Bake your pizza on your stove

Here’s another product from the school of Japanese “can do” ingenuity.

The Japanese has developed an ongoing love affair with pizza. Many people love the traditional Italian variants but then there are also some who have an affinity for a more decidedly more Japanese tasting ingredient combinations (like squid!). This Pizzeria now allows you to actually make whatever kind of pizza you want from the comfort of your own home. The product is actually a ceramic oven that you can put on your stove burner. No more need for an actual oven and the stone slab to make the crust crispy. This thing does it all and it is quite convenient to use. The small size is also perfect for the cramped Japanese kitchen.

The Pizzeria is being sold by Hakuho-web.com.

You no longer need a huge oven to make pizzas at home. With Pizzeria, a new ceramic oven, you can make hand-made pizza on the stove burner. It is very easy to use. Just put the pizza crust and toppings inside the Pizzeria, set for 300 degrees C and let it do the rest.

Posted January 23rd, 2008 by Maki | Comment (0)

Japanese schoolchildren go on countryside trips

I recently read that most Japanese city schools are now making their students do home stays in the agricultural, fishing and mountain villages as part of immersion programs into their country. The practice is actually increasing and I think this is a positive development and a better option than sending children to tourist spots.

According to reports, a lot of educational benefits are being seen from students who actually experience nature first hand. The villages and towns, on the other hand, see a business opportunity in the said tours. This is something that they also need because of the dwindling population in these areas.

The practice of making nature excursions has increased over the last five years and this has spread mainly by just word of mouth. I am just hoping that these immersion programs also bring to light the plight of less fortunate people in Japanese society and not just focus on nature.

Posted January 14th, 2008 by Maki | Comment (1)

A lack of news about Princess Masako

One of the enigma’s facing the Japanese is the situation of Princess Masako.

When Princess Masako married into the Royal Family in 1993, many people (most of them women) considered it as a triumph that could possibly change the way women are seen in Japanese society. Masako is an accomplished and successful woman, a Harvard graduate and a diplomat who can speak a number of languages. She was seen as challenging the traditions of the Imperial household. But this never came to be. tremendous pressure and stress as a royal has actually made her retreat from the public eye. Now, it has been years since Masako has retreated and there are no signs this is going to change.

The most perplexing part though is the lack of information that is being given to the public with regards to her health. This is quite strange for a member of the Imperial household. And the public is beginning to clamor for more news, which does not seem forthcoming.

Posted January 11th, 2008 by Maki | Comments (3)

A healthier bento box

I’ve always thought of the dishes inside Japanese bento boxes as healthy alternatives to fast food fare. I had this belief that since most of the dishes are stir fried and rarely deep fried then it is a better option.

I was surprised when I read that many people still think that bento meals are not healthy after all. This is especially true of the bento boxes sold at convenience stores. But the Lawson convenience store chain may have heard these comments and have done something about it. The company has recently come out with a bento box that was developed with the help of students at the Kagawa Education Institute of Nutrition.

The newly formulated bento box is said to be much healthier because of the increased use of beans and vegetables. the portions of the healthy food were based on the food balance guidelines set by the health ministry. All branches of the Natural Lawson stores will carry this healthy option.

Posted January 9th, 2008 by Maki | Comment (1)