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Japanese Culture | Hot Spots | Products | Food

Feb. 2016

No.12 FREE www.bentoboxmag.ca BUILD YOUR OWN SUSHI

Maki My Way is revolutionizing the roll JAPAN’S KAWAII CAPITAL

Discover cute and trendy Harajuku arajuku

Visit Our Website & You Could Win

PRIZES >>See Page 44

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Contents

February 2016 No.12

Food

Featured

04 Nabe: Japanese hot pot

10 Featured products

This steaming, savoury feast is the ideal remedy for the cold winter months.

08 Make it your way Maki My Way is revolutionizing the way people eat sushi, with fully customizable menus and an option to build your own sushi roll from scratch.

14 The heart of Japanese cuisine The all-purpose seasoning that adds depth and flavour, shoyu is a must-have for Japanese meals and more.

16 A sake for all occasions With its fresh flavour and dry finish, Izumi’s Nama-cho sake is a treat to your tastebuds.

42 Not your average noodle Arrive hungry, leave happy: Sansotei Ramen packs a big punch of flavour in every bowl.

This restaurant’s dishes are too adorable to eat ... almost

26

Looking for a warm drink to beat the winter chill? This month’s products make it even more fun to relax and indulge.

12 Tech spotlight

04

The Acura NSX supercar is back and it’s faster and more advanced than ever.

30 Local events

Dig in to warm your belly and delight your tastebuds

Culture

Celebrate Japanese culture in your own backyard.

24 Only in Japan

36 On the ball

From mountain hags to style rebels: gyaru culture makes a bold statement in contemporary Japan.

You’ll find high-quality food, crowds and talent in Japan’s baseball stadiums.

38 Beauty

32 Cinema Kabuki

Looking for a signature scent for you and your lover? These Japanese fragrances pair beautifully with each other.

Catch a glimpse of some classic Japanese theatre—now with a glossy new sheen.

34 Hit the books

Travel

A Tokyo detective is possessed by the impossible task of tracking down a missing artist … or his tortured spirit.

18 Featured destination: Harajuku

40 Memoir

With its colourful cosplayers and flashy fashion, Harajuku has cemented its spot as a mecca for all things cute and trendy.

Take a deep breath, strip down and sink in: Japanese public baths provide the ultimate relaxation.

26 One-of-a-kind dining

44 Kyara-ben

Brace yourself for the overwhelming cuteness of this unique dining experience.

Ready to jazz up your meal in the most adorable way?

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter

EDITOR’S NOTE

Nina Hoeschele

facebook.com/bentoboxmag

Looking fashion forward

I

twitter.com/bentoboxmag

t’s easy to write off fashion trends as shallow, but some beauty movements start as strong social statements—as did Japan’s gyaru (p. 24): girls whose style attacks conventional standards to redefine what’s considered beautiful. That same spirit is found all over Tokyo’s Harajuku district (p. 18), the epicentre of quirky fashion choices … and in the unique theme restaurant (p. 26) where Harajuku’s adorable essence is made edible.

Editors Nina Hoeschele, Amanda Plyley, Yumi Nishio Editorial coordinator Nina Hoeschele, Yumi Nishio Writers Amanda Taylor, D’arcy Mulligan, Jenny McKechnie, M Crowson,

If you want to channel the revolutionary spirit here in Toronto, we have the answer: Maki My Way (p. 8), the sushi restaurant that says sayonara to the tyranny of inflexible menus. Or is it straight-up cuteness you’re after? Well, you and your partner will be the most unbearably cute couple there is with a pair of matching scents (p. 38)—just in time for Valentine’s Day. Too much cuteness, you say? Never fear. Take the edge off with a haunting ghost story (p. 34), or by reading up on Japan’s latest baseball season (p. 36). Japan may have put its own twists on America’s pastime, but no adorable uniforms … we promise.

Nicholas Jones, Sheena Kirkbride, Shelley Suzuki, Stephen Choi, Rondie Li Designers Chiyako Mukai, Reiko Ema Web designer Hiroyuki Azuma Photographers Kazu Maruyama, Mari Otsuka Production assistants Michelle Trichilo, Yoo Kyung Jung, Ryo Kanawa, Yuri Atsumi, Jin Shibao, Akane Ogiso, Rebecca Kusakawa, Takuya Minami Publisher Kazu Maruyama

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Feature

みんなでつつけばもっと楽しい！ 具沢山のあったか鍋。

A warm and savoury winter feast When the icy-cold winter months roll around, it’s best to seek shelter and treat yourself to warm, cosy indulgences. In Japan, they know this as well as we do here in Canada—the country experiences a rather cold winter, too, with similarly snowy scenes in the northern areas. So, for a little extra comfort this winter, why not supplement your usual soup and hot chocolate with some Japanese warming know-how?

Our recommendation for those who are new to Japanese cuisine: it’s time to get to know body-warming nabe, or Japanese hot pot. Nabe is a popular dish that involves a plethora of ingredients, all simmered together in a communal pot and generally enjoyed as a group. It’s commonly served at year’s end and particularly at New Year’s parties. But this hot, hearty meal is an ideal choice throughout the winter months.

Not an expert in Japanese cooking? Never fear: there’s nabe waiting to be had all over our city, care of some excellent chefs.

In this article, we will look at five popular Japanese restaurants that serve their own unique styles of nabe—filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients, from bountiful seafood, to pickled kimchi, to soft, chewy udon noodles. Get ready to warm yourself to the core this winter with some exquisite hot-pot cooking!

Seafood Milk Nabe

·^P[O JVUJLU[YH[LK ÅH]V\YZ VM MYLZO ZLHMVVK $14

Fin Izakaya Toronto is far from the ocean, which can make the yearning for fresh seafood seem even more powerful than usual. At Fin Izakaya, where they specialize in seafood, diners can meet these yearnings head-on. The “Seafood Milk Nabe” won first place last year in Fin’s annual competition, where various nabe made by the restaurant’s chefs face off in a savoury showdown. This hot pot includes ingredients like thick-sliced salmon and concentrated broth made of fresh seafood and vegetables. The rich, milk-based soup is complex, but also has a clean aftertaste. For $49, four people can enjoy it as a group meal.

I am proud to present this nabe with its delicious flavours of fresh seafood.

Chef Taka

Fin Izakaya 55 Eglinton Ave. E. 647-347-3864 www.finizakaya.com Open: (Lunch) Wed–Fri 11:30 am–4 pm (Dinner) Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–12 am Sun 5:30 pm–10 pm

Main ingredients: Salmon, mussels, clams, crab legs, oyster mushrooms and more.

Niku-miso miso o + noodles les

Good to the last bite After enjoying the hot pot, you can add “Niku miso + noodles” (for an extra $4) and finish it off. The thick soup goes along well with the noodles, making it even more delicious.

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Japanese HOT POT

Pork Kimchi Soy Milk Nabe

—a healthy nabe that’s rich in iron and vitamins $16

Teppan Kenta Main ingredients: Pork belly, homemade kimchi, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, leek and more.

Teppan Kenta 24 Wellesley St. W. 647-345-0905 teppankenta.com Open: Tues–Sun 5:30 pm–12 am (Last order 11:30 pm)

Udon Suki

Teppan Kenta is popular for its teppan dishes, like okonomiyaki and steak, as well as for its creative menus. During the winter season (October to March), the restaurant offers a special dish on the menu: “Pork Kimchi Soy Milk Nabe.” The dish will first grab your eyes’ attention with its voluminous pile of leek and cabbage, and then please your tastebuds with its rich soup, made with a mix of kelp stock and soy milk. The homemade kimchi adds a delicate accent to the sweet flavour of the soy milk, making a perfect balance. After enjoying the hot pot, you can finish it off by adding rice, egg and cheese and making it into a risotto ($4 extra), or by adding a secret ingredient—not listed on the menu—called ikemen (ramen noodles: $4 extra).

—with abundant, luxurious ingredients on udon $28 Katsura Japanese Restaurant— at the Westin Prince, Toronto For more than 40 years, Katsura Japanese Restaurant at the Westin Prince Hotel has been serving authentic Japanese flavours in Canada.

In the restaurant’s luxurious interior, you can enjoy delicate meals like Kaiseki and sushi, as well as their hearty hot pot option: “Udon Suki.”

The Kansai-style, lightly flavoured soup is made of bonito, kelp and seafood. It all combines for a rich yet mild flavour that will delight your tastebuds throughout the meal.

Main ingredients: King crab, shrimp, scallops, udon noodles, shiitake mushrooms and more.

Katsura Japanese Restaurant 900 York Mills Rd. | 416-444-2511 | 647-259-3230 katsurarestaurant.com Open: (Lunch) Tues–Fri 12 pm–2:30 pm ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ­ iÀ®Ê-Õ q Êx\ÎäÊ« q Ê« ÊUÊ/ÕiÃq->ÌÊx\ÎäÊ« q£äÊ«

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Japanese HOT POT

Sukiyaki Udon Nabe

—sweet and spicy soup with butter and kimchi $19

Nakamori Main ingredients: Beef tenderloin, shungiku (crown daisy), fried tofu, bean sprouts, kimchi and more.

Nakamori has become quite popular among local diners due to its original and creative Japanese dishes. The “Sukiyaki Udon Nabe” lunch menu, created to fulfill the wishes of Nakamori’s regular customers, has a rich broth made with four different types of mushrooms (portobella, porcini, lobster and shiitake) and accentuated by kimchi. Butter is added as the finishing touch to the mixed mushroom broth.

This unexpected arrangement will surely captivate your senses.

Nakamori 2803 Eglinton Ave. E. | 416-265-7111 | nakamori.ca Open: (Lunch) Tues–Fri 11:30 am–2 pm (Dinner) Tues–Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm

Pork Kimchi Nabe

—with a mild, soy-sauce-based taste $30

Don Don Izakaya Don Don Izakaya is known for its creative izakaya fare and friendly way of greeting customers with energetic drumbeats. Among the numerous eye-pleasing, creative dishes on the menu, “Pork Kimchi Nabe” for two is especially suited for the cold season. The light, soysauce-based soup complements the natural flavours of each ingredient.

The homemade kimchi is made less spicy for those who prefer mild tastes in their warm comfort food.

Main ingredients: Pork belly, homemade kimchi, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, carrots and more.

Don Don Izakaya 130 Dundas St. W. | 416-492-5292 www.dondonizakaya.com Open: (Lunch) Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4 pm ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ­ iÀ®Ê-Õ q/ ÕÀÃÊxÊ« q£ÓÊ> ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊxÊ« q£Ê>

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Best of Toronto

By Stephen Choi Restaurant

Make it your way Maki My Way is revolutionizing the way people eat sushi, with fully customizable menus and an option to build your own sushi roll from scratch.

Signature rolls Red dragon roll (dynamite roll topped with salmon) A wide array of chef-inspired rolls is always a delicious option when you’re in the mood to let the pros make the choices.

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Hungry for more? Let’s dig in!

Perfect for a party Small platter with 24 pcs maki, 4 pcs nigiri Why not try a sushi platter for your next gathering? Limitless customizability means that you can account for everyone’s dietary needs.

There are an infinite number of possible ways to make a sushi roll, but most places offer pretty much the same formula. Maki My Way is changing things up by giving you the option to build your own sushi creations, allowing for new combinations and giving you full control over what you eat.

The idea for Maki My Way came to Robert, the founder, during a trip to Japan when he asked for a different kind of ice cream for his bento box and was told it was impossible. This experience became the inspiration for Maki My Way, a restaurant that gives its guests the freedom to customize any part of the huge menu, including sushi, bento boxes, rice and noodle bowls, salads, udon and a large array of appetizers.

To build your own sushi roll, you begin by choosing your preferred type of fish or meat, then selecting from a substantial list of fruit, veggies, toppings and sauces. You can be as safe or as daring as you like. And if you decide you’d rather leave it to the pros, the signature rolls created by the restaurant’s expert Japanese chefs are sure to leave you satisfied.

Maki My Way’s large selection of appetizers are perfect as small, delicious and inexpensive side dishes, and you’ll even find Sapporo Beer and sake on tap. Whether you’re taking advantage of the restaurant’s delivery or catering services or enjoying a conventional in-house visit, you can be sure that everything will be done just the way you like it.

The ultimate sushi roll

For the love of bento boxes

The rainbow roll is a California roll dressed to impress, topped with tuna, salmon, shrimp, albacore, eel and avocado.

Choose salmon, shrimp, chicken, beef, pork belly, pork katsu or tofu as the main dish of this satisfying lunch box, which also includes a cup of miso soup.

Maki Rob’s Way

Meet Kevin

Kevin is a faithful regular, and his unique customizations (that he can’t get anywhere else) have been memorized by the staff.

Robert Garabedian worked for a large corporation for 20 years until his love of food urged him to quit his job and begin a new life in the world of sushi alongside his business partner and longtime friend Luis Leon. His desire for a create-yourown-sushi restaurant was the inspiration behind Maki My Way. Rob’s friendly smile and welcoming demeanour are proof that he loves his new job.

Maki My Way www.makimyway.com TEL: 416-599-8828 / 416-599-MAKI (6254) 293 King St. W., Toronto Open: Daily 11 am–9 pm

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Hot

Featured

in

Japan

PRODUCTS Looking for a warm drink to beat the winter chill?

This month’s products make it even more fun to relax and indulge.

01

CafeCat in your cup Start off your morning by sharing your cup of coffee with this sweet little cat.

Each package comes with two cats and four paws (two vanilla, two chocolate).

You’ll never find anything cuter peeking out at you while you sip your warm beverage on a cold winter day. These adorable CafeCats are marshmallows that are individually hand-drawn to give each one a uniquely adorable expression.

The vanilla- and chocolate-flavoured marshmallows melt slowly in your hot beverage so that you can enjoy the delicious sweetness with every sip. These cute kitties are a great addition to your hot chocolate, of course, but also delicious in your coffee (the chocolate flavour gives you a homemade café mocha!), tea and hot soy milk.

You’ll never want to go back to sugar cubes.

More info on CafeCats Yawahada Marshmallow Shop yawahada.ocnk.net 10

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H cho ot c cat o!

02 Red d tea Aged for two years to become fragrant, mellow and smooth

Rose R Blended with real rose petals and great for skin

03 瑠璃釉 (RuriyȻ)

CLASSIC TEA BLENDS Enjoy the teas of 600-year-old tea makers that have crossed new boundaries.

Ginger Gi tea A natural herb tea with a mellow bite of ginger

Lemongrass L A delightful, lemony tea to get refreshed

These unique blends will be your cup of tea

Chamomile Ch il A sweet tea with a relaxing apple scent

Yuzu Y Stocked with vitamin C to keep colds away

Award-winning tea makers from one of Japan’s most famous tea regions have begun making Western-inspired Japanese fusion teas. Using the highest-quality tea leaves, the flavours are blended in a way that redefines what we think of many of these familiar teas.

Redesigned diner mugs Simple and stylish, Amabro mugs are uniquely designed for easy, comfortable drinking.

白濁釉 (HakudakuyȻ)

黄地釉 (ǰjiyȻ)

Maker’s marks

鉄釉 (TetsuyȻ)

均窯釉 (KinyȬyȻ)

There’s a new and improved version of the most basic and beloved of all mugs—diner mugs. Specifically made to be super comfortable to hold and drink from, these mugs feature a glaze that is traditionally used in Japanese folk art, giving them a Japanese flair.

More info on tea & mugs amabro | www.amabro.com www.bentoboxmag.ca

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Tech spotlight

2017 Acura NSX The world’s favourite supercar is coming back— with a brand new model that’s set to make a splash in the world of high performance.

I

n 1991, Acura debuted the gamechanging NSX that transformed the automotive world forever. At a time when supercars were unreliable and uncomfortable, the NSX was an unbelievable success with not only its impressive power, styling and technologies, but also its comfort and reliability. For the first time in history, there was a supercar that could be driven every day without compromising comfort or risking unpredictable and expensive breakdowns.

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Other car companies took Acura’s lead and 25 years later, the automotive world is a vastly different place. Supercars can now tolerate more abuse on a racetrack without breaking down, and they offer comfort and a whole suite of computercontrolled technologies to the driver. But at the same time, prices have spiralled out of control over the years, with $1-million hyper-cars becoming a reality. Now, after a nearly two-decade-long hiatus, the NSX is re-entering the market and stirring things up again. With its innovative tech-

nologies and cutting-edge styling, all for a competitive price, the brand new 2017 NSX is ready to change the automotive landscape once again.

Just behind the front seats lives the mid-engine, 500-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that is coupled to a 47-hp electric motor to ensure seamless power delivery. Turbo delays are a relic of the past, and the electric motor delivers instant acceleration.

The gas and electric motor combination drives the rear wheels through a 9-speed dual clutch trans-

The Acura supercar is back and it’s faster and more advanced than ever.

The “Human Support Cockpit” is designed around the driver

Unique sport hybrid superhandling all-wheel drive

Sport-package carbon ceramic brakes to stop quickly every time

Comfort, support, visibility and ergonomics are all designed for the driver. Once you’re behind the wheel, the NSX becomes an extension of your mind and body for an unparalleled experience.

The rear wheels are powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 mated to an electric motor, while each front wheel is driven by an independent electric motor. Power is directed for maximum control.

Coupled with regenerative braking from the hybrid system, the carbon ceramic brakes bring Formula 1 technology to the road. Brake fade is a thing of the past, even on the racetrack.

mission that was designed and manufactured

by Acura’s top engineers especially for the NSX. Shifts are automatic or done with the paddles mounted to the steering wheel. Up at the front, each wheel has a 36-hp motor for all-wheel-drive grip and acceleration.

engineers have perfected a solution to make the feel extraordinary. A unique brake-by-wire system carefully balances braking regeneration with the disk brakes and gives braking controls to the computer while also sending feedback to the driver through the brake pedal. This brand new combination of performance and tactile feel is unmatched and, in fact, non-existent in typical regenerative braking systems.

The first NSX was auctioned off by BarrettJackson during the last week of January 2016, while customer order-taking will begin closer to production. Customers will be able to order the new NSX through authorized dealers in concert with the launch of a vehicle configurator on Acura.ca, which will make the ordering process easy and customizable. Options will include several interior and exterior colours, three different wheels, and three different seating surfaces along with the carbon ceramic brakes and a sport package. MSRP starts at $189,900 and tops out at $250,100 when all available factory features and options are included.

The sport hybrid super-handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) has a launch control feature that routes power to the wheels with high precision.

There are no official acceleration numbers available yet, but rumour has it that the sprint to 100 km/h will take less than three seconds.

With big power and acceleration, you need powerful brakes. The NSX has optional carbon ceramic brakes and hybrid regenerative braking that are lightning quick and efficient. Regenerative braking has gotten a bad reputation for having bad feel and discontinuity, but Acura’s

An intense focus on the interior via Acura’s Human Support Cockpit is the cornerstone of the NSX and one of its defining features that brings it back to the original 1991 model. There is an undeniable synergy felt between you and the car as soon as you grip the wheel. Visibility has also been enhanced through the use of ultra-highstrength steel around the windscreen, which minimizes the silhouette of the A-pillars.

Acura Canada 2017 NSX starting from $189,900 More info: www.acura.ca www.bentoboxmag.ca

FEBRUARY 2016

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Flavour of the month

By Sheena Kirkbride Ingredient

先人の知恵と技がつまった調味料 醤油をもっと知りたい

The secrets of

shoyu power Much more than just a sauce, shoyu is an essential part of Japanese cooking.

This fermented condiment is full of flavour and health benefits.

Teriyaki sauce is just another form of soy sauce—heated, with rice wine and sugar added.

Shoyu is said to contain over 300 types of aromas, and it makes an excellent syrup for vanilla ice cream.

Shoyu

You might think of shoyu as being dark brown or black, but it is actually dark red when it’s fresh and most delicious. Oxidation causes it to darken, so look for brands that use sealed bottles.

醤油

【しょうゆ】

The heart of Japanese cuisine The all-purpose seasoning that adds depth and flavour, shoyu is a must-have for Japanese meals and more.

The surest way to bring cooking to a screeching halt in a Japanese household is by running out of shoyu (soy sauce). This ubiquitous condiment is the salt and pepper of Japanese cuisine—the one condiment you can always be sure to find on the table of any Japanese home or restaurant—and is the fundamental building block of almost every dish you can imagine. The liquid seasoning does a miraculous job of drawing out complex flavours, deepening umami and adding savouriness to foods. It’s not an exaggeration to say that a world without shoyu is unthinkable in Japanese cooking—so much so that a common joke claims that it is shoyu rather than blood that runs through the veins of Japanese people.

Like many ancient things in Japan, soy sauce originates from China. The first records of it in Japan date back to around the sixth century, and it was mainly used to add flavour to foods and preserve freshness. It wasn’t until around 1570 that the word “shoyu” started to appear. (Shoyu transliterates to “fermented food oil,” and not soy sauce.)

Shoyu production flourished all over the country in the 1600s, with variations in ingredients and brewing methods that made it unique to each region.

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At the same time, shoyu was a rare commodity overseas for another century, and could only be found in lofty places like the kitchen cabinet of King Louis XIV’s chef (as rumours go). It wasn’t until after the Russo-Japanese War that international distribution began to expand as Japanese immigrants began living in different countries and needed that essential taste of home. Another surge of international demand was seen after World War II, with American occupational forces returning home from Japan and craving shoyu. A few years later, Japan’s biggest shoyu manufacturing company, Kikkoman, ran a campaign and handed out free samples in US grocery stores, winning shoyu its permanent spot on the shelf. Today, Kikkoman holds 50% of the ingredient’s international market share.

The three traditional components of shoyu are soy beans, wheat and salt. Soy beans contain protein, which are the base of the umami flavour. The starch contained in the wheat contributes to the sweetness of shoyu, while the salt acts to protect the mixture from bacteria and is responsible for starting the fermentation process. The production process takes upwards of six months under complicated steps and strict monitoring, which are

Studies have proven that soy sauce contains components that are effective in inhibiting certain cancers, such as stomach cancer.

Shoyu was traditionally used with sushi to kill bacteria. Actual experiments support this claim, and there have been reports that food poisoning bacteria is killed within 30 minutes of being exposed to soy sauce.

basically impossible to recreate in a normal kitchen.

There are five official types of shoyu acknowledged by the Japanese Agricultural Standards, but koikuchi shoyu, or dark soy sauce, makes up 85% of the Japanese market and other variations are difficult to find outside of Japan.

An easy way to start incorporating shoyu into your cooking is to replace salt with it in savoury dishes.

Try it with simple recipes first, and add a splash to your scrambled eggs for a completely new flavour.

You can also mix it into soups, salad dressings, dipping sauces and marinades.

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Drink up!

By Nicholas Jones Sake

トロントで作られた純な酒。絞りたての鮮度を味わう。

Izumi Nama-Cho 泉 生貯 【いずみ なまちょ】 A sake for all occasions With its fresh flavour and dry finish, Izumi’s Nama-Cho sake is a treat for your tastebuds.

B

y now, dedicated sake lovers will have made their way to the Ontario Spring Water Sake Company in Toronto’s Distillery District and sampled Izumi’s renowned sake line. However, even the most knowledgeable of the city’s sake connoisseurs may not have realized just how lucky Toronto is to play host to Izumi. The company not only represents the sole sake brewery in eastern Canada and the United States but also specializes in namazake, a type of unpasteurized sake that is very difficult to import from Japan.

The purest of sake Namazake takes its name from the Japanese nama, meaning “raw” or “fresh.” Izumi’s NamaNama sake is, literally, sake in its purest, most complex and flavourful form. But the trade-off for all that flavour is that unpasteurized sake must be kept refrigerated, which can present significant transportation and storage challenges. It also explains why Izumi sake hasn’t been regularly stocked in local liquor shops—until now, that is.

Luckily for sake seekers, Izumi has come up with the perfect solution in the form of Nama-Cho, a single-pasteurized sake that is the first Izumi product to be made available at the LCBO. Traditionally, sake is doubly pasteurized, which causes the fruity flavours of the sake to drop out, leaving a drier spirit. In Nama-Cho, Izumi has perfectly 16

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combined the sweet, fresh, melon-like notes of their Nama-Nama sake with the smoother feel and dry finish of a pasteurized drink.

Warm your spirits

Serving suggestions Like most sakes, Nama-Cho delivers a different flavour experience depending on how it is served. If you prefer your sake fruity, serve your Nama-Cho chilled. If you like a nuttier sake, heat up Nama-Cho and you’ll discover warm, earthier notes that harken back to its origins from koji, the seemingly magical spores so integral to transforming steamed rice into delicious sake. This changeable quality allows you to perfectly pair the same Nama-Cho with different dishes for different occasions, depending on whether you serve it warmed or chilled.

A truly unique brew And that’s just the beginning of the flavour adventure that Izumi promises to sake lovers. Due to the nature of the brewing process, each new batch of sake is unique from the last—a fact that Izumi celebrates by clearly numbering their batches. Though the base character of the sake that we all love remains unchanged, each batch can surprise an attentive drinker with new tasting notes.

The Nama-Cho you try today and the Nama-Cho you drink in six months’ time will be close but not identical. Curious? Consider picking up a bottle and savouring the sake experience this weekend.

Searching for the perfect sake to complement Canada’s chilly season?

Pair Nama-Cho with your favourite Japanese comfort foods and warm up from the inside out this winter.

1 2 3

Whereas Izumi’s Nama-Nama is the sake of summer—best served chilled with raw fish—Nama-Cho is the one that will to get you through the cold Canadian winter.

Nama-Nama can feel tart and citrusy on the tongue, but Nama-Cho’s single pasteurization imparts a mellower feel and flavour. Soft and sweet at first taste, it’s followed by a wonderfully nutty, dry finish.

Though delicious on ice, Nama-Cho pairs excellently with warm winter comfort foods when heated. Try pairing a glass with a steaming bowl of oden or nabe, or indulge in warm sips as you enjoy guilty pleasures like kara-age.

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Featured destination

By Amanda Taylor Travel クレープ片手にプチプラショッピングを楽しみたい カワイイ の聖地、 原宿。

The kawaii capital of the world With W ith its its colourful colourful cosplayers cosplayers a and nd fl flashy ashy ffashion, ashion, H Harajuku arajuku h has as cemented its its spot spot as as a mecca mecca for for all all things things cute cute and and trendy. trendy. cemented

Harajuku 18

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©pixabay.com_cegoh

© Shibuya City Tourism Association Inc.

On the cutting edge of cute

Harajuku 【原宿】

ita h s e Tak t Stree ©pixabay.com_uniquedesign52

Photo:©tokyo-date.net

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nown worldwide for its outlandish fashion, Tokyo’s Harajuku district is a people-watcher’s paradise. Girls decked out in frilly dresses, lace and corsets flit through the perpetual crowds of Takeshita Street looking for the latest “goth loli” (Gothic Lolita) or “ama loli” (sweet Lolita) fashions while Harajuku’s legendary cosplayers turn the streets into their personal stage.

full of glittery costumes featuring top hats and feather boas. Though the outfits at Boutique Takenoko have veered off into something closer to the stage costumes of a Victorian circus troupe, the shop is inspired by the popular takenoko-zoku (literally “bamboo shoot tribe”) disco style rampant in Harajuku during the ’70s and ’80s.

The entrance to famous Takeshita Street boasts an arch decorated in a confection of colourful balloons that’s constantly changing. Takeshita’s boutiques reflect their artsy clientele, especially the shops hidden down offshoot alleys.

Here Lolita fashionistas can find shiny sky-high boots, ruffled shirts, bonnets, wigs and just about anything else needed to complete their Victorian-inspired looks.

These days it’s the cosplayers who exemplify the Harajuku fashion scene. Maid costumes, cat ears, creepy contact lenses and wigs in every colour imaginable are some of the staples of the cosplayer’s uniform. They’ll often dress up as popular Japanese characters or come out rocking their own anime-inspired look. If you’re looking to snap some photos you’ll find them on the bridge over the JR train line on a Sunday afternoon.

Though goth loli and cosplay are the most visible trends on the streets of Harajuku, they’re by no means the only ones. From hip hop to Bohemian, you’ll find your fashion on Takeshita Street. One of Takeshita’s most well-known shops is Boutique Takenoko. It’s hard to miss, as the shop is crammed

For the fashion-forward older crowd, the shops lining Cat Street and Omotesando Avenue are worth checking out—but for some of the weirdest, most experimental fashion Harajuku has to offer, be sure to visit Dog. A boutique tucked into the basement of an unassuming building on an

alley off Meiji Street, Dog can be spotted by the graffiti on its entrance; the relatively tame exterior hides a quintessential example of the Harajuku fashion scene. Expect to see faceplates with spikes, masks, chainmail accents, huge shoulder pads and neon everywhere. Dog counts no less than Lady Gaga among its patrons.

Harajuku is also one of the best places to pick up souvenirs. On Takeshita Street there are trinket shops and T-shirt stalls down the first alley on the right, and a gigantic Daiso store at the top of the street on the left. Daiso is the king of hyakkin (Japanese dollar stores), and at this four-floor megastore you can find Japanese snacks, fans, phone charms, dinnerware and everyday goods you might not necessarily see in your home country, like face rollers: beauty instruments that theoretically reshape the face so that it appears smaller. For something more expensive, Oriental Bazaar on Omotesando has beautiful chopstick www.bentoboxmag.ca

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Unique trends and shopping abound

holders, mini bonsai trees and more artisanal Japanese goods.

It’s impossible to set foot in Harajuku without bumping into Kitty Chan, and Kiddy Land on Omotesando draws customers with plush displays of Hello Kitty paraphernalia. The store is stocked with toys and plushies of Japan’s most iconic cartoon mascots like Hello Kitty, Doraemon and Totoro, and has a section dedicated to Snoopy, who has won over the hearts of much of the Japanese populace.

For a healthy dose of Japan’s kawaii culture and world-renowned fashion, make your way to Harajuku. Not sure where to start? Pop by the Moshi Moshi Box, a tourist information centre in the heart of the district, to ďŹ nd sightseeing information and other tourist services.

Continues on page 22

ŠJNTO

ŠChiyako Mukai

襨ĺ?‚é “

Meiji Jingu Peaceful Meiji Jingu offers a tranquil contrast to the bustle of central Harajuku. It’s also one of the most popular shrines in Japan.

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Šphoto-ac.com

ŠJNTO

ŠYasufumi Nishi/ŠJNTO

Harajuku’s streets hold much to discover

)

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Omotesando Hills This high-end shopping mall is located in Harajuku’s upscale Omotesando district, and it’s the place to go for designer brands.

Jingu Bridge Every Sunday this bridge turns into a cosplay runway as teenagers show off their quirkiest and most vibrant looks.

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Harajuku’s eats and treats

Crêpes

©photo-ac.com

パンケーキ Pancakes: Japan’s latest food craze

Pancake houses have long been popular with Tokyo’s ladies who lunch, and Harajuku is home to many of them. Bills and Eggs ’n Things are two of the most popular pancake houses that always have a line out the door, but their gorgeous, fluffy pancakes topped with cloud-like whipped cream are worth the wait.

©photo-ac.com

クレー プ

As you walk down Takeshita Street, you may smell something heavenly. No trip to Harajuku is complete without a stop at one of the cute crêpe stands common along the district’s streets.

There’s such a big selection of crêpes and they all look so pretty—it’s difficult to choose just one.

The stands sell dessert crêpes such as strawberry cheesecake and chocolate banana, and most offer savoury crêpes as well, like eggs and bacon.

The Gothic Lolita experience Finding a place where you can let loose in lace.

ゴスロ リ

At first glance, Gothic Lolita style might seem identical to cosplay, but don’t get the two mixed up. Under the pink ruffles and lace is a deep political statement.

Some say the reserved and feminine style is an act of defiance, a means of reclaiming female sexuality. However you interpret them, Gothic Lolita outfits speak volumes, and their charms aren’t limited to the locals: you can often rent the pieces and see if the look suits you as you stroll through Harajuku. ©Maison de Julietta

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©Rachel Ching

©photo-ac.com

Delicious desserts and more

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Cultural curiosity

By M Crowson Only in Japan

The changing face of fashion From mountain hags to style rebels: gyaru culture makes a bold statement in contemporary Japan. ギャルメイクをとった素顔は!? 日本の不思議なギャル現象。 community embraced the term, turning it into a name for a counterculture movement.

But the greatest gyaru diversity has appeared in the last decade, which saw the rise of the neogyaru (ネオギャル) or “NeoGal.” She’s known for mixing the gaudy stylings of Harajuku and Shibuya culture, expressing herself through eccentric street looks. The NeoGal doesn’t dress to please men, and she also doesn’t look up to Japan’s bubblegum pop idols. Rather than cutesy, the NeoGal prefers a more mature look influenced by stylish foreign celebrities. Taking a cue from these international fashion and makeup trends, the NeoGal also influences non-Japanese mega-stars. Remember the halcyon days of Gwen Stefani and her major Harajuku Girl fetish? These days, the NeoGal has taken advantage of social media forums like Instagram, expanding her fan base to the everyday foreign fashionista.

Tokyo’s Ganguro Café and Bar is taking visitors on a trip back in time with a retro trend: the counterculture ganguro style of women’s fashion. A rebellious culture that started in the late ’90s, ganguro was the target of criticism at home and fascination abroad—but it didn’t end there. Since it first hit the scene, ganguro has expanded into a wide array of styles, all of which are part of the hip contemporary image of the gyaru. Gyaru is the Japanese pronunciation of “gal,” but it doesn’t mean just any gal. Instead, gyaru refers to fashion-conscious women who stand out from the crowd—let’s call them “Gals” with a capital G.

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The first generation of the Gal, the kogyaru, were known for their short skirts and accordion-like loose socks. From there came the ganguro, famous for their tanned skin, white lips and bleach-blonde hair. The style probably first caught on as an anti-establishment fad, a rebellion against conventional beauty standards, which idealize the combination of jet-black hair and pale white skin. The most extreme ganguro girls were called yamanba or “mountain hags.”

The term comes from old Japanese folklore, and refers to a scary, supernatural woman with wild hair and a penchant for human flesh. Though the word was originally meant as an insult, the

So what exactly are the rules of NeoGal culture? First of all, the hairstyle has evolved far from its bleach-blonde origins. Now, anything goes—even futuristic, anime-inspired looks.

These kakkokawaii (かっこかわいい), or “coolcute” looks, can be as edgy as a pearl-toned combination of wild pink, purple and blue locks, or as subdued as a bob tucked strategically behind the ears. Makeup trends include a black cat eye with cosmetic contacts, deep red or purple lip stain and eyeshadow to outcolour a stained-glass window. But don’t just take it from me—grab a PC or a plane ticket and go Gal sighting today!

Learn the many faces of gyaru culture

GALS, GALS, GALS Curious about this quirky fashion phenomenon? Here’s a handy historical guide to some of the most eye-catching Gals.

Yamanba

Himerori

ヤマンバ

姫ロリ

(ca. 2000)

(ca. 2007—)

The dark-skinned, pale-haired “Mountain Hag” Gal took the ganguro trend to an extreme, launching the culture into infamy and beyond.

The uber-feminine “Lolita Princess” wears romantic clothes with lace and ribbons, and styles her hair in big, tumbling cascades.

Neogyaru ネオギャル

(ca. 2010—) With her multi-coloured tresses, jewel-toned makeup and edgy urban attire, this “NeoGal” is just one among many possible sightings.

Illustrations by Chieko Watanabe

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One-of-a-kind dining

By Jenny McKechnie Restaurant in Tokyo

日本 の 日本のカワイイを詰め込んだモンスターのお腹で新しい原宿体験。 のカ カワイ カワ ワイイを ワイ イイ イを を詰 め め込ん 込 んだモンス ンスター ン スターの ー のお 腹で 腹 で 新し しい い 原宿体 い原 原 宿体 宿 体 験。 験。

Super-duper kawaii Brace yourself … for the overwhelming cuteness of this uniquely themed dining experience.

There’s no need to fear this monster! Kawaii Monster (or “Cute Monster” for the non-Japanesespeaking folk) is possibly the cutest theme restaurant you’ll come across—and the story behind its cuteness is even bigger than a cuddly monster. Kawaii Monster is located in Tokyo’s infamous (infamous for its cuteness!) Harajuku district. Known for its bright lights and fabulously extravagant fashions, Harajuku is a must-see for all travellers—and Kawaii Monster fits right in. The restaurant’s extreme colours and designs, funky atmosphere, and amazingly styled staff incorporate many of the elements that make Harajuku so famous. So, if you decide to spend a day exploring Harajuku and find yourself feeling a bit peckish, step off the street and into the phantasmal Kawaii Monster!

Like many of Tokyo’s most fantastic theme restaurants, Kawaii Monster is run by Diamond Dining, the same people behind the stunning Alice in 26

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Wonderland dining experiences. The difference with Kawaii Monster is that it was developed in collaboration with famed Japanese designer Sebastian Masuda. With that in mind, prepare yourself for what you will find when walking in the door of Kawaii Monster....

The restaurant consists of a number of different sections, each with its own specific décor. Soon after stepping inside, you’ll be led through to the “Sweets Go Round,” a giant cake-themed carousel. Keep going and you’ll find yourself in the “Mushroom Disco,” a wacky room where patrons are seated under an assortment of ‘poison’ mushrooms and out-of-thisworld plants. Try out the “Milk Stand” and enjoy your meal under the colourful heads of an assortment of animals (who happen to be drinking from bottles of milk).

Move on to the “Bar Experiment” space and find

A restaurant where you can truly taste the rainbow

Cute, cute, cute!

Before stepping inside this restaurant, make sure that you’re in the know with some kawaii history to impress your friends.

Kawaii Monster designer Sebastian Masuda also installed a giant Hello Kitty time capsule in downtown New York City The cake merry-go-round was dreamed up by Masuda as a child Staff at this restaurant are known for speaking English, Chinese and Korean in addition to their native Japanese “Monster Girls” can be seen wandering around the space—be sure to call them by their names: Dolly, Baby, Crazy, Nasty and Candy

yourself surrounded by large, luminescent jellyfish in a cool, dimly lit space. Finally, take a seat in the “Mel-Tea Room” and cosy up against a giant, colourful macaroon. Keep in mind, there is a 500-yen cover charge to get into these super-cute areas.

If the atmosphere isn’t amusing enough, just wait until you open the menu! Start your experience with a fun drink. Choosing which one you’ll have first is half the fun. With names like the “NonDruggy Cocktail” or “Fruity Heavenly,” you’ll have a great time taste-testing. Moving on to the food menu, expect to see typical fare including salads and sandwiches. Esthetically pleasing sushi is also an option, but if you want to take an adventure into cute, try the dazzlingly coloured pasta. You don’t come across rainbow-coloured spaghetti every day! Whatever you choose to eat, make sure to save some room for dessert. From ice cream to popcorn to cakes and cupcakes, you

can expect each dish to come out looking like it was made by a rainbow!

Wondering what this super kawaii experience will cost you? Like all theme restaurants, you can expect to pay more. The cute cocktails are around eight dollars Canadian. An entrée runs anywhere from between ten and fifteen dollars, and the desserts range from six to about thirty dollars (for a full-sized cake!). These prices are in addition to the five-dollar cover fee. Just remember, when you pay to eat in theme restaurants, you’re paying as much for the experience as you are for the food. So, enjoy!

If you aren’t able to make the trip to Harajuku to check out Kawaii Monster in person, take a few minutes to have fun exploring the official website.

You can get a sense of the cuteness through the click of your mouse!

Kawaii Monster Café

One-minute walk from Chiyoda subway line, Meiji Jingu-mae Station exit 5. The restaurant can be accessed from the Omotesando exit of JR Harajuku Station. It is located across from Laforet Harajuku. kawaiimonster.jp TEL: 03-5413-6142 YM Square Bldg. 4F, 4-31-10 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo OPEN HOURS Daily 11:30 am –10:30 pm

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1-Day Hidden Kamakura Bus Tour Visit famous sites in Kamakura including Kotoku-in Temple, renowned for the Great Buddha statue, and Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, plus hidden sights of Kamakura on this 1-day bus tour.

1 Enjoy a visit to Hokoku-ji. The temple is also called the bamboo temple: it’s famous for having the most beautiful bamboo grove in Kamakura.

Also, don’t miss the moss garden’s natural beauty.

2 Taste some of Japan’s famous powdered matcha green tea in the highly refined and tranquil atmosphere of a tearoom constructed over 400 years ago, and admire the view of the temple’s Japanese rock garden.

3 Experience a drive over the Yokohama Bay Bridge, the symbol of Yokohama.

TOUR BASIC INFORMATION Departure city: Tokyo Duration: approx. 9 hours English-speaking guide, lunch, other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour.

PRICE

144

CAD $

©JNTO

*Price is for month of February 2016 *Price may fluctuate monthly based on exchange rate.

HOW TO PURCHASE Reservations can be made by either telephone or email. Please contact JTB International (Canada) Ltd. at Phone: 416-367-5824 | Toll-free: 1-800-268-5942 | Email: jtbtoronto@jtbi.com | Website: www.jtb.ca

I T I N E R A RY 7:30

Pick-up Service

This tour can be joined from various meeting points mainly located at major hotels throughout Tokyo.

9:00

Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal

Depart from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal and head to Kamakura by bus. (Metropolitan Expressway, Yokohama-Yokosuka Road)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & Komachi-dori 50 One of the preeminent sightseeing spots of Kamakura. The god enshrined here is the protector of the warrior class.

The shrine is also known as Kamakura Hachimangu. Komachi-dori is a famous street lined with long-established shops, restaurants and souvenir vendors.

Hokoku-ji Kotoku-in Temple/Hase Temple 30

Visit the Great Buddha statue. min From Jan. 6 to Mar. 9 the tour will visit Hase Temple instead due to construction.

Hase Temple is a 1,200-year-old temple reflecting the beauty of the seasons with seasonal flowers, especially hydrangeas.

min

30

min

Featuring a beautiful bamboo grove, Hokoku-ji is an ancient and renowned temple of the Rinzai sect’s Kencho-ji school.

Matcha green tea experience at Jomyo-ji 30

min

Jomyo-ji is another old temple of the Rinzai sect’s Kencho-ji school. Enjoy some of Japan’s famous powdered matcha green tea in the highly refined and tranquil atmosphere of a tearoom constructed over 400 years ago, and enjoy the view of the temple’s Japanese rock garden.

Yokohama Bay Bridge View from the window.

©JNTO

17:00–18:40

Japanese-style lunch served at a hotel facing the ocean.

50

min

©JNTO

*Locations indicated on the itinerary may be changed due to traffic, operation hours, or other reasons. However, the tour will not be cancelled or refunded even in such cases. The following are possible substitutes: Hase Temple, Engaku-ji, Kencho-ji, Kamakuragu Treasure Hall, Sankeien Garden, Yokohama Marine Tower, Yamashita Park or the Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden.

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Shinjuku–Ginza

Participants will be dropped off near Sukiyabashi Intersection in Ginza or Shinjuku Station West Exit. Please head to your next destination on your own after the tour.

For more information, please contact JTB International at 1-800-268-5942 (toll-free) or email at jtbtoronto@jtbi.com

What’s happening?

February 2016 Events systems and with six-channel sound. This year, two new productions, Kumagai’s Camp (Kumagai Jin’ya) and Three Thieves Named Kichisa (San’nin Kichisa), have been added along with popular screenings of Lion Dance (Kagamijishi) and Kagotsurube (The Haunted Sword). All programs are subtitled in English.

Performances Mouse on the Keys in Toronto

Yamato Join Yamato, the drummers of Japan, at Flato Markham Theatre! Founded in 1993, Yamato has given more than 2,500 performances in 51 countries. Encounter the captivating performance that upholds Yamato,the spirit of Japan.

This performance is part of Yamato’s new year tour around the U.S., Canada and Germany. They play Japan’s traditional Wadaiko drums and call their sound Bakuon. Yamato believes their strong, passionate and continuous drumbeats echo people’s hearts. You will find that these sounds bring you back memories of passion, sweat and tears in your life, and you may share those feelings with the performers and other audience members in the theatre on this night. Tickets are now on sale. Don’t miss this opportunity to feel the soul!

Saturday, February 27, 2 pm, 8 pm | $59 regular, $64 prime | Flato Markham Theatre (171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham) | More info: www.markham-theatre.ca/yamato-the-drummers-of-japan

Exhibitions

kitsch that gives his exquisitely rendered paintings an alluring edge.

Keita Morimoto Solo Exhibition: Strange Guild Thursday, February 4–Saturday, February 27 Nicholas Metivier Gallery (451 King St. W., Toronto) More Info: metiviergallery.com/upcoming-exhibi tions/strange-guild > Nicholas Metivier Gallery is pleased to present Strange Guild, an exhibition of works by Keita Morimoto. The opening reception is on Thursday, February 4, from 6 pm. Morimoto was greatly inspired by European Masters, particularly Rembrandt, Goya, Fragonard, Gainsborough and Caravaggio, but his Japanese heritage is still evident in the work’s sombre tone and subtle anime qualities, however, it is the juxtaposition of East and West, youth and maturity, and classical and

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Film Cinema Kabuki Saturday, February 27, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & Sunday, February 28, 11 am, 1:30 pm | $22.75 general, $18.75 student & senior | TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 2 (350 King St. W., Toronto) More info: tiff.net/cinema-kabuki-winter-2016 > Kabuki theatre, with origins dating back to the 1600s, has remained steeped in tradition while constantly innovating. Live productions, featuring some of today’s greatest kabuki stars, are now being filmed with the highest-resolution cameras for screening in cinemas around the world on state-of-the-art digital projection

Thursday, February 4, 9 pm | $20 The Rivoli (334 Queen St. W., Toronto) More info: mouseonthekeys.net > A blend of minimal phrased piano and dynamic drumming. The pursuit of a live experience composed of visual and audio expression. Formed in 2006, with elements of jazz, funk, post rock and electronic music, Mouse on the Keys fits into a genre of their own. The trio consists of two former members of the influential Japanese underground band Nine Days Wonder, Akira Kawasaki and Atsushi Kiyota. They teamed up with Daisuke Niitome, who has played drums as well as composed music for countless jazz funk and hip hop bands.

Their unique sound, comprising two pianos, two keyboards and drums, continues to stand at the forefront of the Japanese indie scene.

Hatsune Miku Expo 2016 Toronto Friday, May 20, 8 pm–10 pm | $53.39–102.89 Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (1 Front St. E., Toronto) | More info: mikuexpo.com/na2016/ > Join Hatsune Miku at her first live concert in Toronto! Hatsune Miku is a 16-year-old Japanese idol singer with more than 2.5 million international followers on Facebook. She has also previously collaborated with big-name artists like Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams, and even made an appearance on the David Letterman show. But what makes her truly distinguished is that she is actually not a human, but a 3D virtual humanoid persona, voiced by a singing synthesizing technology called ‘Vocaloid.’ After the first successful round of concerts in New York and Los Angeles in 2014, she is returning to North America in spring 2016 with an expanded tour schedule in response to increasing overseas demands. Tickets for the Toronto performance are on sale now, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet Hatsune Miku “in person”!

Other Winterlicious 2016 Until Thursday, February 11 | Lunch $18, $23, $28, Dinner $25, $35, $45 | Selected restaurants in Toronto | More info: www.toronto.ca > Toronto’s winter culinary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to discover delicious cuisine

Where Canadians can go to celebrate Japanese culture

and experience unique culinary events. More than 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants offer three-course prix fixe menus at one of three price categories.

Winterlicious guides are available at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W.). Participating Japanese restaurants include: Arisu, Hapa Izakaya, Katsura, Momofuku, Nami and Yuzunohana.

dazzling displays, big prize giveaways and engaging exhibits! Don’t miss out on the AutoConnect Showcase, a brand new feature at this year’s show, illustrating the many advanced connectivity and safety technologies already available, and exploring the road ahead leading to fully autonomous vehicles. After four decades, the AutoShow has solidified a prominent place in Canadian history.

JAL Foundation: The 14th World Children’s Haiku Contest Submission deadline: Monday, February 15 More info: www.jal-foundation.or.jp/wch/14th/ contest_e.html > Haiku is the shortest form of poetry and is enjoyed around the world. This contest has a local language division and encourages children to express their feelings on anything such as nature, family, memories and so on. The grand-prize-winning haiku will be published in the entertainment program on Boeing 787 international JAL flights. This year’s theme is “Morning.”

AniRevo: Winter 2016 Sunday, February 7–Monday, February 8 | The Arts Institute of Vancouver (2665 Renfrew St., Vancouver, British Columbia) | $25–$40 general, $20–$35 student, Free for children 12 and under More info: www.animerevolution.ca/featured/ anirevo-winter-2016 > AniRevo: Winter gives cosplayers another reason to dress up, gamers another day to get hooked on the latest releases, and fans a chance to enjoy more content, meet their favourite guests and just enjoy anime and Japanese culture.

Canadian International AutoShow 2016 Friday, February 12–Sunday, February 21 | $23 general, $16 youth, $11 senior, $7 children, Free for children under 6 | Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St. W., Toronto) More info: AutoShow.ca > After over 40 years in Toronto, the AutoShow continues to provide the Total Automotive Experience this year, with over 600,000 square feet of

Haru Matsuri Spring Festival Saturday, March 5–Sunday, March 6, 12 pm–5 pm Price TBA | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) | More info: 416-441-2345 > It always seems like it is too early to talk about Haru Matsuri. But time will fly on by and we will be anxious to celebrate with this traditional start to spring! There will be demonstrations of Ikebana, Cha-no-yu (Tea Ceremony) and martial arts. Japanese cuisine will also be available in the food court.

Ontario Japanese Speech Contest

Origami Workshop Wednesday, February 17, 7:30 pm–9 pm | $10 Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) | More info: jccc.on.ca/event/origamiworkshop-13 > Join the Origami Workshop to surprise your friends and family with your origami! This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to fold square papers to make more than an origami crane. The instructor, John Jay Guppy, belongs to the Origami Society of Toronto, and will help you to learn new skills. All paper will be provided.

Japanese Cooking Workshop (by “Chef Shoji”) Monday, February 22, 7 pm–10 pm | $40+HST Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) | More info: jccc.on.ca/event /japanesecooking-workshop-8 > Have you been wondering how to cook Japanese cuisine? Here is your chance! Japanese dishes seem difficult to prepare but Chef Shoji will offer you special techniques and ingredients to make easy-to-cook, delicious, healthy dishes. Preregistration is required and there is a material fee of $10 payable to the instructor.

Saturday, March 5, 1 pm–6 pm J.J.R. MacLeod Auditorium (MS 2158), University of Toronto (1 King’s College Cir., Toronto) More info: buna.arts.yorku.ca/ojsc/ > The annual Ontario Japanese Speech Contest is back! This is the 34th year where those who study Japanese as a foreign language will perform their language achievements. It will be held at the University of Toronto from 1 pm to 6 pm, with four categories to compete in: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced and Open. The first prize winner in each category may be invited to the National Japanese Speech Contest in March.

There will also be a Wadaiko performance during the lunch break! Stop by the contest, show your support and cheer on these enthusiasts for studying Japanese!

Kawaii Bass–Sakura Shunbunsai with Benjamin Briggs Saturday, March 19, 9 pm | $5–$10 Nocturne (550 Queen St. W., Toronto) More info: kawaiibass.com > In Japan and around the world, the vernal equinox is celebrated to appreciate the beginning of nature’s bloom after a long winter. Join Kawaii Bass as they count down to spring and celebrate three years of events with a true otaku dance party for the fan in us all! Kawaii Bass will be joined by a special guest, Benjamin Briggs ([GameChops] Orlando, FL), who will be bringing the epic video game beats.

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Three Thieves Named Kichisa, ŠAkio

Kumagai’s Camp, ŠShochiku Co., Ltd

Something old and something new

Lion Dance, ŠShochiku Co., Ltd

Kagotsurube The Haunted Sword, ŠShochiku Co., Ltd

Cinema Kabuki

2YHU KDOI D PLOOHQQLXP KDV SDVVHG VLQFH WKH Ă€UVW NDEXNL SHUIRUPHUV VKRFNHG DQG PHVPHUL]HG WKHLU XQVXVSHFWLQJ DXGLHQFHV $QG WKDQNV WR PRGHUQ WHFKQRORJ\ WKLV ROG WLPH WKHDWULFDO VW\OH KDV D JORVV\ QHZ VKHHQ Ancient, epic Japanese theatre is coming to Toronto this month, thanks to an exciting roster of ďŹ lms on offer from the Japan Foundation, Toronto. On February 27–28, the TIFF Bell Lightbox will feature four ďŹ lms from the Cinema Kabuki project, an ambitious initiative that’s bringing classical kabuki theatre to contemporary audiences. Initiated in 2005 by the theatrical production company Shochiku Co. Ltd., Cinema Kabuki gives audiences the unique opportunity to experience full-scale

kabuki performances in high deďŹ nition on the big screen, complete with English subtitles.

By combining cutting-edge technology with a 400-year-old theatrical tradition, Cinema Kabuki is winning over a whole new generation of fans.

So what is kabuki, exactly? For starters, don’t expect to ďŹ nd a typical high-brow stage performance. For a show you can drink to with your pinkie raised, try the more operatic Noh, Three Thieves Named Kichisa, ŠAkio

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A rough-and-tumble theatre genre gets a high-tech upgrade. a genre created specifically for the most elite in pre-modern Japanese society. Kabuki, on the other hand, is more like an epic historical drama with a healthy dose of slapstick.

A unique combination of dance, music and action, kabuki has launched generations of stars with fanatical followings. Like the plays of Shakespeare, kabuki was wildly popular among the urban working class: the soy sauce salesmen, the carpenters and the couriers who had a bit of money to burn. In the early 1600s, kabuki theatres began offering day-long performances by an all-male cast, shown in three parts: a jidaimono, or “history play,” a sweeping, heroic tale usually based on actual events; a beautiful dance interlude; and a sewamono, a “domestic play,” which focused on emotional stories set in contemporary times. But while there was a plot and the rough outline of a script, kabuki was mostly about the actors, who performed their own extemporaneous dialogue and action. These charismatic actors had a swooning fan base to rival any of today’s cinema heartthrobs, fans who would turn out to sold-out shows and buy full-colour celebrity posters produced with woodblock printing techniques.

Given the Hollywood-esque fanaticism that kabuki actors have historically inspired, it seems appropriate that the theatrical form is seeing a resurgence on the silver screen. Cinema Kabuki offers today’s hip young audience a new way to enjoy an old tradition—via the digital projection of recorded kabuki performances in a movie theatre. This is crucial, since there are only a handful of kabuki theatres left, and even Japanese audiences have to travel long distances and spend a hefty chunk of change in order to experience the live performances. With Cinema Kabuki, however, the plays are being filmed with the highest-

resolution cameras for screening in theatres around the world on state-of-the-art digital projection systems and with six-channel sound. The tradition now comes to us in full cinematic scope.

Despite the technological changes, the celebrity status of kabuki actors has remained strong and consistent through its history. Kabuki actors are associated with a long legacy of performers whose houses are denoted by a unique mon, or family crest. While each Japanese person has a mon, families of kabuki actors have crests with specific characteristics that brand their descendants as members of a centuries-old line of dedicated artists. The contemporary kabuki stage currently has numerous talents who are counted among Japan’s Living National Treasures, as well as some impressive new stars on the rise. Nakamura Kankuro, Nakamura Hichinosuke and Onoe Matsuya are three of the beloved younger generation of kabuki stars who we can catch on screen this February. But one of the most popular and dynamic actors of the 21st century was Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII. When he passed away in December 2012, thousands of mourners attended his memorial service, and a film dedicated to his life was released in his honour. Though Kanzaburô has passed away, Cinema Kabuki has preserved some of his most impressive performances, along with the performances of many Living National Treasures.

Thanks to a partnership with the Japan Foundation, the TIFF Bell Lightbox is bringing four larger-than-life kabuki plays to Toronto for two short days. In Lion Dance, a young maiden is possessed by a mythical animal spirit, while a trio of rising stars shine in Three Thieves Named Kichisa, an unconventional

take on a classic play about three young delinquents. For a truly megawatt experience, witness four official Living National Treasures take the stage in the grand historical play Kumagai’s Camp, or go see Kagotsurube, The Haunted Sword, a domestic play about the fatal passion between an elite courtesan and a scar-faced merchant.

Catch a show Calendar of screenings Screenings will take place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Saturday, February 27, 2016 11:30 am – Lion Dance 1:30 pm – Three Thieves Named Kichisa Sunday, February 28, 2016 11 am – Kumagai’s Camp 1:30 pm – Kagotsurube, The Haunted Sword

tiff.net/cinema-kabuki-winter-2016 TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., Toronto Tel: 416-599-TIFF (8433) You can also get tickets in person at the Steve & Rashmi Gupta Box Office at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Ticket price: $22.75 (includes HST but not service fees) (TIFF member discounts apply) For more info: Japan Foundation, Toronto 416-966-1600

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Hit the books

By M Crowson Books

Not everyone can become a ghost Why Ghosts Appear

by Todd

Todd Shimoda, winner of the 2010 Elliot Cades Award for Literature, is the author of five novels that have been translated into six languages.

In late 1980s Tokyo, a fortune teller hires a detective to find her missing son, an entomological illustrator who has failed to visit her as he had every year during Obon, the annual festival honouring the spirits of one’s ancestors. As the detective begins to follow the case’s meagre threads, he finds himself questioning the mother’s story. Deciding to investigate his own client as well as her son, he stumbles into a black hole of tenuous associations and illicit activities. With the help of an enterprising sidekick—a bored bureaucrat with romantic ideas about the life of a detective—he discovers a complicated family drama, an empire built on fortune-telling fraud and an international web of sexual exploitation.

As he falls deeper into the case, he begins to wonder if the fortune teller’s son is missing, or dead, as some people claim. Despite his view that fortune-telling is more of a con than a metaphysical art, the detective is increasingly overtaken by surreal experiences, his senses contracting with a strange, shimmering dizziness that occurs with troubling frequency as he becomes entangled in the lives of the missing. He’s also haunted by the ghost of a decades-old failed case, one that ended in death and left him secretly pining for the young woman who’d hired him. Something about the ongoing case reminds him of that old FEBRUARY 2016

Oh! A mystery of ‘mono no aware’ A Japanese American is swept up in a mystery of suicide cults, underground poetry societies and a quest to understand the “impermanence of things.”

Subduction

L.J.C. Shimoda is an accomplished artist, illustrator and book designer. Her artwork and illustrations have appeared in numerous books and venues.

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L.J.C. Shimoda

Shimoda

A Tokyo detective is possessed by the impossible task of tracking down a missing artist … or his tortured spirit.

Author info

More by Todd and

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longing, and it compels him to hunt for her in the midst of his investigation.

These surreal and vaguely supernatural events are curiously paired with the detective’s active internal world, which is lonely and philosophical. On the surface he’s a logical man defeated by life, but it soon becomes clear that his interest in spirits has a lot to do with finding his own will to live. While wandering the fortune teller’s house, he finds a handbook that says: “Not everyone can become a ghost. It has to be someone who has extra psychological strength.” He’s convinced he lacks that strength, though the reason remains a mystery. His forlorn reveries on the otherworldly are juxtaposed by moments of scientific exactitude, like his reaction to the strange shimmering in his vision.

Trying to explain it away, he thinks, “It’s a biological fact that sounds below twenty hertz are detected by the eye … The shimmering made me dizzy so I closed my eyes for a moment then turned away.”

Todd Shimoda’s novel is a genre mash-up that defies easy categorization, all the more so because it’s accompanied by L.J.C. Shimoda’s bold illustrations.

Colourful, often abstract images burst into the text at unexpected moments, and with no straightforward relationship to the story. Like the spirits

A young physician is banished to a remote island, where residents are violently suspicious of outsiders. He discovers the root of their mistrust just as a massive earthquake strikes.

hovering at the detective’s periphery, the images ask us to puzzle things out through instinct and feeling rather than logic and objectivity. The novel’s conclusion is similarly ambiguous, letting some mysteries remain where they belong, in the realm of the unknown. The surreal narrative and playful visuals will remind readers of early Murakami, though Shimoda’s work is more vulnerable.

Shimoda’s story also carefully takes on difficult topics, shedding a faint but sympathetic beam of light on those who struggle in society’s darker corners.

In the course of his investigation, the detective encounters a man who lost his entire life savings to a manipulative fortune teller who promised to contact the ghost of his dead wife. The widower’s information takes the detective to a series of increasingly dangerous leads, from child prostitutes, to shadow bosses, to violent thugs who kill on command. When the case threatens to swallow him whole, the detective even finds himself searching for meaning among the “box people,” a homeless community that struggles unnoticed at the edges of Japan, at the top of the bubble economy. By novel’s end we, as readers, are left to wonder whether this story is our own ghostly handbook, a curious guide to the spirits that animate both our living and dead selves.

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Exploring Japanese sports

By D’arcy Mulligan

ON THE

BALL

Rising fastball in the Land of the Rising Sun

High-quality crowds, food and talent in Japan’s baseball stadiums.

The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd.

The runner sprinting home. The smell of hotdogs wafting in the air. This could be a ballgame in Anytown, America, but something seems just a bit different....

But take another sniff. Mmm … maybe that hotdog you smell is actually Kobe beef. Or udon. Or some wonderfully steamed gyoza.

And when the home team steps up to the plate, maybe the crowd seems a bit more lively.

Songs are being chanted and sung. Trumpets and drums are being played. The atmosphere is a bit more like a big-time soccer game than a baseball game.

While the atmosphere and cuisine of a typical Japanese ballpark differ from an American one, the game within the lines remains the same ... mostly. Nine players on the field, three outs per half-inning, and three strikes and you’re out. But there is a big difference: if a Japanese game is tied after 12 innings, it ends in a tie (in order to let the spectators catch the last train home). By contrast, U.S. games have to end with a winner—on some occasions, this has led to American games that are 25 innings long! On a school night!

And though it’s called “America’s pastime,” baseball is quite popular in Japan. Not only is

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it the sport that the Japanese are most likely to list as their favourite, but over half of the Japanese population say that they regularly watch baseball games. In fact, the Japanese are more likely to watch baseball or list it as their favourite sport than are Americans!

The top level of baseball in Japan is Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). In 2015, NPB attendance was over 24 million people, which made it the second most popular spectator sport in the world. While many of the top players from Japan have left the NPB for Major League Baseball in North America—with the most famous being Ichiro (a player so good he doesn’t need a last name) and the dance-creating Blue Jay sensation Munenori Kawasaki—the league is still considered the second best baseball league in the world. And those millions of fans who turned out in 2015 were treated to another great season.

The culmination of the NPB season is the Nippon Series. The Nippon Series, also known as the Japan Series, is similar to the World Series in that it features the winners of NPB’s two leagues, the Central and Pacific leagues, in a best-of-seven series. This season’s Nippon Series featured the underdog Tokyo Yakult Swallows from the Central League versus the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks from the Pacific League. Befitting the global reach of baseball, the Hawks’ first baseman, Korean player Lee Dae-Ho, went 8-for-16, smacked two home runs and drove in eight runs to lead the Hawks to victory four games to one. He became the first foreign player to be named Series MVP since Troy Neel in 1996 as well as the first Korean player to win the award. He has since declared free agency and is look-

ing to sign with a Major League club for the 2016 season.

The high quality of play in NPB means that while every season brings top-flight games, every off-season some of the best players will seek to prove their mettle—and earn a fat paycheque—in North America. Some make it big in the Big Apple, like Hideki Matsui; some are mentioned on Seinfeld, like Hideki Irabu; and Munenori Kawasaki just seems to have come over for the bush parties. In an upcoming issue we will look at some of those players trying to become the next Ichiro!

The name game For North American sports fans, one of the clear favourite Japanese baseball teams, based on their name alone, is the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. They inspire endless debate such as: 1. Are they hams that fight?

2. Are they people that fight ham?

3. Is ham actually that versatile?

(The answers are no, no and yes.)

Naming conventions for teams in Japan are a bit different than in North America.

Typically, instead of being referred to just by the city the team is located in followed by the team nickname (e.g., Toronto Blue Jays), team names in Japan tend to also include the name of the company who owns the team. So, the Yomiuri Giants are owned by the Yomiuri Group (the largest media conglomerate in the world) and are nicknamed the Giants. The Nippon Ham Fighters are owned by Nippon Ham, a Japanese food conglomerate, and are nicknamed the Fighters. Pork connoisseurs will have to wait a while longer for their dream of seeing a team named after a vengeful piece of meat.

D’arcy Mulligan has written about video games for gaming websites, sports for his blog, and cats anywhere and everywhere he can. He once spent his entire life’s savings on beer at the ball game. It was a very good pint.

Let's

llearn earn

N I H O N G O

easyJapanese

はじめまして。 私の名前は_____です。 Hajimemashite.

Watashino namaewa _______desu.

Beginner This is a common expression used when introducing yourself to someone/a group for the first time. Introductions are very important in Japanese culture as it sets the precedent of one’s character.

Mͻ + a past-tense verb with particle ka?（もう、 ましたか？）is a useful phrase. You can use it when you ask if someone has done something already. E.g.: Mͻ gohanwo tabemashitaka?（もう ご飯を食べましたか？ Have you eaten already?)

?

ȥɅ ୨ɣ Ȥ଴

Language exchanges are a very popular and inexpensive way to learn or practice another language.

Here are a few phrases that you can say to your partner or group. nese

Japa

Intermediate It’s nice to meet you.

My name is ______.

ɉȲɛɘȱɀ ʶɼʇɁȳă

??

G O

What to say at a Language Exchange

ȜȜ... I am Yokoyama

I am going to travel mainly (centred) around Tokyo.

Do you know any good places (to go)? 東京を中心に観光するんだけど、 いい所知ってる？

Have you already gotten used to living in Canada ? カナダの生活には もう慣れましたか？ Kanadano seikatsu niwa mȬ naremashitaka?

TokyȬwo chȻshinni kankȬ surundakedo iitokoro shitteru?

Advanced Wo ch΍shinni（ を中心に）+ verb is a phrase that describes the action centred around something, somewhere or someone. E.g.: Hahawo ch΍shinni gohanno yͻiwo shita.（母を中心にご飯の用意をした。 The dinner preparation revolved around my mother.)

Compiled by Amber Chambers and Kozumi Miya-Woolford. Brought to you by the Toronto Japanese Language School | www.tjls.ca | @tjlsca | principal@tjls.ca

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Illustration by Reiko Ema

FEBRUARY 2016

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Styling tips

By Jenny Shin Beauty

Want to show your love?

Spray it, don’t say it Matching Japanese scents for every couple this Valentine’s Day.

For the classic, timeless couple

Compared to what we capture with all of our other senses, scent hits the emotional part of our brains faster and lingers longer. Have you ever caught a subtle whiff of a familiar scent and stopped dead in your tracks as you suddenly relished a longforgotten memory? Do you want a signature scent that will have your lover pining for you when it unexpectedly wafts past them in your absence?

Lucky for you, we’ve selected the best Japanese fragrances that pair beautifully with each other.

And don’t worry—following in the true Japanese way of being discreet, these subtle fragrances L’Eau d’Issey: Eau de Toilette 100 ml | $120 won’t hit you like an olfactory bomb.

r Pai up

For the peace-loving, artistic couple

Zen: Eau de Parfum 100 ml | $88

Zen for Men: Eau de Toilette 100 ml | $85

L’Eau d’Issey and L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme embody the “fragrance of water” by Issey Miyake. Fresh and subtle, this pairing is perfect for the sophisticated and sensual couple who relishes understated elegance.

L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme: Eau de Toilette 125 ml | $99

Available at Sephora and Hudson’s Bay

For the “opposites attract” couple

BUTTERFLY: Limited Edition Parfum 100 ml | $175

HiM: Eau de Parfum 100 ml | $107

Shiseido’s Zen and Zen for Men are all about being free-spirited and authentic, and they’re made with aromachological ingredients that are stress-relieving. Perfect for the couple that enjoy spa days together or debating metaphysics by the fire.

BUTTERFLY (Limited Edition) and HiM by Hanae Mori embody femininity vs. raw masculinity. Her scent will tease with notes of strawberry, jasmine and French peony while his is reminiscent of a majestic grove of white cedar, teak and fir trees.

Available at select Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom and Shoppers Drug Mart locations where Shiseido is sold

Available at HanaeMoriParfums.com

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39

Memoir ࡔ ࡕ ࠕ

By Shelley Suzuki

outdoor bath where you could enjoy the fresh air and look up at the stars. My favourite was the rotenburo (outdoor bath) with the ocean and a perfect view of Mount Fuji under an indigo starry sky. It was perfect.

I must admit, I wasn’t always comfortable getting naked in front of perfect strangers. The experience was incredibly daunting at first, especially since one of the first public baths I took was with all of my female junior high students. Talk about undermining your authority! While we are all the same when literally stripped to the bare essentials, I know for a fact that I could not do this in front of my own mother—but I am totally comfortable in front of my Japanese mother-in-law and my best friend.

Illustration by Chieko Watanabe

same people were always there. It was a microcommunity. My favourite patron was an elderly lady who would sit in the corner of the bath with her towel on top of her head and police the area, making sure that everyone—especially the newbies—were abiding by the public bath codes.

Once you’ve overcome being shy, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Japanese hot springs. After skiing in a famous hot springs resort village called Nozawa Onsen, our group took a public baths tour. The village is full of small bath houses and you can get as squeaky clean as you like. They often provide shampoo and body soap for all customers to use, but in the smaller, local places you should bring your own. If you forget, no worries—for about two dollars, each bath house will usually sell you shampoo, body soap and a towel with the hot spring’s name on it, which conveniently doubles as a souvenir. If you can get past the shyness of baring it all, a hot springs bath is a heavenly experience: good for your health, heart and soul.

She scolded my daughter for not having her hair tied up before she got into the bath. On another day, my daughter was scolded again for splashing cold water on the person behind her in the shower area. Eventually, these rules became ingrained in my daughter’s bathing routine and things ran more smoothly. Like me, she loved the space to bathe and relax—the freedom to hop into a cold bath, a sauna, a hot bath or even an

SHELLEY SUZUKI is a long-time teacher of English as a Second Language in Canada and Japan. She currently runs an English school via Skype and is pursuing a teaching career, or whatever other interesting opportunities may come her way. She appeared on the Japanese TV show Okusama wa Gaikokujin (My Wife is a Foreigner).

She hopes to become a children’s book writer and illustrator when she grows up.

Hot springs heaven Take a deep breath, strip down and sink in: Japanese public baths provide the ultimate relaxation.

Sitting in a tiny, steaming public bath with my daughter, I shampooed my hair quietly beside a woman I recognized from a Japanese TV show. I did not want to disturb her—for one, we were sitting naked next to each other, and two, it was her private time and it wouldn’t have been right for me to impose. As it turned out, she struck up the conversation first; she told me how cute my daughter was and I thanked her.

After that, I got up the nerve to make polite conversation, asking if she was a local and chatting with her about the neighbourhood.

After frequenting that particular public bath in Tokyo for some time, I started to notice that the

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41

utt ssionate abou Staff aakirengpagreat food. m

Staff

Sansote i’ take sonzangi is a gin kara-ag gery e.

Nicholas Jones

Not your average noodle Arrive hungry, leave happy: Sansotei Ramen packs a big punch of flavour in every bowl.

I

arrived at Sansotei Ramen’s Yonge Street location with a big appetite and even bigger expectations. Shortly after Sansotei opened its first restaurant on Dundas Street West in 2011, my friend and Japanese chef, Takeshi, dubbed it his favourite ramen in the city. He has yet to steer me wrong when it comes to Japanese fare in Toronto, and I’m happy to report that Sansotei lived up to my lofty expectations.

The restaurant is a labour of love for owner Michael Zhang. He was inspired to open a ramen shop after becoming smitten with tonkotsu in his wife’s native home of Sapporo, and the name “Sansotei” is a play on the kanji of his wife’s name. So, with Zhang’s dedication to tonkotsu in mind, I skimmed past the shio, shoyu and tomato broth options on the menu, and headed straight for the Tonkotsu Black and the Spicy Tan Tan ramens.

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I’m a lover of garlicky ramen, and the Tonkotsu Black definitely delivered on the garlic front. No surprise, really, as it takes its name from black garlic cloves that have been pan-fried for hours.

The oil from the cloves gives the broth a deep, rich and smoky garlic flavour while avoiding any burnt or acrid finish. Sansotei’s custom-recipe ramen noodles are available in thick and thin varieties, and I elected to go with the thin noodles for this dish. The noodles were served al dente, and their texture was somewhat reminiscent of soba, Japanese buckwheat noodles. The ramen was garnished with a soft-boiled egg, green onion and black mushrooms, but I only had eyes for the chashu pork belly. Generously portioned—so much so that I had to double check that I’d been given the standard order of meat and not a supersized portion!—the pork was thick, juicy and pan-seared to perfection.

Nicholas lived in a tiny fishing village in Hokkaido from 200 9 to 2011.

Ostensibly, he taught Eng lish, but he spent most of his tim e wrangling elementary students and frequenting their parents’ sush i restaurants.

He is currently on a que st to find Toronto’s best kara-ag e.

Next up was the Spicy Tan Tan, easily Sansotei’s most popular ramen, which I tried with the thicker noodles. The broth was a pleasing shade of orange-red and garnished with a soft-boiled egg, shredded chili pepper and ground pork. The broth tasted delightfully complex, with a spice level that was cool at first but rose to a comfortable heat as I ate. The bowl also came with two more mouthwatering slices of chashu pork, which paired well with the thick, springy, slightly chewy noodles. It’s no wonder this dish always sells out!

Whether you’re a ramen newbie or aficionado, Sansotei is sure to delight your tastebuds. In addition to two Toronto locations, a new, larger restaurant just opened in Markham and plans are in motion to expand to Ottawa later this year.

Sansotei Ramen 650 Yonge St., Toronto | 647-349-3833 www.sansotei.com Open: Sun–Mon, Wed–Thurs 11:30 am–10:30 pm À q->ÌÊ££\ÎäÊ> q££Ê« ÊUÊ/ÕiÃÊV Ãi`

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43

n e b a r a Ky 今月のキャラ弁

Ball n o g a r D

Pork, yam and green beans with sweet-andsalty ginger sauce.

Potato cheese ball, Japanese rolled omelette, boiled broccoli and wieners.

Make sure the rice has cooled down before placing the cheese and nori artwork.

Ready to jazz up your meal in the most adorable way? Put some fun in your lunch box with your own kyara-ben.

Known as the “character bento,” the kyara-ben is a great way to get artistic with lunch—not to mention the secret weapon of many creative parents with fussy kids

to feed. With shapes ranging from cute, simple faces to incredible likenesses of popular characters, there’s no end to the possibilities!

Ketchup rice: Cook finely chopped onion in a pan until softened and mix some ketchup in. Add rice to the pan and sauté until the rice fully absorbs the ketchup. Season with a bit of chicken stock, salt and pepper. If the rice is freshly cooked, make sure it has cooled slightly before adding it to the pan.

Today’s tip

draw your eed) artwork, For nori (seaw of wax paper, t ee sh a on illustration ri er a sheet of no then place it ov th a wi ng rki wo n Whe and cut it out. first, ls tai de e th cut out graphic cutter, mouth. Place d an se no , es such as ey tweezers e cheese with the parts on th l image. na igi or ur yo to while referring

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Rie Kamiyama Mother of two sons, aged 9 and 14 years old.

Started making Kyara-ben six years ago when her son came back home without finishing the lunch she made him.

日本語 スピーチ コンテスト

The 34th Ontario Japanese Speech Contest The Ontario Japanese Speech Contest was first held in 1983. The 2016 OJSC is the 34th contest.

Students learning Japanese at universities and language schools present their speeches in four categories: Beginners’, Intermediate, Advanced and Open. OJSC has been the most successful Japanese speech contest in Canada in terms of quality participants and excellent speeches.

1. Date and Time:

5. Categories:

Saturday, March 5, 2016, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Please see the conditions for each category below.

Beginners

2. Place: J.J.R. MacLeod Auditorium (MS2158), University of Toronto 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario

3. Hosted by: The Organizing Committee for the Ontario Japanese Speech Contest (Department of East Asian Studies, University of Toronto) Supported by: The Consulate General of Japan, The Japan Foundation

Intermediate Advanced

Open

Japanese spoken at home

None

None

None

No limit

Time spent studying Japanese

Less than 130 hours

Less than 260 hours

No limit

No limit

Time spent in Japan from the age of six

3 months or less

6 months or less

Less than 1 year

No limit

4. Qualifications:

6. Certificates and Prizes:

All applicants must: 1) be 18 years of age or older.

2) reside in Ontario.

3) have been studying Japanese as a foreign language.

4) be recommended by a representative of an educational institution.

Winners in each category will be awarded prizes and certificates.

Other contestants will receive participation awards.

The first prize winner in each category may be invited to attend the 2016 National Japanese Speech Contest, which will be held in Toronto, Ontario, on March 19, 2016.

Full rules and regulations can be found at http://buna.arts.yorku.ca/ojsc/general.html

7. Application Process: Please send your (1) Application Form and (2) Referee’s Form to the following address: ojsc.committee@gmail.com (Please ensure that you receive an acknowledgement via e-mail that we have received your application.)

Deadline: No later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

Result announcement: Results will be sent by e-mail by Wednesday, February 17, 2016.

For further details and full regulations, please visit

http://buna.arts.yorku.ca/ojsc/

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Hakata Sho Ryu Ken Ramen Come in a group of 3 or more and get a

10% Discount *Please present this coupon upon ordering.

At Sho Ryu Ken, ramen is made in the traditional way it’s done in Hakata—the dish’s birthplace. And with a special pork-bone broth that takes over 12 hours to prepare, you know you’re getting the real deal here.

In addition to the signature ramen, diners can treat themselves to delicious homemade gyoza, tender pork and more!

Don’t just read about great Japanese food and culture ... enjoy them yourself! Try these coupons for deals near you.

Ryoji Ramen & Izakaya

Expires February 29, 2016

5321 Yonge St., North York | 416-733-3725 www.hakatashoryuken.com | Open: Tues–Sun £ÓÊ« qÎÊ« ]ÊxÊ« q£ä\ÎäÊ« ÊUÊ ÊV Ãi`

Don Don Izakaya

Free Topping 10 % Discount *Please present this coupon upon ordering.

Expires February 29, 2016

Ryoji Ramen is an Okinawan-style izakaya in Toronto. They serve a vegetable ramen, so vegetarians can enjoy their delicious ramen too! You can also experience their unique side dishes. They have an Okinawa night, an event with a full evening of Okinawa culture, once a month.

690 College St., Toronto | 416-533-8083 ryojitoronto.com | Open: Mon–Thu ££\ÎäÊ> q£ÓÊ> ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊ££\ÎäÊ> qÓÊ> Sun 11:30 am–10:30 pm

Japanese Seafood Restaurant

Crab Harbour

10% Discount *Please present this coupon upon ordering.

Expires February 29, 2016

Crab Harbour, Richmond Hill’s new high-end Japanese-style crab eatery. Look for the giant crustacean that denotes the entrance. Patrons can choose to indulge in the prix fixe menu or opt for items à la carte. The former is a nine-course ode to all things crab.

FEBRUARY 2016

The sounds of drums and the typical welcome cheer of “Irasshaimase!” are the first things you are sure to hear as you visit our highenergy setting at Don Don’s. “Don Don,” which signifies the sounds of Japanese drums, also means a place of ”more” ... a place of more drinks, more food and definitely more fun!

130 Dundas St. W., Toronto | 416-492-5292 www.dondonizakaya.com | Lunch: Mon–Fri ££\ÎäÊ> q{Ê« Ê­ >ÃÌÊV> ÊÎ\ÎäÊ« ® UÊ iÀ\Ê -Õ q Thu 5 pm–12 am (last call 11~11:30 pm) Fri & Sat: 5 pm–1 am (last call 12~12:30 am)

Tokyo Acupuncture and Shiatsu Clinic

$10 off

with regular session(55min)

*First time visit only. *Cannot be used with any other discount coupons. *Mention this coupon when you schedule your massage session.

Since 1991, Tokyo Acupuncture and Shiatsu Clinic has provided various types of treatments and advice to alleviate symptoms and improve natural healing abilities including Japanese-style Shiatsu, Japanesestyle Acupuncture, Swedish Massage, Reflexology and Moxibustion. We are here to help you maximize your own body’s ability to maintain and improve your health.

280 West Beaver Creek Rd, Unit 38, Richmond Hill | 905-731-5570 | www.crabharbour.ca Open: Mon–Sun 11:30 am –11 pm

46

*Only dinner time. Cash payment only. *No alcohol included. *Please present this coupon upon ordering.

www.bentoboxmag.ca

2350 Yonge St., 2nd Fl., Toronto | 416-488-8414 tokyoshiatsu.com | Open: Mon– Fri 10 am– 8 pm ->ÌÊ£äÊ> qÈÊ« Ê UÊ-Õ Ê££Ê> qxÊ«