Select Page
Wagyu vs Amegyu

Wagyu vs Amegyu

by | October 26, 2019 | Blog, Food

Wagyu vs Amegyu

Wagyu vs Amegyu

The way one thinks about beef is fundamentally different between America and Japan.

It seems that the general philosophy of the Americans is; more is better.

As this is borne out by the massive steaks, hamburgers, and ribs available in the dinning establishments of the US. As well as the plethora of meat products to choose from at the supermarket, it seems like meat is consumed for almost every meal in America household.

What about Japanese beef, know as “Wagyu”?

As you may or may not know, Japanese beef is highly valued throughout the world for its high quality.

In particular you can look to renowned beef producing regions of Japan including; Matsuzakagyu, Kobegyu, or the incredible YonezaWagyu.

Have you ever had the opportunity to try “Wagya”?

The secret behind the incredible flavour of Wagyu is in the raising of these cattle.

These animals live in luxurious condition and are pampered for 18 months more than regular American beef; 3 full years.

Indeed, in light of these facts, the cost of such beef is at a premium.

Additionally, the meticulous marbling is the signature of Wagyu, and not only does this marbling provides an exquisite texture that melts in your mouth, but compared to other types of beef, Wagyu is rich in monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid).

And due to the very high ratio of this oleic acid, Wagyu has a rich and powerful flavour; a must try for all beef connoisseur

When I first came to Japan, beef was extraordinarily expensive and was thought of as an item for special occasions only.

I once went into a butcher shop and was shocked by the price of their beef, with the most expensive one coming in at ¥1,000/100g (USD $9.50/3.5oz).

It was extremely delicious to say the least, but not something on the daily shopping list.

During this time there was some trade friction between the US and Japan concerning the non-tariff trade barriers to American beef and oranges.

And just when this friction between partners seemed to have been resolved, mad cow disease shows up.

In 1986, the first case of mad cow disease was discovered in the UK. A few year later, Japan’s first mad cow disease was discovered in 2001, and Japan banned beef imports from 2003 to 2013 when the regulations were finally relaxed.

As such, we are seeing a significant increase in the amount of beef being consumed by the Japanese, much of it imported.

Could it be that the only successful American warehouse club in Japan has gained traction and is the reason why ”all-you-can-eat” yakiniku (Korean BBQ style) restaurants popping up all over Japan.

Examining this trend you could say that the Japanese as a culture have always taken from outside influences, and make them incrementally better over time (kaizen).

Where will the Japanese take the American way of eating beef, and what will be the consequences on the health of the Japanese citizens in the future?

Only time will tell.

Ichigo Ichie ~ Once In A Life Time

Ichigo Ichie ~ Once In A Life Time

by | October 19, 2019 | Blog, Culture, Inspiration

Ichigo Ichie ~ Once In A Life Time

Ichigo Ichie ~ Once In A Life Time

The beauty of the Japanese language never fails to take the breath away.

Ichigo Ichie: just only one chance in a life-time;

An interpretation of this exquisite four-character compound is:

One meeting, one opportunity―this concept from the Way of Tea regards every encounter as a unique opportunity of a lifetime, or in general, of treasuring each passing moment in order to live meaningfully.

One treats each moment as a unique event in ones own space and time.

Each meeting is unique and each moment special, and becomes a part of who we are.

Every day is full of Ichigo Ichie events; for example, while walking in solitude and see a heron taking flight from the rice paddies.

When one recognizes the beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime event, then one will have started to understand the true and deeper meaning of Ichigo Ichie.

Indeed, you and I dear reader, are now having an Ichigo Ichie event as you read this.

One wrote this post for the purpose of having a once in a life time unique encounter with you the dear reader and this will only last one fleeting moment, the time that it takes for you to read this post.

Wake each day and live with the intent of Ichigo Ichie, and you will find yourself closer to understanding the Japanese mind and the Japanese way.

Japanese Tattoos

Japanese Tattoos

by | October 12, 2019 | Blog, Culture, Education

Japanese Tattoos

Japanese Tattoos

Without a doubt the Japanese have some of the most incredible art, and the art of Japanese tattoos is no exception.

The Japanese word for tattoo, irezumi is translates directly as “inserting ink”.

Fundamentally having a tattoo in Japan is strictly taboo and there is still a stigma attached to those having tattoos in Japan, Japanese or otherwise.

For example, hot springs, and bath houses do not allow visitors to have tattoos, and this is clearly displayed at the entrances. Furthermore, the sports clubs and pools will ask one to cover it up. Those with the full body tats, out of luck.

Historically, tattoos in Japan were associated with the yakuza (Japanese mafia), and, therefore, when the common citizens of Japan see people with tattoos, the red flags go up immediately, and caution mode is invoked.

As we see more and more foreigners coming to the Land Of The Rising Son, in particularly from the heavily tattooed Western societies, the Japanese have become slightly more accustom to seeing ink.

Now, does this change the fact that the Japanese are still suspicious of tattooed humans; absolutely not.

In fact, when the common citizen of Japan see the foreigners with tattoos, this simply reaffirms the image of foreigners as “smelling of butter” and who are still somewhat “savages”.

The significance of having a tattoo becomes even more grave for those Japanese who venture into this forbidden land.

Once you have committed to a tattoo, it’s there for life; like a marriage

Once a Japanese has committed their life to a tattoo (ones they cannot cover up), they have basically recused themselves from the greater society of Japan.

It could be said, in all probability no salaryman or OL in a Japanese company has a tattoo, or if they did, the tattoo would be hidden away, like a dark rebellious secret.

Indeed, labeling oneself as outliers who refuse to conform to the system of Japan, was, is and will be always be a signal that they have reject this society and what it means to be Japanese.

How about a tattoo for you?

   

Samurai Salaryman

Samurai Salaryman

by | October 5, 2019 | Blog, Culture

Samurai Salaryman

Samurai Salaryman

Like many aliens, I mean foreigners, I got my start in Japan as an English lecturer.

Fortunately, I had the privilege of sub contracting to a large Japanese company for my career.

There I saw complex hierarchical human relationships, fierce factions, the constitution of the Japanese salarymen, and the office ladies that support them.

The dedication of these salarymen to their companies is incredible.

I had to laugh;

There was a long holiday (10 days in a row is a long holiday for the Japanese), at the end of April beginning of May in celebration of our new emperor.

I was talking to a middle manager, and he was in a quandary as what to do with himself during this “long holiday”.

After the holiday was over, I asked him how it went and he said “I couldn’t wait to get back to work, because I didn’t know what to do with myself”.

Rest assures this is a typical response throughout the mindset of the salarymen.

Fundamentally, after these men enter their companies, they from then on refer to themselves as, for example: I am a so-and-so company man, or I belong to so-and-so company.

Their identity becomes that of their company, and by the way their families and children also become one with their company.

In the rare instance where a salaryman changes companies in midstream, it was looked upon as treasonous, and these anomalies jumping ship in the middle of their careers are looked upon with suspicion if not disdain in their new companies.

The company in essence becomes the master of these employees, and the employees become the servant of their company, just as being born Japanese make you a servant of the nation of Japan.

These workers live in company supplied housing, get car and house loans with the major affiliated bank of their company, and attend events sponsored by the company.

I attended one of their summer events and there were hundreds and hundreds of people. All of them work for the main company, subsidiaries, or related companies. The atmosphere was truly festive and there were many booths representing each subsidiary selling some carnival food or holding games for the children. I was amazed as the sense of community and belonging that these people felt as a group, a group loyal to their company.

Thinking about this in a deeper way, being a salary man is merely an extension of being Japanese. This means being a citizen of Japan first, an employee of the company, then a member of your surrounding community, and at last your blood family.

Delights Of The Sea

Delights Of The Sea

by | September 29, 2019 | Blog, Food

Delights Of The Sea

Delights Of The Sea: Sashimi

Sashimi translates to “raw fish”, and who would have ever have thought this Japanese word would become a part of the English lexicon.

Let’s think about it: Who in their right mind would think, “Why not – let’s eat fish raw”, said no one from the western world, ever.

However, once you discover the delightful and subtle flavours of the “umi no sachi [delights of the sea]” there is no turning back.

Sometimes things just take a little getting used to, like the texture.

A particularly delightful aspect of sashimi, is its seasonality.

For example, in the autumn the saury pike are mature and have layers of fat on them, absolutely delicious with the soy sauce and freshly grated ginger. I also recommend saury pike done in shioyaki (baked in salt), with a squeeze of kabosu (What is “kabosu”?)

Around the end of October, one of my all time favourites, bonito (katsuo) will be returning to this area after feeding in the northern seas off Hokkaido over the spring and summer. These fish have also fattened up and are amazing when seasoned with freshly grates garlic (I suggest Aomori garlic) and soy sauce.

At the beginning, I never thought of eating abalone liver. I was amazed at just how delicious the liver of not only abalone is, but fish liver in general being extremely delicious. I actually love abalone liver so much I make a video of preparing abalone livers (How to prepare abalone)

Not everything is love at first sight: The first time I tried sea urchin, it was not so good. I am not sure if the sea urchin was not fresh or what, but I was certainly not a fan at the beginning. However, after I went to a sushi bar and was served sea urchin again, only this time it was incredible, as it was fresh out of the water and still shimmering, absolutely delightful (What is sea urchin?)

Not only is sashimi the most delicious way to eat fish, it is offered nestled in a stunning visual displays of the chefs artistic creativity.

If I had to choose one Japanese cuisine for that I consider the best, I have to nominate sashimi to be the most exquisite delicacy in the entire Japanese food culture.

 

Who is Sazae-san?

Who is Sazae-san?

by | September 21, 2019 | Blog, Culture

Who is Sazae-san?

Who is Sazae-san?

The importance of the Sazae Family to the Japanese can not be over emphasized.

Sazae-san (main female character, lives with her husband, Masuo, her parents, younger brother and sister and her child) is based upon the comic character first publishes in April 22, 1946, just one short year after the end of the second world war, and remains a staple of Sunday night primetime. Interestingly enough, all of the characters are named with things related to the sea.

The author of the original comic book Machiko Hasegawa desire was for the this family to embody the image of the modern Japanese family after World War II, and this image continues to this very day, and remains dear to the Japanese heart.

The TV series began airing in October 1969 and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest running animated television series ().

Sazae was a very “liberated” woman, and many plot-lines revolved around Sazae bossing around her husband, to the consternation of her neighbours, who believed that a man should be the head of his household. Later on, Sazae became a feminist and was involved in many comical situations regarding her affiliation with her local women’s lib group.

For most people unfamiliar with Japan and their society, it may seems that this society is highly patriarchal, and this is true to a certain extent.

However, Japanese women actually rule and run the household, as well as control the finances of the family. The husbands salary is directly deposited into a bank account controlled by the woman of the house.

In fact, the salarymen of Japan usually receive a monthly allowance from their wives, and once this is gone they are done for the month!

These haggard salarymen work extremely long hours, and have long commutes going from the suburbs to the office towers of the metropolises of Japan to run the machine that is Japan.

They don’t really have a say in matters concerning the education of their children, or much in the way of how the household run. They are probably too tired to care too much anyway.

Leave it to the wife!

Things are not always what they seem in the Land Of The Rising Son, and one must never take the surface of Japan to be any thing other than:

a constructed reality to which everyone pays lip service