so happy to receive items used by revered persons. From the beginning of summer, we are allowed to replace normal kimono with yukata. It is made of cotton, to put on after taking bath in ancient times. No kimono underwear is necessary. Obi would be easy han-haba (=half-width) ones.
One of Best Joy
StandardGolden Week seems the best time for rice farmers to start planting. It is so nice to walk along newly-watered paddy, enjoying fresh breeze over it. Night chorus by frogs is so pleasant to ears. All is for happy harvest in autumn, yet stop for a while and let us be grateful to stand on this beautiful place.
Sweet Art
StandardThese are Japanese sweets to celebrate Children’s Day, sent from Tane-ya, including chimaki (=sweetened rice cake wrapped in a piece of bamboo grass) and kashiwa-mochi (=rice cake filled with bean jam). The former was found in a paper bag on which a carp streamer is printed.
Last Chance in Month
StandardThis is dora-yaki, a pair of pancakes with anko, red bean jam, normally sandwiched. Shichino is a popular dora-yaki shop who serves a variety of filling flavors. As the special choice of month, this April features Earl Grey tea mousse and whipped cream. You can enjoy fresh dora-yaki and soft drink on the table set within the shop – oh, Earl Grey will be finished today!
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardFrom the end of April to the beginning of May, we have a semi-vacation called “Golden Week”. Today is Showa Day, one of public holidays set during GW. Others include Constitution Memorial Day on May 3rd, Greenery Day on 4th and Children’s Day on 5th. If any of above days were on Sunday, the next Monday will be a holiday. And if your company is flexible enough, you would be able to have paid holidays from April 30th to May 2nd. It really depends, so many of us expect good timing which brings longer vacation.
Sakura Season
StandardThe most popular breed Somei-Yoshino is over. Now wilder Yama-Sakura and gorgeous Yae-Sakura are in their last bloom. Mei-Shun prefers the former, which looks chic but is ranging from almost white to clear pink color. Some of them are so shy that we do not know they are there, behind other trees. However, their presence would be recognized by petals flying from nowhere.
Uji-Kami Shrine
StandardIt is a custom for many Japanese to visit the nearest temple or shrine, called Uji-Kami sama. Walking route for Mei-Shun and Shin includes one. On Sunday, they found that the blessing entity has an amazingly beautiful garden of cherry trees. We are very happy if you could share the joy of this carpet.
Japanese Culture?@wkend
StandardHello, this is Mei-Shun, staying still in a hospital. Her operation went well, no pain remains now. Tissue checks resulted fine. Thank you so much for your kind support.
Today is called “White Day” here. It has been set as a counterpart of St. Valentine’s Day – guys must offer gifts of three times the price of chocolates he received one month before, they say!
St. Valentine’s Day
Standard… is actually a chocolate day for Japanese people. Mei-Shun has prepared boxes of chocolates for her lover, family members, close friends, colleagues, etc. When she stayed in UK, couples exchanged funny cards with each other on February 14th, looked very interesting. Which custom would you prefer?
meishunkikunoe 