Kanpan: Japanese Hardtack as Emergency Food
Japan is the land of earthquakes and typhoons, so many people have emergency food at home just in case. In fact, in a closet of my house, there is a bunch of instant cup...
Category: Trivia
What are Hibachi, Shichirin, and Teppanyaki in Japan?
I have learned from English Wikipedia recently that in North America, Hibachi (火鉢) refers to a small cooking stove heated with charcoal or a hot iron plate used in Teppanyaki restaurants. I don’t mind...
Amatou & Karatou: Meanings of the Japanese Words
I’m more of an Amatou (甘党) than a Karatou (辛党). But do you know what I mean? Meaning: Amatou & Karatou Some Japanese people may talk to you like this about their food and...
Yamaimo vs. Nagaimo vs. Jinenjo: Japanese Yams
When I think of Japanese yams, what comes to my mind right away is Yamaimo (山芋: meaning Mountain Yam), Nagaimo (長芋: Long Yam), and Jinenjo (自然薯: Wild Yam). These are similar things, all seem...
Meanings of Hina Arare rice crackers for Hinamatsuri
Here in Japan, March 3rd is a special day for young girls called Hinamatsuri (雛祭り) when parents with daughters annually celebrate and pray for their sound growth. As I wrote before, regarding food for the...
Unagi: Shirayaki vs. Kabayaki
When it comes to the Japanese dish using the freshwater eel Unagi, Unagi no Kabayaki (うなぎの蒲焼) is quintessential and one of the exquisite, as you may know. But have you ever heard of Unagi no...
Gomoku: Meaning of the Japanese Word
Gomoku (五目) is a Japanese word often used in the names of Japanese dishes but rarely heard in everyday life. If I give an example, when I hear the word, what comes to my mind...
Japanese Noodles: Tantanmen vs. Tanmen vs. Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup originating from the noodle dish called Nankin Soba (南京そば). Nankin Soba was served in Chinatowns founded in ports such as Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, and Hakodate in the early...
