Tasmanian Wasabi: One Of The Best

For those who are into Japanese food, wasabi is something that is always appreciated with the rest of the meal. Wasabi is a plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, the same plant family that includes cabbages, mustard, and horseradish. You can buy wasabi in its original form – as a root – or as a paste, which can be consumed as is. These days, you can even buy wasabi in powdered form, which is even more convenient. If you have ever tasted the real thing, however, you would know the difference between that and the powdered stuff, which is quite nasty. Some people would only touch the real thing – the connoisseurs.

There is this kind of wasabi, however, that even the most discerning of people have given it a thumbs up. There is a group of farmers from northern Tasmania in Australia who grow a special kind of wasabi. Instead of the traditional way of growing the plant, they grow their wasabi hydroponically. The Tasmanian wasabi was actually featured in a festival in Japan.

The festival was called the Taste of Tokyo and it featured the produce of Steven Welsh and his partners. So why do they grow their wasabi hydroponically? Welsh says that the method increases the quality of the wasabi as well as increase the output. It seems that the quality is indeed very good as it impressed Sydney chef Tetsuya Wakuda. He was so impressed that he brought the wasabi to the festival in Tokyo.

Tasmanian Wasabi: One Of The Best

For those who are into Japanese food, wasabi is something that is always appreciated with the rest of the meal. Wasabi is a plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, the same plant family that includes cabbages, mustard, and horseradish. You can buy wasabi in its original form – as a root – or as a paste, which can be consumed as is. These days, you can even buy wasabi in powdered form, which is even more convenient. If you have ever tasted the real thing, however, you would know the difference between that and the powdered stuff, which is quite nasty. Some people would only touch the real thing – the connoisseurs.

There is this kind of wasabi, however, that even the most discerning of people have given it a thumbs up. There is a group of farmers from northern Tasmania in Australia who grow a special kind of wasabi. Instead of the traditional way of growing the plant, they grow their wasabi hydroponically. The Tasmanian wasabi was actually featured in a festival in Japan.

The festival was called the Taste of Tokyo and it featured the produce of Steven Welsh and his partners. So why do they grow their wasabi hydroponically? Welsh says that the method increases the quality of the wasabi as well as increase the output. It seems that the quality is indeed very good as it impressed Sydney chef Tetsuya Wakuda. He was so impressed that he brought the wasabi to the festival in Tokyo.

The Kyoto Winter Special Is Back!

For those of you who experienced the Kyoto Winter Special last year, you can do so again this year. After a successful run, the organizers have decided to have a go at it once again but this time, they are offering more and better deals for their visitors. For those who are not aware, the Kyoto Winter Special is akin to a festival – 3 months’ worth of cultural activities. This year’s Winter Special runs from 1 December 2008 to 31 March 2009. Easier.com has this feature:

In addition, special admission will be granted to normally restricted heritage sites, and there will be unique winter events and chances to receive special offers from world-famous hotels. With Kyoto Winter Special, the breathtaking beauty of winter in Kyoto awaits you!

Special Events Kyoto’s cherry blossoms and fall leaves are a sight to see, but Kyoto’s magical winter is something special. There will be various events showcasing winter.

Information on events from December to March are listed by month on the Kyoto Winter Special website. The main event during the Kyoto Winter Special is called “Hanatoro”. This event beautifies Kyoto’s nights, with elegant lanterns lighting up Kyoto’s famous spots. Adding a winter event into a visit to Kyoto is a great way to make your trip that extra bit memorable.

Ask anyone who has been to Kyoto and other Japanese cities and they will probably tell you the same thing – there is nothing like Kyoto if you really want to get a hands on experience of what the Japanese culture is like.

Millbrae’s Third Annual Japanese Culture Festival

If you live around the Bay Area, get ready to discover and enjoy a celebration of the Japanese culture tomorrow, October 5, as it is Millbrae’s Third Annual Japanese Culture Festival. Every year, for three years now, the people of Milbrae have been gathering to share everything Japanese. From dances to food to other performances – you can find it all in this festival.

The Daily Journal has this report:

The festival shares the opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture through a whole day of performances. Alyse Goni, Millbrae Recreation liaison to the Japanese Cultural Center, defines the festival’s mission to be the acknowledging of the Bay Area Japanese community that is here and to showcase the culture for the surrounding communities.

“We think that it is important to invite people of all cultural backgrounds to discover and enjoy ancient traditions, as well as the modern and reflect on the changes,” Goni said.

The day will begin with a short concert showcasing Japan’s national instrument, the Koto. The Koto is approximately 6 feet in length and offers 13 strings to pluck. Giving two performances, Japanese dancers have flown across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to present beautiful traditional dances. Following will be folk songs and a 15-minute Japanese comedic play.

To cap off the afternoon, there will be an energetic, heart-pounding Taiko presentation. Taiko is a Japanese word that means drum and it is an art form not to miss.

This festival is very important to Japanese-Americans in the area as it is their chance to get in touch with their roots once again. For us who are not of Japanese descent, it is still something to experience.

Japan C – All Things Japanese

There is some good news for people in Manhattan (and its surrounding areas) who have an affinity for Japan, its people, and its culture. Come the 16th of August, there will be a festival of contemporary Japanese culture in midtown Manhattan. Dubbed Japan C, this festival will run till the 1st of November. The specific venue will be the Felissimo Design House – a legend in itself.

So what can you expect from Japan C? Dexigner describes the event as:

Spanning home and fashion accessories to gadgets, food, beauty and pop-culture products, Japan C will be part design exhibition, part bazaar, part trade fair, highlighting over 70 diverse Japanese firms who will be presenting and demonstrating their wares.

Discover the benefits of skin creams made from fermented rice by leading sake makers, or join the Japanese fad for collectible ‘keitai’ cell phone straps.

Featuring robots of every shape, size and color, alongside all manner of zakka knickknacks, everything from kawaii anime characters, fine stationery and contemporary furniture to high-tech rice cookers promising the perfect bowl of rice, Japan C will represent all that Japan is today: Cool, Cute, Clever and Creative.

And how about the purpose of the festival? Aside from the obvious aim of introducing the culture of Japan to the residents of Manhattan, the festival specifically aims to attract buyers, manufacturers, and distributors. You can say that there is a business slant to the festival but the general public is encouraged to attend as well.

If I were anywhere near Manhattan, you bet I’d be there.

The Great Japan Beer Festival

I have never really associated Japan with beer – it has always been sake in my mind. However, come to think of it, Japanese beer is quite well known around Asia, and even in the Western parts. Thus, it should not be a surprise that they have their own version of a beer festival.

This year, there are three periods wherein people can participate in the Great Japan Beer Festival. The first one is over – it was held from May 5 to 6 at the Ebisu Gerden Hall in Tokyo. The second one is being held right now (it started yesterday) at the Kyosera Dome in Osaka. The third one gives you more time to prepare as it is going to be held from September 6 to 7 at the Osanbashi Hall in Yokohama.

What can you expect at the Great Japan Beer Festival? Let me tell you, the Japanese know how to celebrate and when they do, they make it BIG. At the events of the Great Japan Beer Festival, participants are treated to more than 120 microbrews and craft beers – all of these available for tasting! If you want to drown yourself in the finest beers available, you just have to pay the entrance fee.

Information for the Osaka festival:

Ticket at Enterance: 4,100 yen per person per day
Advanced tickets(date designated ticket): 3,600 yen per person per day
Lawson　Lcode 59253　　
Ticket PIA　Pcode 612-254
FamilyMart/CircleKSunkus　Pcode 612-254

For the Yokohama festival:
Ticket at Enterancet: 4,100 yen per person per day
Advanced tickets(date designated ticket): 3,600 yen per person per day
Lawson　Lcode 33598　　
Ticket PIA　Pcode 612-433
FamilyMart/CircleKSunkus　Pcode 612-433

Kodomo no hi Or Children’s Day

In the last post, I talked about Hinamatsuri, or the festival for girls. Though this is quite an important part of Japanese culture, it cannot be denied that there is another similar festival that puts the nation at a standstill – Kodomo no hi. Kodomo no hi is actually Children’s Day and takes place on the 5th of May – yes, yesterday. It is considered a National Holiday and is meant to celebrate children (of course) and their varying personalities and to wish them happiness.

It was not always known as Children’s Day, however. Prior to 1948, when it was changed to Children’s Day and proclaimed a National Holiday, this day was called Tango no Sekku, or Boys’ Day. This was also known as the Feast of Banners.

The reason behind the Feast of Banners tag is that tradition dictates that families fly fish banners or fish kites on this day. These fish are actually koi and the banners have come to represent the hopes of the parents for their children – in particular, their sons. Koi fish are known to be full of energy and courage and they can swim against strong currents.

Today, Children’s Day is celebrated all over the country for both boys and girls. Many Japanese communities outside of Japan also celebrate with festivities of their own. Indeed, those fish kites flying are a sight to behold.

For Doll Lovers Only: Hinamatsuri

Japan is well known for its exotic festivals that attract people from all over the world. For the Japanese, though, these festivals hold much deeper meanings than merely showcasing what their culture has to offer. One of the longest running traditions in the Japanese culture is called the Hinamatsuri, or Japanese Doll Festival.

Hinamatsuri started way back in the Heian Period and has its origin in an old Japanese belief that dolls contained evil spirits. In the old days, dolls made of straw were sent floating down the river out to the sea. The goal was to send away the evil spirits.

Today, the festival takes on a different light and is celebrated on the 3rd of March. The festival is actually aimed at little girls, wherein the family prays for their happiness, safety, and prosperity. Those who take part in the celebrations display special dolls if they have girls in the family.

Another name for Hinamatsuri is Momo no Sekku, which translates to Peach Festival. The dolls which are displayed are called Hina dolls and they are placed on tiered platforms with following configuration:

• Sitting at the top center are Emperor and Empress. They are wearing the twelve-layered ceremonial robe called juhni-hitoe).
• On the next step stand three Court Ladies.
• On the 3rd step play five Musicians.
• On the lowest two steps are miniatures of tableware used to serve these people.
• Small set with Court house: two Warriors guard the Court people.
• On the right are peach blossoms.

This configuration actually follows the hierarchy of the Heian Period Imperial Court.

Japanese New Year

The New Year is always one of the most celebrated holidays all over the world no matter what the culture. Most people know about the Chinese New Year, which is different from the Western New Year. The Japanese New Year, or shogatsu, on the other hand, is celebrated at the same time the Western New Year is. From January 1 to January 3, all businesses are closed all over the country and families take the time out to spend these days with each other.

Parties are held, not only to welcome the coming year, but to forget the past year. These parties are called bonenkai, or “year forgetting parties.” Decorations usually involve plum trees, pine, and bamboo. The traditional food for New Year’s Eve is buckwheat noodles or toshikoshi soba. These noodles symbolize longevity.

Recently, a tradition has emerged which involves watching a music show called kohaku uta gassen. This TV program showcases the most popular J-pop and enka singers.

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]