What is Sukiyaki? Sukiyaki is a dish in which thinly sliced beef and other ingredients called zaku, such as leeks, garland chrysanthemum, shiitake mushrooms, grilled tofu and shirataki, are cooked or stewed in a shallow iron pot. The cooking method…
To calm the warring world The lives of the people were filled with anxiety and confusion due to the Taira-no-Masakado Rebellion of 939. A monk, under the orders of Emperor Suzaku, prayed with a statue of Fudo Myoo, which had…
What is a summer kimono or yukata? Yukata is the summer kimono in Japan and is worn at summer festivals and fireworks displays. Summer in Japan is extremely hot and humid compared to other countries. Yukata is the most suitable…
What is Oden? Oden is a typical winter dish made by boiling dashi broth seasoned with soy sauce and other seasonings and adding oden seeds such as daikon radish, konjak and boiled egg to the broth, then dipping it in…
The Meaning and Uses of Tenugui A tenugui is a towel used to wipe one’s hands after washing one’s face or hands, or to wipe perspiration. However, unlike simple towels, tenugui in Japan are very thin and come in a…
The figure has remained unchanged for more than 50 years The beautiful Port Tower has been watching over the city of Kobe for over 50 years. The Kobe Port Tower is an observation facility that opened in 1963, and is…