2011/12/07

Chindanotaki Water Fall

I would like to introduce about "Niagara of Ohno" which, one of my colleague went recently. When she showed me the pictures I felt happy for temporally to see the small version of Niagara Falls in Japan, which I couldn't see the real one when I visited USA.
This is truly you can call Niagara with the appearance of falling grandly while rumbling and flowing from the middle of Onogowa river. This is actually a merged water fall. The great water fall is 17 meters high and 93 meters wide and the smaller water fall is 18 meters high and 4 meters wide.
Chindanotaki Falls doesn't second to Harajiri Falls in Bungo-ohno city by the force and the water quantity. Moreover it is said this waterfall became famous when this has drawn by Sesshu (the most prominent Japanese master of ink and wash painting) in Muromachi period (1336-1573 CE) when he roamed in Oita prefecture. Even the original one does no longer exist, a replication is remaining in The Kyoto National Museum.
This water fall can be seen from three sides and you will feel the force of this water fall by any stand. Don't forget to visit Fureai Park and see the materials about the description of former hydro power plantation.

Ruins of former hydro power plantation

2011/12/06

Jagapokkuru (Hokkaido potato snack)

Recently I had a chance to enjoy a unique Hokkaido souvenir. It is named as "Jagapokkuru."

This was sold under the name of "Pure-Jaga" and changed it to "Jagapokkuru." It seems this name has transmitted from "korpokkur" which is a word of Ainu. This word has found in a fairly legend means "fuki no shita no hito" (people under butterbur). It seems this fairy is shy to show up in public but very tenderness and leave food in the night secretly and is believed as a god who brings happiness. Even this didn't have a great publicity; had a good reputation of good taste and quickly became popular. This "Jagapokkuru" has launched by Calbee (a major Japanese snack food maker) which has the brand name of "potato farm" and this is a limited edition of Hokkaido.
Jagapokkuru is simply fried raw potato sticks which have a crunchy, thin and savory texture. This delicious snack is made of delicious potatoes grown in Hokkaido, a leading place that growing potatoes in Japan and use natural salt of Okhotsk Sea. This has become popular nationwide since it launched and recently became as a very popular souvenir among overseas customers. You also please enjoy the original taste of Hokkaido`s potatoes by having "Jagapokkuru."

2011/11/08

Shonai-Kagura

"Kagura" is a traditional art in Japan. According to the Kojien (single-volume Japanese dictionary) the name of "Kagura" has been transformed by "Kamukura" (place where there is a god or spirit or containing the sacred object of a shrine). Welcome the god to Kamukura by dance and songs of Kagura and hold this for long life and prosperous harvest. The Kagura dance varies from the area.
Shonai-Kagura is the generic name of Kagura hold in Shonai area in Yufu, Oita Prefecture. It seems, the start up of Shonai-Kagura is referred to the early Meiji period (1868-1877). Mr. Sato Kikutaro professionalized "Asakusa-ryu Inuyama Kagura" and established Shonai-Kagura by organizing a troupe of neighbors. There are 12 troupes of Kagura (Kagura-za) in Shonai and regular performances take place from April to October annually. "Shonai-Kagura Festival "is held on every 3rd of November.
When you say "Kagura", it's pure Japanese and seem to be a little old for some one. But Shonai-kagura is different. Several years ago, "Mysterious Live" was conducted collaborating with the world famous jazz pianist Mrs. Toshiko Akiyoshi. In addition, there is a local entertainment section at Oita Prefectural Yufu High School, Shonai town and high school students practice Kagura hardly every day. The Kagura perform by young actors is very lively and dynamic. This local entertainment section regularly holds "All Japan Senior High School Cultural Festival" and exchange activities in the field of local entertainment with neighboring Korean high schools. I think you will understand how new and internationalized Shonai-kagura is.
On the other hand, diligent activities also convey the tradition. The Kagura troupes are supported by local people. Gather after work and practice the dance and musical accompaniment. Preschool children and kindergarten children in Shonai town also practice Kagura and show the result at "Shonai Kagura Festival." A workshop for beginners who interest about Kagura from outside Yufu city has started recently.
There was the consecutive 22nd Shonai-Kagura Festival on 3rd of November 2011. I had a chance to see this dynamic Japanese traditional art for the first time in my life. Even it was a slight rain in the beginning; plenty of people have come to enjoy this unique tradition. This Shonai-Kagura attracts so many people through generations and they come to enjoy this every year. This time "Shonai-kodomo-kagura" is the most impressed Kagura troupe for me. The magical point is, one will hardly realize the Shonai-kodomo-kagura performs by both elementary school students and junior high school students because of their professional dancing style.
Those who couldn't come to the event this time please enjoy my pictures above and I recommend to witness Shonai-Kagura art at least once in your lifetime.

2011/10/31

Eco Candles

Eco candle concept has introduced by E-concept Company in Usuki-city, Oita-prefecture.

Mr. Susumu Matsumoto, the chairman of E-concept Company

They have introduced two types of candles. These two are named as "Ruby Essential Candle" and Hono-akari-candle (means dim light). These are aromatherapy, environment friendly candles fostering Kyushu outdoor art events.

You can find two categories of these candles; one is already comes with wax and the other one can be prepared wax by using used cooking oil. These candles have large flame than normal candle, less glare and relaxing glow with a bright light. You can enjoy aromatherapy by just adding a few drops of natural aroma essential oil or using aroma essence wax. Now aromatherapy can be enjoyed in outdoor by using this candle with the specialty of hardly fading out the light even where the wind blows due to the cylindrical flame with patent technology.

Aroma essence wax contain

This candle is safe to use because the wax is contained inside the container.

Candlewick placed inside the container

Furthermore you can use this candle many times just refilling wax and aromatherapy essences. This is perfect for eco-lifestyle because of converting to light efficiently by less energy and less consumption of wax. Additionally the room air gets clear by capturing pollen, tobacco smoke and bacteria due to the structure of actively passing air through the flame.

Please enjoy a spiritual rich time creating a romantic candlelight using these candles.

2011/10/25

Oita Products Exhibition

Recently I had a great chance to participate in "Oita products exhibition", which was held at iichiko cultural center atrium plaza in Oita.

This was held to promote and sell Oita products made by small businesses in Oita prefecture. This was organized by the "Oita Prefecture Federation of Small Business Association". There were several booths displaying specialties and new products made in each areas of Oita prefecture. Holding these types of events is a good chance for both producers and consumers. This is a good opportunity for who live in urban areas to get to know about new products and brands in rural areas. This was my first experience to participate in "Oita products exhibition." I had a great time while tasting area`s specialties and talking to salesmen. I could learn many about specialties in Oita prefecture, such as the main reason to develop such a new brand, the process and their future plans. I am looking forward to the next exhibition to know upcoming new products.

2011/10/21

Rescue Entrance Mark

This is a very interesting mark I found after 6years of living in Japan. Rescue entrance means an admission port to be able to facilitate fire rescue when disaster occurs by fire or earthquakes. This rescue entrance is installed in a position, facing the wall surface where possible to enter very easily. When you look carefully, you will realize most of buildings have set up this emergency admission port in Japan. These can be seen above third floor in small-scale such as commercial buildings. The rescue entrance mark is red color triangle shaped mark pasted downwards on rectangular small windows. This is mainly installed to approach easily for firefighters if there is an emergency. Therefore it is better to keep the inner area around this emergency admission port clear.

2011/10/17

Recycling Concept in Japan

"The Containers and Packaging Recycling Law" is established in June 1995 and fully enforced in year 2000, aim to reduce the amount of waste due to effectively use resources. Approximately 20-30% of the weight of garbage discharged from households and packaging waste accounts for about 60%.

The features of "Containers and Packaging Recycling Law" are as follows. Previously, only cities had overall responsibility of packaging waste process. But now it is mandated to work on reducing packaging waste by three parties together. These three parties are consumers, municipalities and operators. Consumers sort and discharge the waste, municipalities are collected the separated waste and finally the operators recycle them, manufacture and sell products for the packaging contents.

Examples for recycled products and packaging are as follows. Aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles, paper pack beverages, cardboard containers, paper packaging, PET bottles and plastic containers and packages. The trash separation method and disposal method is not same among nationwide. It is determined for each municipality. I have displayed some photos below to show how my company practices this concept.

2011/10/12

Cool biz concept

The cool biz concept has introduced by The Japanese Ministry of the Environment (MOE) in summer 2005 as a way to reduce electric consumption by limiting use of air conditioning. Then after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, many nuclear power plants were shut down for safety reasons lead to energy shortages. The government then launched a "Super Cool Biz" campaign and added more activities that can save more energy such as: switching off computers not in use, shifting work hours to the morning and taking summer vacation, use air conditions where only needed and when only needed, purchase energy-saving appliances, ban overtime work, considering the introduction of working at home for one's company, set up plants at the window of the office as a curtain and etc.

My company also practices this concept and put effort to reduce energy consumption by setting air conditioner temperatures at 27°C -28°C until September, encouraging workers to wear short-sleeved shirts without jackets or ties, encourage cutting off overtime work and starting work in early morning. We also had our summer vacation in last July for around 9days. Most of Japanese companies contribute to this concept effectively as the united citizens of the nation.

This is a concept that shows the curtsey of Japanese and work out as one country.

2011/10/06

Shikishi Board

"Shikishi board" is a traditional cardboard which has often used in calligraphy and for painting in ancient time especially in Japan. Also in China, this has been considering as a valuable item. But recently this uses to jot down the celebrity`s autographs and write messages of a group. This is also called "autographs." The "shikishi board" which uses for calligraphy is made by square and rectangular-shaped cardboards, adorned with gold-rimmed and scattered by sprinkled gold dust or silver powder on one side.

Recently "shikishi board" uses as an interior decoration art board except for a hanging scroll which was hung on the wall of Japanese-style room. This is getting very popular recently due to its small size, less price, can be used to decorate all types of places, and can change them easily depending on your mood.

Also as I mentioned above, "shikishi board" uses as a message card of birthday, wedding, farewell and in many other occasions. My company also uses this "shikishi boards" except of using usual birthday cards. All of the colleagues jot down their message on one board. I think this is an eco-friendly and energy saving system of collecting all messages on one board. No need to worry about the space where store all the cards every year. Because it`s still one card. You can be an eco-friendly person. Furthermore this can be saved time by rotating a "shikishi board" among everyone, than writing cards by each one.

2011/09/29

Highly valued natural things in Japan

Comparing to other countries, Japan gives a high value for natural things. When it comes to table wares, Japan creates very interesting table wares using natural things such as chopsticks, chopstick holders, cups, spoons, bowls, table mats, plates and etc.

Recently I found such an interesting table wares at a restaurant. I found a chopstick holder made of charcoal and a table glass mat made of bamboo. They were really charming and environmental friendly. This charming charcoal chopstick holder is a good example to prove that Japanese are good at making by-products. When we say chopstick holders and table mats, we recall plastic, glass or ceramic wares. But these are very unique and give a charm look. Also at present, these natural products are getting famous in Japan and little bit expensive than normal products. This charcoal chopstick holder is famous not only for the design, but it has an unrivaled functionality of deodorizing and moisture removing effect.

Charcoal chopstick holder

Bamboo has been using mainly as culinary and construction in Japan. It has been using as a supplemental and/or decorative element in buildings such as fencing, fountains, grates and gutters in Japanese architecture. But recently there is a huge influence of designing necessary goods as ancient designs and sell for high value. Bamboo table glass mat also an item of design wares which gives a charm look. Even these items are little bit expensive; you can create a more comfortable dining table using these natural dinning wares at your home.

Bamboo table glass mat

2011/09/27

Oike Pond (Oike group of spring)

This is one of the famous groups of spring in Yufu city, Oita prefecture which has selected as one of the 100 exquisite water spots in Japan. "One hundred exquisite waters of Japan" is a selection of 100 exquisite water spots of the nation out of spring waters and rivers done in March 1985. These 100 best bathing areas have positively evaluated by the Ministry of Environment as unique waterfronts nationwide. These waterfronts are intended to be widespread and evaluated as based on the new evaluation axis of "beautiful", "purity", "pleasant", "gentle" and "rich".

This beautiful Oike spring is located in Park Oike in Shonai, Yufu city. Entrance fee for this park is 100yen for adults. This has been collecting as a maintenance fee by Yufu-Shonai Tourism Association.

This spring discharges from the primary forests of Mt.Kurodake which is one of the best 100 natural preserves of Japan and being the headstream of river Asono and side stream of river Oita.

There are still remaining untouchable gregarious, natural virgin forests of beech and maple trees. You can enjoy the lushly grown trees in the forest and wild birds while walking in the wood. Autumn season is just so beautiful to imagine.

Within ten minutes walk from the entrance, Oike emerges with a wooden deck. Even the spring area is not much wide, an abundant amount of water of 14 tons per minute and 20,000 tons discharge per day.

Since early times, this has been used as domestic use of water such as drinking, cooking and to make coffee and agricultural purposes. I would recommend you to be there within the period of April to November.

2011/09/14

Higashishiiya Falls in Oita Prefecture

I can proudly say I live in a city where Higashishiiya fall located, which is one of Japan`s Top 100 Waterfalls. I went to see this great fall in this summer. This is located in the middle of National Highway Route 500 from Beppu city to Usa city. When you walk approximately 300 meters through the canyons from the entrance, the waterfall appears.

This falls from the 85 meters high vertical cliff. A wide basin and also the valley continue from there is really beautiful.

When you get closer to the basin you can feel the spray. This is a perfect place to visit during hot summer. You can breathe plenty of negative ions being this pleasant place. In addition, this is also a fun place for kids to play in water. A very beautiful green lush surrounds this cool landscape. Today is an especially hot day and there were lots of families cooling off themselves in rocky puddles. I recommend you to visit this fall immediately during remaining short period of this summer and feel the beauty of the waterfall, river valley, river and green lush surrounding this landscape.

2011/09/05

Convenient concept in Japan

It seems this interesting and convenient vending machine concept have invented by ancient Greeks. That was a pot distributed holy water when a coin was inserted. But today Japan has one of the highest concentrations of vending machines of any other country in the world with about one machine for every 23 people.

The first vending machine in Japan was made out of wood and sold stamps and post cards. The 100 yen vending machine was introduced in 1967. Japanese are very claver making everything convenient. You don't need to worry to carry all the way a bottle of water when you travel in Japan. Normally there are vending machines that sell soft drinks, fast foods, ice creams, cigarettes, liquor bottles and cans etc.

Except those usual vending machines, I have discovered some interesting vending machines in Japan that sell eggs, hot spring water, empty bottles to fill water, natural water, some hotel rooms and rice polish machines. You don't need to worry even you are running out of any necessary goods; almost every necessary goods are available in vending machines in Japan.

You just cost 100yen to polish up to 10kgs of rice by this rice polish machine.

Also you don't need to waste your time to check-in or check-out at the reception of some hotels in Japan. Images and charges of the rooms are available in a vending machine and you just have to press a button you like and pay the charge before you check-in. I found an interesting hot spring water vending machine in Taketa city in Oita prefecture. 10 liters of hot spring water is just cost 10yen only and 100 liters of water is just cost 100yen.

Vending machine to pay for natural spring water

Vending machine to pay for empty bottle to fill spring water

This is an amazing creation of robot, which comforts your life with a mechanism of buying goods just putting a coin or a bill and press a button.

2011/09/02

Major event in Beppu City

"Beppu Summer Evening Festival" is a major festival held annually at Beppu city. Mostly this festival is held in the end of July. This year it was held from 29th-31st of July. Waiwai-ichi event was held from 29th-30th at Beppu ekimaedori. Over 100 of special foods, farm fresh vegetables and fruits, regular menu of grilled chicken and shaved ice stores were lined the street. Also there were nostalgic goldfish scooping and lottery draw.

While waiwai-ichi (waiwai market) event was held at Beppu ekimaedori, the large food collection from each municipality of Oita Prefecture was held at Kaimonji Park with some interesting stage performances.

I think this was a good chance to enjoy specialties of each area at one stop. The food collection was displayed as follows. Kurome takoyaki (baked octopus balls) from Oita city, yakisoba (fried noodles) from Hita city, gomadashiudon from Saiki city, gyorokke (fish croquettes) from Usuki city, maguro gyoza (tuna dumplings) from Tsukumi city, tomato soft cream from Taketa city, karaage (cracklings) from Usa city, toyo-no-shamo sumibiyaki (grilled chicken) from Bungo-ohno city, nico-donuts from Yufu city, takomeshi onigiri (takomeshi rice balls) from Kunisaki city, Himeshima marugoto korokke (all-Himashima croquettes) and prawns burger from Himeshima village, chirimen korokke (dried young sardine croquette) from Hiji city, Kokonoe yume burger from Kokonoe town and toriten and reimen (cold noodles) from Beppu city.



Finally on 31st, the bon-dance festival and fireworks were held at Beppu spa beach. Dance groups, industry associations as well as lots of foreign students only from the International Cultural City "Beppu" were participated in colorful yukata (summer cotton kimono). I have been a regular member of this dancing group representing the international students in Beppu city since I was a student.

"East Japan Earthquake remembrance and reconstruction" was the theme of Beppu summer evening fireworks display of this time was Fountain City of Beppu delivered the energy by holding the Kyushu`s largest fireworks barraging around 5000 fireworks.

2011/08/30

Water station

This Mizu-no-eki (Water station) is located in Taketa city where water is very famous in Oita prefecture and it is named as "Mizu-no-eki Otsuru."

There is a specialty of this roadside station of existing natural spring where people can take water for free for 24 hours. Outside of this station a beautiful fountain has been made to collect the spring water. There are 3 main places with the good condition where can draw water and the water also very clear.

This is very famous water drawing place as well as a tourist spot in Oita prefecture. Annually around 200,000 people visit here. The main components of a normal roadside station are a souvenir shop, rest room and a restaurant. But in this roadside station, the water fountain has become the main component. It is said that there are numbers of people specially come here with plastic buckets to draw water. This water is famous for long lasting without adding any preservatives.
Also there are local foods available at the restaurant including soy bean curd meals specially made from this famous water.

2011/08/29

Fire drill in Japan

Japan often suffers from many natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami and floods. But Japan is well prepared and well trained to face such incidents. As we all know, when the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan last march, the number of people who died as a result was relatively low. If such a disaster would occur in another country, the effect might be a lot greater. What is the reason for that?
Japanese practice emergency drills from kindergarten to company. Most of the kindergartens practice this twice a year. My company also conducts emergency drills twice a year. Until now we only practice fire drills, but from now on we decided to practice emergency drills for earthquakes and tidal waves as well.
Since I don't have any experience with these drills I was very surprised to participate in this event and therefore I felt very strange during my first year when I started working in a Japanese company. We believe it is obvious to get away from a fire and try to extinguish it. But Japanese are well prepared and always train well for everything. That's why everyone practices beforehand.
Fire departments in each area conduct these events. First of all a warning announcement will be transmitted and the fire alarm rings while the normal exits close and the emergency exits open in order to get away from the building.

All the workers inside the building should get away from the building as soon as possible covering their mouths with a cloth.

Then a lecture session will conduct outside of the building.

There is a demonstration session of how to use a fire extinguisher by a member of the fire department.

Then there is an opportunity to practice it.

The session of how to use a fire hydrant on the roof terrace is the end of the emergency drill.

By practicing this emergency drill twice a year we train our body and mind to rescue ourselves and help each other. This is a good chance to experience the spirit of Japanese team work and preparation.

2011/08/25

The Saiki Museum of Doppo Kunikida

This time I will share my feelings of my visit to the Saiki Museum of Doppo Kunikida. Doppo Kunikida was a Japanese novelist and a romantic poet during the Meiji period (1871 - 1908). He was born in Chiba prefecture and grew up in Tokyo.

In 1893 he started teaching English, mathematics, and history in Saiki city for a year. During that period he used to live with his brother in this residence. Mr. Sakamoto (Doppo Kunikida's brother) used this Japanese house as his residence until recently. After he died Saiki city has developed this house as Mr. Doppo's residence. This residence is 150 years old and was built in the Tokugawa period. This house is really interesting for those interested in designs of Japanese houses and Japanese architecture. But even though there are a number of memorial houses within the prefecture, this Doppo house appeals to his performances even more than the beauty of Japanese architecture and gardening.

There is an exhibition room on the first floor that displays videos and images of Saiki city in the Meiji period when Mr. Doppo lived. You can comfortably enjoy these videos forgetting your fatigue thanks to the wind that blows through the open wide doors and the fragrance of the tatami floor in this room.

Apart from the inside of this house, the essence of the lush Japanese garden which was attached to this building was really calm and romantic. I can't express the beauty and how it matches with the house in words. The wide garden outside is a stereoscopic formation of the landscape of Mt. Shiroyama's foot. The water ponds filled by spring water seeps from the mountains and old trees create an aura of a quaint old samurai residence.

The room in which Mr. Doppo and his brother stayed and the ware house are located in upstairs. The quaintness of this room lies in the low ceiling and the scenery outside that can be seen by sitting down. Mr. Doppo must have enjoyed the scenery of Mt. Shiroyama from here every day.

There are a number of books and works of Mr. Doppo displayed in the ware house including his valuable first edition. You can pick up a book and enjoy sitting in the reading corner. Also you can enjoy the charm of his literature by using the digital library here. The works related to Saiki have been made in to e-books, explaining everything clearly through images and audio sounds.
You can visit this residence for just 200 yen. Please take a moment to experience the early days of Saiki in which the young Meiji literary spent his life.

2011/08/16

Nostalgic feeling of a Japanese tearoom

There are lots of historical sites still remaining in Saiki in Oita prefecture which should be promoted for tourists. When it comes to the history of Japan, Kyoto is a well known place for most foreign tourists. But after I did my research what I realized is that there are many historical sites still remaining even in regional areas in Japan.
I have been to two historical sites in Saiki. One was the tea room and another one was the residence of Kunikida Doppo (a novelist in 1871-1908). I will explain about my experience at the tea room and later on I will explain about Kunikida Doppo`s residence.
When I did my field research trip in Saiki city I had a nostalgic experience of a tea ceremony at a Japanese tea room. I have learnt Sado (the Japanese tea ceremony) when I was a university student, but even so I haven't seen a traditional old tea room until the day I went to Saiki. There were two tea rooms, one newly built and an old one that includes a traditional Japanese garden and a waiting space. As soon as you enter the main gate your mind gets relaxed just by being in this traditional Japanese garden surrounded by maple trees.


The entrance

The new tea room

Traditional tea room

Resting space

Inside the tea room

This scenery would probably be amazing in autumn when the maple leaves get a red color and a contrast with the white sand in the garden. Here you can experience "Sado" for just 300 yen.


Green tea with a Japanese sweet

After the tea was served I followed the steps I learnt in Sado class. I enjoyed the tea after eating the sweet while admiring the nature of the Japanese garden.


The Japanese garden

I recalled a scene of an old Japanese movie. People who come to participate in the tea ceremony have to wait in the resting place until it starts. The most interesting part was the narrow entrance of the traditional tea room. This is the first time I saw this in real life. According to the person in charge there are beliefs that the tea room differs from the outside world, your impurities are dropped before entering this room by passing through the narrow door and everyone has to bow down their heads no matter how important the person is. Even samurai cannot enter this room wearing a sword.



When you have tea in this Japanese traditional room which is surrounded completely by nature, your tiredness disappears and your mind gets refreshed. Next time I hope to be there in autumn in a traditional kimono to get the entire Japanese cultural experience.

2011/08/12

Facilities for people with special needs

Recently I am interested about facilities provided for people with special needs in Japan. Among those facilities the one I find most interesting is pavement for visually impaired people. According to my research, this is known as Tactile Ground Surface Indicator which is made in Japan.

There are 2 types of blocks; linear (leading block) and punctated (warning block). The leading blocks are there to show the direction of movement. The warning blocks can be found before obstacles. For example: in front of the stairs, before crossing, cross junctions, before signs and edges of a platform, etc.

Leading blocks

Warning blocks

Also there are many other facilities in public places like adapted toilets with grab rails, drop down rails and audio guidance for disabled people, elevators with direction information in Braille alphabet and parking spaces, etc.

I haven't noticed any discrimination for disabled people even once during my stay in Japan. I think Japan is a safe place for disabled people to live or visit alone as long as they know Japanese.

2011/08/11

The Platform Concept at Beppu City

Recently I came across with very interesting concept of aiming to make the center of Beppu city as a vivid active meeting place. This concept has introduced by a NPO named "Beppu Project" and contributes with central city activation council of Beppu. This aims to make Beppu city as an active, lively place through this project by gathering various personalities to interact as the train platform. They have introduced 8 places as platforms to get involve in various activities. These activities take place at platforms are as follows.

Platform 1 -

This place was originally a souvenir shops called "Koufuson". This place utilizes as a meeting place relating "Arts" such as contemporary dance, theater practices, performances, exhibit art works and screening. This space has awarded the Silver Medal of the JCD Design Award 2009.

Platform 2 -

This place uses as an Art Gallery after renovating from a confectionery. This place also has awarded the Silver Medal of the JCD Design Award 2009.

Platform 3 -

This is named as "down town cafe (APU Sakuramachi Lab)". This is a community cafe which uses as a base for regional interaction during the day and utilizes for learning for students and citizens since evening. Opening hours: 12:00 to 17:00 (Sun-Wed). Close on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Platform 4 -

This is a terrace house reformed as a collaboration of architect and the contemporary artist, now utilizes as a book cafe. There was mainly a collection of art books in the first floor and can enjoy reading while looking at the pictures done by the contemporary artists on the second floor. Book Cafe is open on weekends and holidays only.

Platform 5 -

This is also another terrace house as platform 4. This uses as an art space exhibits art works and utilize as a place for short stay creators.

Platform 6 -

This uses as an exchange salon for three generations. This place serves as a salon can drop by anyone from children to elderly.

Platform 7 -

This is known as "Beppu bamboo artisan shop". "Artisan shop" is the location where create and promote bamboo crafts in Beppu city which is specialty in Oita prefecture.

Platform 8 -

This is known as "Information transmits space". This uses as a base for information transmission about the progress activation of each platform and the central city area.
This time I went to see platform 7 and 2. There was art exhibition held in platform 2 and people were voluntarily challenging to make various bamboo crafts at platform 7 at that time. I spent some time at platform 7 by discussing about this new concept with the person in charge of that platform. I was very happy to know that he was an old boy from my university. We both had a very friendly discussion about each other carriers. He is looking forward to see my article which I am going to publish on our website.
There are lots of creative designs and goods made from bamboo such as baskets, chopsticks, hair clips and interior decorations available at platform 7. If you visit Beppu don't forget to buy your souvenirs at this place where you can find a specialty of Beppu, Oita. I would like to recommend this place for foreigners who live in Beppu and Oita cities to gather here and challenge the Japanese unique bamboo crafting for free. This would be a good communication place for cultural interaction and make new friends.

2011/08/04

My first experience with marine lemon soft cream

Marine lemon is another specialty in Saiki city. Saiki is a very famous place for its marine culture and delicious marine food. This special kind of lemon is named "marine lemon" due to Saiki being the leading place for its production. In Saiki city it is very hot and the sunlight is very sharp during the summer due to the fact that Saiki is located in the southern part of Oita prefecture. The sea breeze and the suitable temperature are the main components to grow this special kind of lemon here.

This is the first time that I have heard about this fruit. I came across a banner of "marine lemon soft cream" at a shop called Saiki umi no ichiba maru.

As usual I like to challenge new things, so I decided to try this soft cream. It was a perfect time to have a soft cream due the incredible heat outside.

This soft cream has a very rare taste. The sour taste of the lemon spreads in your mouth as soon as you lick the soft cream and you can taste a salty flavor when it melts in your mouth. I have tasted many rare soft creams in Japan such as sweet potato, sakura (cherry blossoms), salt, miso, etc. Japanese are very creative to discover new products combining their everyday food with unusual flavors. That is the secret of introducing innovative products day by day in Japan.

2011/07/28

Hot spring coffee

This weekend I took a tour in Beppu city to explore something interesting. As planned I went through Beppu`s local shopping street eager to find something new.

Finally I came across an interesting banner hanging in front of a coffee shop. It mentioned "Hot spring coffee". If I were a tourist I would probably be amazed, but I wasn`t amazed because I heard that some of the hot spring water is drinkable in Japan. I was very excited to try this coffee made by using hot spring water which symbolizes the hot spring town Beppu.

As soon as I entered the shop, the smell of blend coffee and the atmosphere made me feel relaxed and it increased my temptation to try this innovation made by the Japanese. All the furniture was brown and the interior was made with antique goods related to the coffee making process such as an old coffee grinder, coffee makers and coffee tables, etc.

I ordered a hot spring coffee set with a cinnamon toast which I like the most. The waitress came after a few minutes and served a small glass with some water in addition to my set. This is how they market this new innovation by letting customers taste the original hot spring water before having their coffee. I could really feel the flavor of hot spring water, and it had a very mild taste that was easy to drink. I didn't taste any strange smell or flavor in this coffee even if it was made with hot spring water. The mix taste of sweet vanilla ice cream topping on the toast and cinnamon is a good combination to have with bitter coffee.

This is a good example to show the Japanese spirit to be innovative.

2011/07/14

Gomadashi, Saiki city

Gomadashi is a traditional flavor of Saiki city (a mixture of minced fish and ground sesame seed, flavored with soy sauce and mirin). Gomadashi udon is another easy meal that fishermen in Saiki often eat, and it is made by pouring hot water on udon noodles topped with some gomadashi.

Last week I did a research field trip with our intern in the center of Saiki city. There is a shop known as "Saiki umi no ichiba maru" where you can find all kind of specialties Saiki has to offer. This place has been established to promote local food from the ocean and the mountains in Saiki that can be easily eaten in any household.

Before I left for my field research I came across an article that this shop has been promoting 9 varieties of gomadashi. When I read that, I was very keen to know more about the differences of these 9 varieties. According to the shop keeper, there are more than 9 varieties of gomadashi available in this shop, each made from different ingredients. Also you can try the gomadashi udon at the restaurant there.

Because I have tasted delicious fresh sashimi and sushi in Saiki, I planned to challenge the gomadashi udon this time for my lunch. I ordered a gomadashi udon set which includes gomadashi udon, sushi and a steamed egg hotchpotch. The gomadashi udon was exactly as delicious as I had imagined.

I mixed up the gomadashi with hot water in the bowl and ate the noodles while tasting the broth. The udon noodle was very soft and the broth was very delicious. I am very lucky that I could taste this one of the 100 best local dishes in Japan which is rich in fish essence, sesame and soy sauce.

2011/07/08

Oita specialties, kabosu and Hita pears

Kabosu drink with honey

Kabosu and Hita pears drink

These famous soft drinks are specialties of Oita prefecture. These are promoted by JA (Japan Agricultural Association) who supports agriculture in Japan. Kabosu is a juicy green citrus fruit with the sharpness of lemon, rich in vitamin C and it is used in some Japanese dishes also. It is a specialty of Oita Prefecture which has been producing in Taketa and Usuki for many years. This kabosu drink has a sweet flavor of honey mixed with sour kabosu and it is fully rich in vitamin C. The other drink on the right side is also made of kabosu and Hita pears have added to it. Hita has been known as a leader of the production of sweet pears for 100 years. This drink is also a very famous specialty in Oita with the combination of kabosu and sweet Hita pears. Japanese are very good in promoting regional specialties compared to other countries. The "one village one product" concept is also introduced by Japanese to promote regional products.

2011/07/06

Well-mannered people

I usually take the bus to go to work from Beppu city. Mainly this bus utilizes by students from Beppu to one of the schools in Oita city. Therefore more than half of the passengers are from primary to high school students. I would like to share some of my thoughts with you about the discipline of these students that I impressed from the first day I took this bus.

Japan is a well facilitated country for the elderly and people with special needs, etc. Priority seat facilities available in public transportation are an example to prove this. These priority seats are covered in a yellow cover that can be recognized immediately. This is also known as a "Silver seat" that is especially supplied for elderly people, people with disabilities, pregnant women and people carrying a child or children. What I am really impressed about is the facts that I have never seen any of the students in this bus sit on this seat, even not by mistake. They must known that this is a special seat. I am impressed by the level of understanding of these small kids and how they obey the social rules.

Priority seats

No one sits on a priority seat

Furthermore, there is another reason that I am impressed by how the Japanese obey the rules. Every time when the bus stops at the school bus halt, the driver announces to get off one by one starting from the front. As being told, students wait in a line without any rush until the person in front gets off the bus. It is amazing to see that social values are being obeyed and people think about others even in their childhood. This is truly Japanese!

Protecting disciplines and social values can be a secret to develop Japan day by day as a peaceful country without any social chaos.

2011/07/05

Takegawara Hot spring

Takegawara hot spring is located near my residence. This is a very famous hot spring among the hot spring city Beppu. This hot spring has been established in 1879 and renovated with bamboo tiles and was completed in 1902. The roof of this building has been renovated with bamboo tiles and has been named "Takegawara" ("Take" means bamboo and "gawara" means roof in English). This has become a symbol of Beppu`s hot springs and it's a gorgeous wooden building. The spectators are increasing every year and it is especially popular among young women and foreign tourists. This hot spring has normal baths and a special sand bath. When you lie on the heated sand by a hot spring employee will put sand on your body starting from 3 parts, the stomach, legs and the shoulders. It is worth to experience this comfort at least once. This hot spring is known to cure many diseases like neuralgia, aching muscles, gynecological disease and skin diseases, etc.

2011/07/01

Everything is explained in letters or symbols

Japan is a country that is very easy to live in due to the fact that everything is explained in letters or symbols. Almost every organization or company has explained their procedures through letters or symbols to help people understand more clearly. Like in railway stations, buses and airports, etc. Even when you drive you don't need to memorize all the road symbols and rules. Everything has been explained by drawings on the road itself in addition to the signs on the road. This could be a reason for the reduction of traffic accidents in the last 20 years.

Garbagenews.com,2011. 'Deaths due to traffic accidents in 2010 have declined by 1% compared to last year' http://www.garbagenews.net/archives/1642551.html

The graph above shows a gradual decline of traffic accidents within the last 20 years in Japan.

It is very easy to live in Japan if you aware of these symbols. In my experience while living in Japan, I have realized Japanese like pictures more, rather than letters. Therefore almost every rule is explained using symbols or pictures. My pictures may express what I tried to explain in this paragraph a bit more clearly.

Bicycle crossing is shown clearly

Bus stop for people with special needs

Two wheelers should turn to the left, four wheelers should go straight

Stop before you enter the parking lot

Entrance

This is inside a bus. ① means Exit. ② "Do not stand on steps" ③ "The door automatically opens when the bell rings"

This is also inside a bus. "In case of emergency, please pull the handle in the red box which is located below, the door can then be opened manually"

This is in inside a railway station. These red arrows show the path to the counter and you should wait behind the red line until your turn comes.

This has drawn in just before the pedestrian crossing saying "look right and left before crossing"

2011/06/28

Don`t be afraid to visit Japan

Last weekend I and my husband had dinner with an intern from my company at an Italian restaurant in Beppu. Mr. Marlon is an intern who came from Holland. He came to Japan at the end of last year and started his internship in our company last March. As soon as he started his internship he had to go back to Holland due to the earthquake that happened in Northeast Japan last March. There were a lot of foreigners that went back to their home countries due to this terrible condition, but now the situation is recovering and foreigners are coming back to Japan again. Even Mr. Marlon came back to Japan to complete his internship.

Last weekend he invited me to go for dinner with him and me and my husband almost decided to go out for dinner, so it was a perfect time for him to join us. We had a nice time enjoying Italian food and had interesting conversations comparing the three cultures of Sri Lanka, Holland and Japan. Even though the restaurant is Italian it was a Japanese style Italian restaurant where you can find many recipes made from Japanese ingredients. Because I am a seafood lover I had raw seafood spaghetti with mentaiko (mentaiko is the marinated roe of Pollock).

Nowadays people in Japan are back to their normal lifestyle without worrying about the nuclear explosion. I think people have an unnecessary fear about Japan and Japanese products.

2011/06/24

No worries about marketing even during rainy days

It is very uncomfortable to do marketing or shopping during rainy days carrying a wet umbrella with you all the time. Normally we carry the wet umbrella into the shop. Because of that the floor gets wet and dirty. Sometimes it causes some accidents as well. It is also very annoying for us as well as for shopkeepers when you carry a wet umbrella. They have to continuously clean the shop floor.
But I found something incredible in Japan that can get rid of this problem. I found this interesting equipment at one supermarket. This concept is used in almost every entrance of offices, supermarkets and malls in Japan. But this is the first time I have seen this kind of device.
There was a box with a blue color cover, stored with plastic bags and the waste box next to it to throw away your plastic bag after use. When you put your umbrella into the hole of the box with the blue color cover and pull the umbrella towards you, it gets wrapped with a plastic bag in just a second. You can remove the plastic cover and throw it away into the waste box when you leave.
This is a good example that shows Japanese always consider their customers' comfort in every situation and try to prevent unnecessary trouble.

Box with unused plastic covers and the waste box

How to cover your umbrella

Your umbrella gets wrapped in a second

When you leave remove your cover and throw it into the waste box

Some places use this concept like this

2011/06/21

Sri Lankan dumplings

This weekend I made Sri Lankan dumplings (we call it Patiss in Sri Lanka) using Japanese ingredients. Dumplings are cooked balls of dough based on potatoes, flour or bread. We use flour to make the dough of Sri Lankan dumplings. But this time I challenged making Sri Lankan dumplings using Japanese dumpling skins. It is available in almost every supermarket. Therefore in one way it is convenient to use readymade skins rather than making the dough at home. The filling is made from potatoes and fish. The recipe of Sri Lankan dumplings is written below. Challenge it by making at home. It is very suitable as a side dish or as a snack in the evening.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (I used new potatoes famous in spring season)
• Fish (I used canned tuna fish flakes)
• Dumpling skins
• Oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped onions
• Chopped green chilies
• Chopped curry leaves
• Chopped garlic and ginger
• Ranpe (a kind of Sri Lankan cooking herb)
• Mustard seeds
• Sri Lankan bonito (Katsuobushi in Japanese)

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes until suitable for mashing
2. Peel them and mash
   
3. Put some oil into a pan and place the pan on top of the fire
4. When the oil is heated, add the mustard seeds, chopped garlic, ginger, curry leaves, ranpe, green chilies and onions
5. When the onions get tempered add the mashed potatoes and fish
6. Mix it well
7. Add salt and black pepper
8. Finally add bonito and keep it on top of the fire for 5 minutes to cook while stirring it well
9. Turn the fire off after 5 minutes and let the paste cool down a little bit
   
10. When the paste cools down take a full teaspoon and place it on top of the dumpling skin
    
11. Fold the skin in half
    
12. Tight the mouth using a fork
    
13. The dumplings will turn out like this
    
14. Heat up the oil and place the dumplings carefully into the pan
    
15. Put the fried dumplings into a wire rack using a slotted spoon when it gets a golden color
    
16. Serve it with tomato ketchup or green chili sauce
    

2011/06/14

Road trip to Hiroshima

Most of the Japanese people are really helpful. They concern and worry about others rather than themselves. I am very lucky to have such a helpful Japanese friend who devoted his time to drive me all the way to Hiroshima. He was always saying he wants to guide me out side of Kyushu, because I have already covered almost every prefecture in Kyushu.

Hiroshima Prefecture is the largest prefecture in Chugoku region in Honshu which is the largest island in Japan. It is located above Kyushu, around 318 km from Oita Prefecture where I live. It is about a 5 hour drive from Oita Prefecture. Hiroshima is a well known historic city that was destroyed by a nuclear weapon during World War 2. Visiting Hiroshima was not on my traveling list, because I have traveled to Nagasaki and thought Hiroshima also must have the same ruins and memorials about World War 2. But thanks to my friend we had a very nice time exploring the most famous tourist spots and enjoying Hiroshima`s specialties.
He guided me through Hiroshima city including the Hiroshima peace memorial park, Itsuku-shima-jinja Shrine and Shimanami-Kaido (highway above the sea).

Hiroshima peace memorial park

Itsuku-shima-jinja Shrine

Shimanami-Kaido

Besides the sightseeing I was able to enjoy the specialties in Hiroshima, okonomiyaki in Hiroshima style (also known as Hiroshima-yaki) and oysters. Rather than trying other dishes in Hiroshima, it is very interesting to enjoy Hiroshima-yaki and the process of making it. A griddle to make Hiroshima-yaki ran the whole length of the customer counter. A numbers of people were working there, each with the responsibility for a specific stage in assembling this delicious Hiroshima-yaki. The final product is served to customers at the counter, right on the griddle, keeping the whole thing warm while you eat.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Delicious oyster Hiroshima-yaki

Another specialty in Hiroshima is oysters. The large, shiny and meaty oysters of Hiroshima were very delicious and as everyone knows that they are the most delicious oysters in Japan. Hiroshima is the leading oyster producer in Japan with its unique cultivation skills. I had grilled oysters at Miyajima Island where you can also have fresh oysters. When you open the shell of the oyster and eat it with vinegar or lemon, you can feel the juicy sweetness and salty flavor of the sea.

Thanks to my Japanese friend I could add Hiroshima to my traveling list.

2011/06/09

Lucky enough to live in a safe place in Japan

After the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant explosion happened, most of the foreigners are afraid to come to Japan and have a negative view of Japan. But there are many safe places to be in Japan except for the nuclear plantation area. I am very happy to live in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu which is 1,000 km (625 miles) away from the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plantation. According to recent data of the World Nuclear Association, Oita is way below the nuclear level that would harm the human body. Recently I found some important links that educate people about the nuclear amount in Japan compared to other countries. Those who are interested about the nuclear impact in Japan, please refer to the following links. Links are in English and Japanese.

English links:

This article and website were published by my university about the present nuclear amount in Oita.

http://www.apu.ac.jp/home/modules/news/index.php?page=article&storyid=2224

The following website provides information in many languages.

http://www.apu.ac.jp/spa/hosyasen.html/?id=19004&version=English

Japanese links:

The nuclear amount in Oita prefecture is being updated by the Oita Prefectural Office every day. Please refer to the following two links to be aware of the nuclear impact in Oita.

http://www.pref.oita.jp/site/jishininfo/kukan-housyasen.html
http://www.pref.oita.jp/site/jishininfo/radionuclideswater.html

2011/06/08

My latest innovation

Recently I always try to challenge to create my own recipes. I enjoy of thinking my own creations by mixing other food cultures with Sri Lankan food culture. One day I was thinking to make a Sri Lankan style ramen (ramen is a Japanese style noodle dish). I was keep thinking how to make a ramen in Sri Lankan style for few days. Though ramen noodles serve with a soup in Japan, noodles are eaten as dry in Sri Lanka. Even though the way of eating noodles in both countries are different, still there is something in Sri Lanka that can be matched with Japanese noodles eating style. It is the Sri Lankan curry. Japanese ramen noodle would mostly matches with red base curries in Sri Lanka. This time I made it with Sri Lankan chicken curry. Also I guess it matches with Sri Lankan beef, pork and seafood curry too. The soup was based on Sri Lankan spices, coconut milk and Bungotakada poultry has used to make the base of chicken curry. This dish has decorated by a half of the egg and some chopped leaks. Finally it came out as a "Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Ramen". I had a very refreshing feeling of enjoying a new dish which did not exist yet anywhere, by combining these interesting food cultures.

This "Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Ramen" gave me courage to challenge more and more to discover my own menus in future.

2011/06/06

Concern about environment

I think Japan is the most considering nation about environment from all over the world. It is very easy to maintain the cleanliness in Japan, because Japanese people have good disciplines of obeying the rules. I got a chance to learn about dividing garbage in to burnable, unburnable and re-cycling after I came to Japan. Even the garbage dividing system is different from area to area; almost all areas in Japan follow this rule basically. They obey this rule for, not only they care about their surrounding, but also they concern about the environmental pollution.

I think Japanese people are the most likely to do volunteer activities. Most people voluntarily participate in cleaning parks, roads and beaches. There was a beach cleaning activity held in last summer, organize by Beppu city hall. Most of organizations, NPO's and individuals join voluntarily in this event. There were around 100 of people waiting to devote their precious time to make their beach clean.

I, my manager and two of my co-workers also represented our company there in last year. Even this beach was fully covered by marine plants and natural litters; we could clean the whole beach within 30miniuts.

Finally everyone got a hot spring free entrance ticket by the city office as an appreciation of contributing this event. We are planning to contribute in this year too.

2011/06/03

Generous, open hearted Japanese people

Since the day I came to Japan, I have met number of generous, open hearted Japanese people. This is an example to prove how generous and friendly these Japanese people are.

I was introduced to a host family from my university when I was in my first year. They are a small family with mom, dad and a daughter. I was invited from them for a short home stay and spent 2 days with them. From the first day I met them, they asked me to call them as parents. Even I was surprised by their manner, I felt very warm and secure after I left my family to come to Japan. They treated me not as a guest, but as a family member even I was a foreigner. They treated me with delicious Japanese foods and took me a Beppu city tour. Staying with this family was the turning point for me to eat fermented soybeans (Natto) which is loathsome food for most foreigners. One day father made me a fermented soybeans omelet which was made me love to eat fermented soybeans.

We have been tightening our relationship day by day since the day I visited them in the first time. They are always with me to share my happiness and sorrows. I can be really happy to have a loving sister to represent the position of bride`s mate in my wedding. In Sri Lanka, bride`s mate position take place by the own sister of the bride. Even I don't have my own sisters; luckily my Japanese sister was there to take place of a bride's mates in my wedding. She and some of my Japanese friends came all the way to Sri Lanka to participate in my wedding ceremony. I think I am really lucky to be in a land with warmhearted, friendly people; feel like I have two homes filled with love and care.

2011/06/02

Japanese people are very creative and still preserve their traditions

This is an example that I can share with you to prove how creative the Japanese people are. There is an annual festival call Takeyoimatsuri (Bamboo evening festival) held in Usuki City in every November. This is one of the famous festivals held in Oita Prefecture which is not only famous among Japanese but also among foreigners. I also participated this event in last November. From the moment I came out of the Usuki railway station I was impressed about the creativity of the Japanese people. There were 1000`s of carved bamboo lanterns in various designs and different shapes kept in both sides of the road from the station to Usuki Castle. It was my first time and I was surprised to see such a crowd there.

The premise of Usuki castle is the main center of displaying many bamboo carving designs. When you look down from the Usuki castle, the Usuki City appears with plenty of lanterns, covering the whole city like the dark sky full of shining stars. Many organizations, societies and individuals contribute this event to exhibit their own unique bamboo carvings.

It seems this event is a recreation of the tragic legend of the princess used to live in Usuki city. The parade of carrying the model of this beautiful princess starts around 7pm from Yasaka Shrine.

You should visit this event at least once in your life time.

2011/05/31

I would like to thank the Government of Japan

Thanks to the Japanese Government, today I work in a Japanese company securely and have been living in Japan for six years. I was a scholarship recipient from the Japanese Government and could make my dream come true by entering an International University in Japan. The Japanese Government offers scholarships for students from all over the world to continue their higher studies in Japan. There is no argument that these scholarships are really helpful especially who come from developing countries. Thanks to this Scholarship system more than 1000students graduate annually from my university (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University). I also could do my studies well without worrying about financial matters and could graduate with flying colors.

2011/05/27

Kagoshima potatoes in Sri Lankan style

Ingredients for 2 people:

• Potatoes (I used kagoshima potatoes which are very delicious in spring time)
• Onions
• Some pieces of red chili (this can be adjusted as you want)
• Sri Lankan bonito (Katsuobushi in Japanese)
• Mustard seeds
• Salt
• Turmeric
• Oil

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes, peel them and cut in to 4 pieces
2. Cut the onion in to small slices
3. Put oil in to the pan and place the pan on fire
4. When oil get heated put mustard seeds and onions
5. When it get light brownish color add potatoes, chili pieces, salt, bonito and turmeric
6. Stir well and keep around 5 minutes
7. When the potatoes and onions get fried, its ready to eat

You can either fry potatoes and onions separately and add together at last or can follow up my way from frying onions in the first place. Have a try to make Sri Lankan potato fry with onions. I am sure you would really love it.

2011/05/26

How I spent my weekend

In last weekend one of my university professors from Philippine visited my place with his family. He would really like to have a Sri L ankan lunch. Therefore I made Sri Lankan dishes using Japanese ingredients and Sri Lankan spices. I used Kagoshima potato, young yellowtail tuna from Nagasaki and lettuce Frillice from Oita (this is known as handsome lettuce in Japan).

I made this fried tuna fish salad using young yellowtail tuna from Nagasaki, crunchy and more succulent lettuce Frillice from Oita, some onions and mini tomatoes. The dressing for the salad was made with salt, black pepper and lemon that give the Sri Lankan taste.

This dish is known as "potato fry with onions". This includes to the regular menu in Sri Lanka when it is a special occasion. I made this from Kagoshima potatoes. Kagoshima is the 3rd famous place for growing potatoes in Japan. This is the season of newly harvested potatoes arriving to the market. The fragrance of the spring can feel when it boils. These fluffy and juicy potatoes made my dish delicious.

2011/05/17

My favorite Japanese food

Finally the most waited summer of 2011 will come soon after few days. The season is to enjoy the beauty of sea.

If I say ocean, my favorite Japanese food recalls me. It is sashimi. I would like to introduce my favorite place for sashimi. It is known as "Shioyu" (salted hot spring) located in Kamiura area, Saiki in Oita Prefecture.

There are few tanks you can find as you entered to this place, where various types of fishes and shells of the season are stored lively. When you pointed what you want to eat, they will make them as sashimi in a few seconds. Also I would like to introduce the most delicious miso paste I have ever tasted which is unique to this shop. Usually miso is made from soybeans; this miso paste is made from seafood. Next time I will refer about that in details.

This is not just a place to eat, but there is a natural salted hot spring facing to the beautiful ocean where you can be relaxed and you will feel like you are in the warm sea. This is the perfect place to enjoy both fresh seafood sashimi and hot spring bath.

If you have a chance to visit Saiki don't miss to visit this place and make your journey memorable.

2011/05/13

Changing the dietary habits

Recently I became to concern about my weight and have an interest about dieting. Therefore I changed a part of my dietary style from Sri Lankan to Japanese and started to try Japanese dietary habits. I have changed my dietary system from the breakfast concerning the statement of "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper". Hence I have not eaten breakfast until now get starved a lot in day time. But what I have realized is when I have breakfast as a king, I don't feel much hungry in day time. At the first time when I saw Japanese women`s lunch box (Japanese lunch box is very small and compact) I was surprised. But now I know the secret. I too carry a Japanese style lunch box; tofu (bean curd) and vegetables instead of rice for dinner.

Also I have changed the rice from white rice to brown rice which effects for dieting and rich in lots of nutritious and vitamins. I am very lucky to come across with Hinohikari brown rice 5ks for 1980yen from Taketa city, Oita prefecture.