Shabushabu

Japanese food has gained world wide acceptance a long time ago. In fact, more than that, it has established its own “fan base” everywhere you go. Needless to say, I am one of those who just can’t get enough of Japanese food. One of the most delicious and comforting meals that I really like is shabushabu. Although restaurants of other cuisines serve this dish, the Japanese version is definitely one of my favorites.

Shabushabu is in fact a method of cooking at the table where people are dining at. Paper thin slices of beef (yum!) are placed in a hot seaweed broth. You can then mix in your preferred spices and vegetables. Swish until you get your desired tenderness and then you’re ready to eat! Of course, the dipping sauces are never absent.

With this dish, you basically have control over what you eat. Personal preferences have a place here! So the next time you go to a Japanese restaurant, why not concoct your own brand of shabushabu?

The Katana

Weapon lovers all over the world know all about the Japanese katana. Literally translated as sword, this weapon is a symbol that influenced the shaping of Japan as we know it today. Widely used by the samurais in the 15th century, the katana is a long sword that was used in conjunction with other similar weapons. As opposed to its partner weapons, the katana was mainly used in open combat due to its size and cutting power. It was meant to be used with both hands.

Though it was definitely used as a weapon in the past, today, the katana is one of the most prized items many a collector’s treasure horde. An original katana is quite rare and expensive today. Of course, you can find “copies” easily but the original ones are sought after. It is said that there is a secret to creating the katana, which was lost with the last sword master’s death.
[tags]weapons, katana, sword, samurai[/tags]

Onsen – The Spa Lover’s Paradise

Though Japan definitely has its own share of cold weather, it is also home to some of the world’s most active volcano fault lines. As such, it boasts of more than 3,000 hot springs, or onsen. Because of the cold weather, these onsen are quite popular throughout the country. Most spa towns are open all year round, with the cold season being the most popular.

More than merely relaxing in these onsen, the Japanese believe in their healing powers. The word kamiyu is used to refer to these healing powers. Literally, it means “divine power.” If you are going to visit Japan, you should not miss out on a trip to an onsen. Hotels and inns proliferate in spa towns, making it easy for the traveler. However, if you plan on going during the peak season, it is always wise to make reservations in advance. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending your time searching for accommodations.
[tags]Japan, hot springs, onsen, spa, accomodations[/tags]

Plum Festival

Japan is more well known for its Cherry Blossom Festivals rather than the Plum Festivals. However, that is not to say that the Japanese Plum, or Ume, does not hold an important place in Japanese culture. Introduced from China, the Ume is the harbinger of spring. Plum trees flower in February and March and as such, Plum Festivals (Ume Matsuri) are held during these months.

Different places have their own festivals. Most of the time, though, these celebrations are held in public parks, shrines, and temples. Unlike cherry blossoms, plum blossoms emanate quite a strong fragrance. Imagine being surrounded by plum trees with flowers ranging from white to dark pink and inhaling the aroma that permeates the atmosphere. It’s enough to make one want to be there for a Plum Festival, isn’t it?

If you’re looking to go to one, some of the famous “plum spots” are: Kairakuen (Ibaraki Prefecture), Hanegi Park (Tokyo), and Yushima Tenjin Shrine (Tokyo).
[tags]Festivals, Plum festival, ume, spring[/tags]

World’s Oldest Person

Japan is well known to the rest of the world as the home of all things innovative and sometimes, quirky. Yet today, Japan hits the headlines with a distinction of another kind – home to the oldest surviving person in the whole world. Yone Minagawa, 114 years old, receives this recognition as the other 114-year-old person in the world died. She was Emma Faust Tillman from the U.S.

Minagawa was born in January 4, 1893 and had five children in all. She has outlived all her children. Her 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, however, visit her regularly. Minagawa lives in a nursing home in Fukuchi in southern Japan. When told of the news, she just broke into a huge smile and said “My goodness, I am grateful.”

The nursing home staff says that Minagawa is quite active for her age and never fails to socialize with the people around her. Additionally, she has an amazingly healthy appetite for someone her age and loves sweets as well.
[tags]Women, Seniors, Old Age, southern Japan, Oldest person[/tags]