Tag: Japanese culture

  • What are Sushi Plates? 9 Things to Know about Sushi Platters

    What are Sushi Plates? 9 Things to Know about Sushi Platters

    Believe it or not, sushi has its own form of tableware. When you think about it, it makes sense, because you wouldn’t want your sushi rolling around on the edges of a curved plate! Find out how to serve your sushi beautifully in my latest piece for Japan Objects:https://japanobjects.com/features/sushi-plates

  • Exploring Ishikawa, the Land of Kutani Ware Ceramics

    Exploring Ishikawa, the Land of Kutani Ware Ceramics

    I visited Ishikawa to see how kutaniyaki is made for one of my videos. It was quite a long journey to get there, so I did some exploring whilst I was there too! Here are some of the interesting things you can find in the area: https://voyapon.com/ishikawa-kutani-ware-ceramics/

  • Japanese Work Culture: Are the Stories True or False?

    Japanese Work Culture: Are the Stories True or False?

    There are a lot of stereotypes and media-hyped stories about Japan’s crazy work culture. Having lived through it myself, here are the truths and untruths about it all:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/10/japanese-work-culture-true-or-false/

  • I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?

    I know Japanese. Why can’t I read signs in Hokkaido?

    Place names in Japanese are difficult to read, because they combine kanji characters you wouldn’t see together in other situations. Once I finally started getting used to the combinations on Japan’s main island, I was dumb-struck by the names up north in Hokkaido. The combinations were highly unusual, and often used characters I’ve never seen…

  • What is Nori? 8 Things to Know About Japanese Seaweed

    What is Nori? 8 Things to Know About Japanese Seaweed

    Although nori has gained international acclaim as a tasty seaweed to wrap your sushi in, there are actually quite a few other types of edible seaweed in Japan! In this article for Japan Objects, I take a look at the different types of seaweed, and how they’re harvested and dried:https://japanobjects.com/features/nori-seaweed

  • 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan

    5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan

    Before moving to Japan, I never truly appreciated autumn. In the UK, it gets cold all too quickly, and there aren’t many places to really take in the autumn colours. But in Japan, the weather cools down slowly, giving you a break from the overbearing heat of summer, and rewarding you with beautiful reds and…

  • First Timer’s Guide to Eating at an Izakaya

    First Timer’s Guide to Eating at an Izakaya

    If you’re visiting Japan, an Izakaya is an absolute must. When I visited with my family it’s not something we did, because we favoured the more polished experiences. But I think we would have enjoyed it, because it really shows the local culture and cuisine. Now that I live in Japan, going to an izakaya…

  • The Linguistic Joy of Cooking

    The Linguistic Joy of Cooking

    This is my first ever publication with the Japan Times. It was published in their print edition on Friday August 19, 2022, and covers different linguistic aspects of cooking in Japan. From “中華鍋” to “寝かせる”, here are some of the Japanese words and phrases you might find yourself needing when you open a cookbook. Read…

  • What is Wasabi? Common Questions Answered

    What is Wasabi? Common Questions Answered

    I visited a wasabi farm in Shizuoka prefecture, and I’m in the process of making a video about it. But first to understand the basics about the spicy plant and how it differs from the fake tubed stuff, I wrote an article for Japan Objects: https://japanobjects.com/features/wasabi

  • 5 Delicious Hokkaido Foods in Japan

    5 Delicious Hokkaido Foods in Japan

    In Japan, the northern Hokkaido region is known for its culinary prowess. There is so much variety, and it seems that every town has its own delicious specialty. GaijinPot already covered some of the broader basics of Hokkaido, like their great dairy, but these are 5 more specific dishes that you shouldn’t miss if you…