040110 bentobox

Japanese Culture | Hot Spots | Products

| Food

Apr. 2017

No. 26 FREE www.bentoboxmag.ca

t oron o’s T Go for a stroll along Dundas West

Little Tokyo TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK

Nara is a place of peaceful sights and friendly wildlife EXPERIENCE EDIBLE ART

Kaiseki dining takes Japanese cuisine to a whole new level

Contents April 2017 No.26

08

Kaiseki dining fuses seasonal ingredients, artful preparation and stellar service

04

Feature: Welcome to Little Tokyo

08

Restaurant: t: Experience true edible art

10

Products: Amp up your sock game

12

Ingredient: 3VVR [OLZL ÄZO PU [OL L`L

14

Sake: The purest form of the drink

16

Travel: Nara–A walk in the park

20

Only in Japan: Vending machines are ... heroic?

24

MUJI picks: The natural fabric that feels like a second skin

26

Movie: A wise and gentle ode to family life

28

Beauty: Revolutionize your look

30

:[HɈ WPJR YLZ[H\YHU[! 8\HSP[` HќVYKHISL Z\ZOP

EDITOR’S NOTE

Nina Hoeschele

Take a quick jaunt to our local Tokyo ;VYVU[V PZ RUV^U MVY P[Z KPZ[PUJ[ HUK JOHYHJ[LY ÄSSLK ULPNOIV\YOVVKZ HUK ^P[O HSS the great Japanese food and culture available in our city, it was only a matter of time until we saw a Japanese neighbourhood take shape! In this month’s feature, we explore our city’s burgeoning Little Tokyo. Go ahead and plan yourself a Japanese day in your own backyard!

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/bentoboxmag

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Editors Nina Hoeschele, Amanda Plyley, Yumi Nishio Editorial coordinators Nina Hoeschele, Yumi Nishio Writers Amanda Plyley, Ariel Litteljohn, James Heron, M Crowson, Nicholas Jones, Sarah Dickson, Sheena Kirkbride, Sylvester Pilgrim, Walter Muschenheim Designers Chiyako Mukai, Reiko Ema

Photographer Kazu Maruyama

Production assistants Karin Yoshida, Kota Kai, Lisa Tower, Natsumi Komatsu, Yoichiro Ishizuka Advertisement & marketing Kazu Maruyama Publisher Kazu Maruyama

Bento Box Communication Inc. | 600 Bay St., Suite 410, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M6 | Phone: 416-847-6799 | www.bentoboxmag.ca | Email: info@bentoboxmag.ca

ISSN 2368-9153

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APRIL 2017

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Welcome to

Feature

By Nicholas Jones

Little Tokyo

In the heart of Toronto Despite Japanese businesses booming across Toronto, they had yet to coalesce into a concentrated area—until now!

This month we take a walk down Dundas West, through the heart of the city’s budding Little Tokyo.

Uniqlo

A

Japanese fashion has ÄUHSS` HYYP]LK The presence of a Japanese district in Toronto was cemented by the arrival of two of Japan’s fashion giants. If you’ve somehow missed the hype around Uniqlo’s Canadian launch last fall at the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale, let’s catch you up. This brand prides itself on providing well-made, stylish clothes that act as a “fashion toolbox” from which customers can mix and match to express their own unique style.

Uniqlo is less about dictating what you should wear and more about providing a wealth of options to showcase your individuality.

CF Toronto Eaton Centre 3F, 220 Yonge St., Toronto | www.uniqlo.com/ca OPEN: Mon–Fri 10 am–9:30 pm :H[ ! HT¶ ! WT ࡛ :\U HT¶ WT

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Women’s Camisole Jumpsuit Combining a compact top and wide-leg pants, you’ll be trendy and comfortable in this jumpsuit!

Women’s Ribbed Cotton Flare Striped Half-Sleeve Dress Celebrate the warming spring weather with this nautical-style FRWWRQ MHUVH\ GUHVV

Women’s Drape Trench Coat Made with lightweight yet durable Tencel, a sustainable fabric, this trench will add sophistication WR DQ\ RXWıW

MUJI Atriumm B Well-Fitted (Microbead) Neck Cushion With tiny microbeads, this travel pillow twists and bends in any way needed to keep you comfy on the go.

Cuckoo Clock This cute cuckoo will cheerfully greet you on the hour. Bring some character to the walls of your home!

Gel-Ink Ballpoint Pen No more frustration! These pens are precise and easy to use, giving you smooth, clean, unbroken lines.

From clothing, to stationery, to housewares: MUJI has it all The other Japanese fashion pillar holding down the entrance to Little Tokyo is lifestyle retailer MUJI’s Atrium location. First-time visitors to MUJI often spot the housewares section and mislabel the brand as a Japanese Ikea. However, if we’re making these comparisons, MUJI could also be a Japanese H&M and a Japanese Papyrus. MUJI is famous for its stylish minimalism, an esthetic statement it applies equally to fashion, lifestyle items and stationery. In one trip, you can pick up a classy blazer, a modular storage unit and H J\[L JHYK I\[ `V\»SS IL OHYK WYLZZLK [V ÄUK any Swedish meatballs!

Atrium, 20 Dundas St. W., Toronto TEL: 416-591-2233 | www.muji.com/ca 67,5! 4VU¶-YP HT¶ WT ࡛ :H[ HT¶ WT ࡛ :\U HT¶ WT

C Don Don Izakaya Spend a lively night out in Little Tokyo

Spicy Seafood Udon Rich pork broth seasoned with spicy sesame oil, brimming with delicious seafood!

S Spicy Okra Tofu with Pork popu A Japanese twist on a popuu, lar Chinese dish, mabo dofu, or fried tofu with ground meat in a spicy sauce.

Hearty eats

Otafuku Omelette This omelette is made with takoyaki GRXJK DQG VWXijHG ZLWK yakisoba and mentaiko (pollock roe).

+VU +VU ^HZ VUL VM [OL ÄYZ[ 1HWHULZL I\ZPnesses to set up shop on Dundas West, and this raucous izakaya has since become the go-to location for those looking for dinner, drinks and a great time. In addition to the standard, Japanese-tapas-inspired fare and drinks `V\»K L_WLJ[ VM HU PaHRH`H +VU +VU VɈLYZ an impressive selection of sake. Don Don’s ZPNUH[\YL Ä_[\YL PZ H SHYNL taiko drum that the servers strike to welcome each new party to the restaurant. If you’re looking for a memorable night out in Little Tokyo, what better way [V Z[HY[ P[ VɈ [OHU ^P[O H KY\TYVSS& 130 Dundas St. W., Toronto TEL: 416-492-5292 www.dondonizakaya.com OPEN: Lunch: Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4 pm +PUULY! :\U¶;O\YZ WT¶ HT ࡛ -YP¶:H[ 5 pm–1 am www.bentoboxmag.ca

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Tsujiri

D

The only dessert shop of its kind on this side of [OL 7HJPÄJ The Dundas West Tsujiri location is not only [OL ÄYZ[ PU *HUHKH I\[ HSZV [OL only one in the Western Hemisphere! Given that fact, it’s no ^VUKLY [OH[ [OPZ J\[L KLZZLY[ IV\[PX\L VM[LU sees lineups out the door. You could call Tsujiri H 1HWHULZL [HRL VU :[HYI\JRZ PM `V\ ^LYL [V Z^HW V\[ HSS [OL JVɈLL MVY KLSPJPV\Z 1HWHULZL matcha. Tsujiri mixes up this staple and other MHTV\Z 1HWHULZL [LHZ I` ISLUKPUN [OLT PU[V all manner of lattes, cappuccinos and iced KYPURZ ;OL ZOVW HSZV \ZLZ P[Z H\[OLU[PJ OPNO X\HSP[` TH[JOH WV^KLY PU H YHUNL VM JHRLZ pastries, ice creams and other desserts.

147 Dundas St. W., Toronto tsujiri-global.com OPEN: Daily 11:30 am–10:30 pm

Yutaka Japanese Cuisine

Tsujiri Sundae A sweet treat! Layered with chestnuts, mochi (rice cake), red bean paste and EURZQ ULFH SXijV Houjicha Latte Powdered Houjicha, or roasted JUHHQ WHD EOHQGHG ZLWK PLON Experience the nutty aroma!

Matcha Latte 7KLV ODWWH LV PDGH ZLWK ıQH tea-ceremony-grade matcha SRZGHU 'HOLFLRXV KRW RU FROG

Toronto’s Japan

A stroll alon

E

Yellowtail Neck A great companion to your sake! This rich, fatty \HOORZWDLO QHFN LV JULOOHG LQ WKH -DSDQHVH VW\OH

The perfect place for your sushi party ;OV\NO P[ TH` SVVR SPRL Q\Z[ HUV[OLY izakaya MYVT [OL V\[ZPKL @\[HRH PZ H OPKKLU NLT VM 3P[[SL ;VR`V MVY [OL Z\ZOP SV]LY >OPSL P[ VɈLYZ some standard Japanese fare, like donburi rice IV^SZ HUK UVVKSL KPZOLZ @\[HRH MVJ\ZLZ VU WYV]PKPUN [VW UV[JO Z\ZOP MVY WYL[[` YLHZVUHISL WYPJLZ ;OL YLZ[H\YHU[ OHZ H NYLH[ VWLU H[TV ZWOLYL HUK JHU HJJVTTVKH[L SHYNLY WHY[PLZ H lot more easily than most of the smaller, more cramped sushi restaurants in the city. Yutaka PZ VWLU MVY IV[O S\UJO HUK KPUULY·HUK PM `V\»YL SVVRPUN MVY S\UJO [OLPY :\ZOP 3\UJO MVY ;^V PZ H WHY[PJ\SHYS` NVVK KLHS 157 Dundas St. W., Toronto TEL: 416-596-6877 OPEN: Lunch: Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3 pm Dinner: Mon–Fri 5 pm–10 pm Sat–Sun 5 pm–Close

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Beef Tataki $$$ UDQNHG &DQDGLDQ VHDUHG ıOOHW EHHI VHUYHG ZLWK YLQHJDU VR\EHDQ SDVWH RU FLWUXV VR\ VDXFH

Assorted Sashimi )UHVK VHDIRRG DW LWV EHVW 7KH VHOHFWLRQ PD\ FKDQJH GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH FDWFK RI WKH GD\ 6HUYHG ZLWK JUDWHG ZDVDEL DQG SLFNOHG JLQJHU

Uncle Tetsu’s

Angel Hat Angel Café’s signature cake is this custard-infused cheesecake that’s moist and bouncy.

-

Angel Café Little Tokyo’s one and only maid café

Original Cheesecake /LJKW DQG IJXij\ WKH RULJLQDO FKHHVHFDNH that’s at the heart of everything Uncle Tetsu.

Matcha Latte Enjoy a warm drink with cute latte art!

g Dundas West Classic Salmon Wrap Have a temaki lunch! Salmon, carrot, kale and avocado are wrapped in white rice and nori.

As its ffrequent lineups out the door can attest, Uncle Tetsu’s T Angel Café is one of the most popula popular attractions along Dundas West. If the nam name sounds familiar, that’s because the Angel C Café is an expansion of Uncle Tetsu’s JOLLZL JOLLZLJHRL ZOVW·VɈLYPUN [OL ZHTL TV\[O waterin watering desserts you’ve lined up for, except served by the uncle’s friendly maids. That’s right: a maid café in Toronto! This eccentric bit VM 1HWH VM 1HWHULZL J\S[\YL PZ KLÄUP[LS` ZVTL[OPUN `V\ need to experience, and you no longer have to Å` [V ( Å` [V (RPOHIHYH [V KV P[ 0M `V\ [PTL `V\Y ]PZP[ right, you y can even enjoy your Uncle Tetsu treats w while taking in a live performance by the maids on the Angel Café stage.

191 Dundas St. W., Toronto TEL: 647-351-2666 | angelcafetoronto.com 67,5! 4VU¶;O\YZ WT¶ WT ࡛ -YP¶:H[ WT¶ ! WT ࡛ :\U WT¶ WT TAKEOUT: Mon–Thurs 1 pm–10 pm -YP¶:H[ WT¶ ! WT ࡛ :\U WT¶ WT

Rolltation

G

Taking the sushi roll to a new level >OLYLHZ @\[HRH PZ [OL NV [V ZWV[ MVY [OL ZP[ KV^U Z\ZOP HUK ZHZOPTP JYV^K 9VSS[H tion is for those who aren’t afraid of a little culinary fusion. In a groundbreaking move that would cause consternation to sushi masters L]LY`^OLYL 9VSS[H[PVU OHZ IYV\NO[ ;VYVU[V P[Z ÄYZ[ Z\ZOP I\YYP[V @LZ `V\ YLHK [OH[ YPNO[ HUK P[ PZ KLÄUP[LS` HZ KLSPJPV\Z HZ P[ ZV\UKZ 7PJ[\YL your typical maki roll, except giant, with ÅH]V\YZ [OH[ YHUNL MYVT >HZHIP ;\UH [V *\YY` Chicken. If that sounds a little too adventur V\Z [OL` HSZV VɈLY WVRt IV^SZ! [OL /H^HPPHU culinary rice bowl creation that is part donburi, part chirashi sushi and fully delicious.

Takoyaki Everybody’s favourite snack! Pancake e batter that is fried in the shape of a ball, with diced octopus in the centre.

Wasabi Tuna Bowl A bowl of happiness with fresh sliced tuna. Health-conscious customers can substitute brown rice for white rice.

207 Dundas St. W., Toronto TEL: 647-351-8986 www.rolltation.com OPEN: Daily 11 am–10 pm

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APRIL 2017

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Restaurant | Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto

By Ariel Litteljohn

Experience true edible art At Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, the family team aims to cater an outstanding meal as well as offer diners an authentic kaiseki experience.

‫ޙ‬ಒᄿ೗࣌Ⴈ

Steamed and stewed course This dish is a mashed satoimomanjyu (taro root potato), rolled around either duck or wagyu beef, then covered in naturally coloured, lightly fried rice crackers.

Hungry for more? Let’s dig in!

Kaiseki can be defined as a set, fixed-price seasonal dinner of many light courses, traditionHSS` ZLY]LK PU [LHOV\ZLZ PU 1HWHU ([ /HZOPTV[V KPZOLZ YLÅLJ[ IV[O [OL ZLHZVUZ PU 1HWHU·MYVT ^OLYL VM [OL PUNYLKPLU[Z HYL PTWVY[LK· and local seasons too. Ingredients are often repeated as a theme throughout the meal, with each dish being exquisitely and meticulously put together by the chef.

5V[^P[OZ[HUKPUN [OL V\[Z[HUKPUN YL]PL^Z HUK praise bestowed upon Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, the Hashimoto family is insistent that they are nowhere near the end of their quest, which is to bring authentic kaiseki to Toronto. During T` ]PZP[ 0 HT PU H^L VM [OL LUVYTV\Z JVTmitment and dedication this family team has for bringing this true art to our city. Kaiseki YuaLU /HZOPTV[V PZ ZL[ VU UHPSPUN P[ HSS·^P[O VUS` three tables at the restaurant, there is ample opportunity for the chef and his family team to communicate in an exchange with all of their WH[YVUZ (Z 2LP 4Y /HZOPTV[V»Z `V\UNLZ[ ZVU W\[Z P[ ¸>OH[ ^L ^HU[ PZ [OL O\THU [V O\THU PU[LYHJ[PVU ¹ Wakei no kokoro is a phrase in Jap-

anese that embraces this two-way exchange between diner and chef that makes the kaiseki experience truly unique.

All of this about kaiseki with yet no mention of the actual menu! At Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, diners choose from an eight-course set menu at dinnertime or a six-course luncheon HќHPY >OPSL [OL TLU\ JOHUNLZ ZLHZVUHSS` [OL JV\YZLZ MVSSV^ H ZL[ VYKLY! ÄYZ[ [OL LX\P]HSLU[ of an amuse-bouche; second, a sashimi course; [OPYK [OL ZV\W JV\YZL VUS` VќLYLK H[ KPUULY " MV\Y[O [OL NYPSSLK JV\YZL" ÄM[O [OL Z[LHTLK HUK stewed course; sixth, the signature daikon crane KPZO VUS` VќLYLK H[ KPUULY " ZL]LU[O [OL THPU course, often a rice dish; and eighth, dessert.

0M `V\ HYL ]PZP[PUN [OL YLZ[H\YHU[ MVY KPUULY `V\ will also be treated to a traditional tea ceremony come the end of the meal.

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto’s spring menu is now VU VќLY HZ VM LHYS` 4HYJO 0[Z KPZOLZ MLH[\YL ZVM[ KLSPJH[L [L_[\YLZ ÅV^LYZ Z\JO HZ JOLYY` HUK plum blossoms, and highlights of pinks, whites and reds.

Kaiseki Chef Masaki Hashimoto Walk into a different world Prepare for a night of culinary excellence with a TLKP[H[P]L H[TVZWOLYL [V YLSH_ `V\Y IVK` HUK mind. The Hashimoto family is committed to letting you experience kaiseki cuisine as it is meant to IL·HU L_WSVYH[PVU VM KLSPJH[L [L_[\YLZ ÅH]V\YZ HUK JVSV\YZ [OH[ KLÄUL LHJO ZLHZVU -P[[PUNS` [OL restaurant is located in the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.

;OL `LHY VSK 4HZHRP /HZOPTV[V OHZ ILLU Z[YP]PUN [V WLYMLJ[ OPZ HY[ MVY [OL IL[[LY WHY[ VM OPZ SPML (M[LY L_[LUZP]L [YHPUPUN PU OPZ UH[P]L 1HWHU /HZOPTV[V ^HZ VUL VM [OL ÄYZ[ [YHPULK kaiseki chefs to take his art outside the country. /L OHZ ILLU PU ;VYVU[V UV^ MVY V]LY `LHYZ 0U /HZOPTV[V JVTWL[LK PU [OL WYLZ[Pgious Japanese Culinary Arts Competition, held in Kyoto, and won the technique award for his ¸JYHUL PU ÅPNO[¹ JYLH[PVU ^OPJO KPUULY WH[YVUZ HYL [YLH[LK [V

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto www.kaiseki.ca ;,3!

6 Garamond Ct., Toronto 67,5! )` YLZLY]H[PVU VUS` -VY YLZLY]H[PVUZ WSLHZL \ZL [OL VUSPUL YLZLY]H[PVU YLX\LZ[ VU [OL ^LIZP[L

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APRIL 2017

09

Hot

Featured

in

Japan

PRODUCTS

Amp up your sock game with these stylish socks featuring creative prints.

01

Deep sea mascot socks ;\YU `V\Y ZVJR KYH^LY PU[V H ÄZOPUN L_WLKP[PVU ^P[O Felissimo’s socks!

'HҕQLWHO\ QRW \RXU IDWKHU¥V DUJ\OH VRFNV

-,30::046

;HRL `V\Y MLL[ VU H KLLW ZLH HK]LU[\YL ^P[O [OLZL ZVJRZ MLH[\YPUN JVSV\YM\S VJLHU JYLHM K ]LU[\YL ^P[O ]L [O [[OLZL ZVJRZ MLH M [\YLZ ;OL WYPU[Z MLH[\YLK VU [OLZL ZVJRZ HYL PU H KPZ[PUJ[ 1HWHULZL Z[`SL HUK JLSLIYH[L 1HWHU»Z [YHKP[PVUHS JVUULJ[PVU ^P[O [OL ZLH ;OL`»YL H]HPSHISL PU ]HYPV\Z Z[`SLZ HUK THKL VM H JV[[VU HUK HJY`SPJ ISLUK ZV `V\»SS IL L_JP[LK [V ZSPW `V\Y MLL[ PU[V [OLT HNHPU HUK HNHPU )\[ ^OH[ YLHSS` THRLZ [OLZL ZVJRZ ZWLJPHS PZ [OH[ [OL` ILJVTL HKVYHISL THZJV[Z ^OLU MVSKLK @V\Y ZVJR KYH^LY UL]LY SVVRLK ZV NVVK -,30::046

02

-up socks Sweet dress ;YLH[ `V\Y [VLZ ^P[O :V\ :V\»Z [YHKP[PVUHS 1HWHULZL [VL ZVJRZ· ^P[O H Z[`SPZO [^PZ[ Ditch your boring tube socks and stock up on these Japanese toe socks direct from Yamatotakada, the sock-producing capital of Japan. Also known as tabi, these toe socks separate the big toe from the others and can be worn with thong sandals or in any shoe. A variety of prints are available, depicting Japanese sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth, traditional Japanese beauty products or a quaint, historical Japanese village scene. Available in women’s and men’s sizes, these cotton socks have a reinforced toe to keep your feet feeling secure and comfortable.

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03

Sushi and donut socks Satisfy your cravings with these delectable socks from Sukeno.

Fold your socks into sushi!

These socks are as comfortable as they are appetizing! While they may seem like simply patterned socks at first glance, they are guaranteed to make your sock drawer look like a scrumptious sushi platter or a colourful box of fresh donuts. Made of a cotton polyester blend, these unisex socks have designs knitted directly into them, making the patterns as durable as the socks themselves. Sukeno’s website also features video tutorials so you can learn how to perfectly fold your socks into a chocolate glazed donut or a piece of tuna sashimi.

Looks good enough to eat!

From comfy socks ... to a deliciouslooking donut!

More info about these products

01: Felissimo, www.felissimo.co.jp/int/pickup | 02: SOU SOU KYOTO, www.sousouus.com | 03: Sukeno, www. sukenosocks.com (For inquiries on Sukeno’s products, contact Bento Box Magazine: info@bentoboxmag.ca) www.bentoboxmag.ca

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Ingredient | Chirimen-jako

By Amanda Plyley

小さなお目々が私を見てる ご飯にのっけてパクッ。

+YPLK PU [OL Z\U MVY ZL]LYHS KH`Z ILMVYL ILPUN WHJRHNLK PU ]HJ\\T ZLHSLK IHNZ HUK ZVSK PU [OL MYLLaLY ZLJ[PVU VM (ZPHU Z\WLYTHYRL[Z JOPYPTLU QHRV PZ H ]LYZH[PSL PUNYLKPLU[ JHWHISL VM HKKPUN H W\UJO VM ÅH]V\Y [V `V\Y H]LY HNL KPZO 0[ PZ TVZ[ JVTTVUS` MV\UK WPSLK VU [VW VM Z[LHTPUN OV[ YPJL V[OLY^PZL RUV^U HZ chirimen-don HUK ZLY]LK MVY IYLHRMHZ[ WLYOHWZ ^P[O H IP[ VM ponzu JP[Y\Z ]PULNHY [V [HZ[L ;OV\NO [OL ÄZO PZ UV[ [`WPJHSS` ZHS[LK P[ JHYYPLZ H OPU[ VM ZHS[` ÅH]V\Y ^P[O P[ MYVT [OL ZLH HUK P[Z HKKP[PVU [V ZVM[ YPJL KPZOLZ IYPUNZ HSVUN H ZH[PZM`PUN JY\UJO

Chirimen-jako

【ちりめんじゃこ】

Eyes on the prize Put down your glass of milk and try this calcium-packed snack instead—if you dare. +V `V\ JVUZPKLY `V\YZLSM H ZLHMVVK SV]LY& +VLZ `V\Y TV\[O ^H[LY H[ [OL WYVZWLJ[ VM H ILH\[PM\S WSH[L VM Z\ZOP& 3VIZ[LY [HPSZ& *YHI SLNZ& :OYPTWZ HUK ZJHSSVWZ& :TVRLK ZHSTVU& 4TT /V^ HIV\[ KVaLUZ VM [PU` ÄZO ^P[O [OLPY L`LZ SVVRPUN \W H[ `V\ MYVT [OL LUKZ VM `V\Y JOVW Z[PJRZ& Chirimen-jako VY KYPLK ÄZO IHP[ MYVT [OL HUJOV]` HUK ZHYKPUL MHTPSPLZ PZ Q\Z[ [OH[·HUK P[»Z H Z[HWSL VM [OL 1HWHULZL KPL[ 4PSKS` ZHS[` PU

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ÅH]V\Y JY\UJO` PU [L_[\YL HUK ZSPNO[S` ÄZO` PU VKV\Y JOPYPTLU QHRV JHU IL ZWV[[LK VU 1HWH ULZL KPUPUN [HISLZ TVYUPUN UVVU HUK UPNO[ HZ H YPJL [VWWPUN H ZHSHK PUNYLKPLU[ VY H ZPKL KPZO VM P[Z V^U ;OL ULHYS` [YHUZWHYLU[ ¸^H]`¹ IVKPLZ VM [OL ÄZO SLUK [OLT [OLPY UHTL ^P[O ¸JOPYPTLU¹ YLMLYYPUN [V H [YHKP[PVUHS ZPSR MHIYPJ ^P[O ÄUL ^YPURSLZ VU [OL Z\YMHJL HUK ¸QHRV¹ TLHUPUN KPќLYLU[ RPUKZ VM `V\UN ÄZO ;OL UHTL JVTLZ MYVT [OL ]PL^ [OH[ [OL ÄZO OH]L ILLU SHPK V\[ HUK KYPLK VU [OL ZOVYL SPRL WPLJLZ VM ZPSR

5V[ VUS` PZ [OPZ ZHS[` ZUHJR [HZ[` I\[ P[ HSZV JHYYPLZ U\[YP[PVUHS ^LPNO[ 7HYLU[Z HYL HW[ [V TP_ JOPYPTLU QHRV PU[V [OLPY JOPSK»Z ^OP[L YPJL HZ H ^H` VM ZULHRPUN PU T\JO ULLKLK U\[YPLU[Z MVY [OL KH`·Q\Z[ N VM [OLZL [PU` N\`Z WYV]PKLZ TN VM JHSJP\T VY [OL YLJVTTLUKLK KHPS` KVZL 6[OLYZ JOVVZL [V ZUHJR VU [OL ÄZO HZ H X\PJR HUK LHZ` ^H` VM YHJRPUN \W H YHUNL VM V[OLY U\[YP[PVUHS ILULÄ[Z PUJS\KPUN PTWYLZZP]L KVZLZ VM WYV[LPU VTLNH MH[[` HJPKZ aPUJ THUNHULZL HUK PYVU (UK HJJVYKPUN [V [YHKP [PVUHS *OPULZL TLKPJPUL JOPYPTLU QHRV SPNO[S` JVVRLK PU H WHU ^P[O ZHRL HUK MYLZO sansho OV[ WLWWLY MY\P[ WV^KLY PZ ZHPK [V WYVK\JL H KPZO [OH[ ^HYTZ [OL IVK` MYVT [OL PUZPKL V\[ PTWYV]PUN [OL KPNLZ[P]L Z`Z[LT :OV\SK `V\ OH]L H JOHUJL [V ]PZP[ 1HWHU P[ ^VU»[ IL OHYK [V [YHJR KV^U H KPZO VM JOPYPTLU QHRV 0U MHJ[ VUL [V^U PU WHY[PJ\SHY OHZ THKL P[ P[Z TPZZPVU [V PU[YVK\JL ]PZP[VYZ [V [OL [HZ[` NVVKULZZ VM JOPYPTLU KVU (RP H JP[` PU 2VJOP 7YLMLJ[\YL VU :OPRVR\ PZSHUK PZ MHTV\Z MVY [OL ÄZO [VWWLK YPJL KPZO HUK OHZ NVUL ZV MHY HZ [V SH\UJO HU VѝJPHS HZZVJPH[PVU KLKPJH[LK [V [OL [HZR VM WYVTV[PUN P[ =PZP[ [OL JP[` HUK `V\»YL IV\UK [V WPJR \W H THW WVPU[PUN [V [OL HIZV S\[L ILZ[ JOPYPTLU KVU ZWV[Z PU [OL JP[` >HUKLY [V `V\Y OLHY[»Z JVU[LU[ HUK LH[ \W @V\ KPK ZH` `V\ SV]LK ZLHMVVK KPKU»[ `V\&

Sake | Funaguchi Kikusui

By Sheena Kirkbride

ăƒ•ăƒŹăƒƒă‚ˇăƒĽă §ăƒ•ăƒŤăƒźăƒ†ă‚Łă Şć—¨ĺ?Łă€‚ çľžă‚Šă &#x;ă Śă Žç”&#x;ĺŽ&#x;酒㠯㠕らり㠨㠗ă &#x;喉㠔㠗。

Funaguchi Kikusui

ă ľă Şă ?ă Ą ă ?ă ?㠙㠄 Strictly sake Get a taste of Japan’s signature drink in its purest form.

L

ocated along the idyllic coast of the Sea of Japan in Niigata Prefecture, Kikusui’s award-winning brewery JYLH[LZ ZVTL VM [OL ÄULZ[ ZHRLZ PU [OL ^VYSK Kikusui was established in 1881 as a family business, and the family’s expert skills, techniques and recipes have been passed down for Ä]L NLULYH[PVUZ ;OL YLZWLJ[ HUK W\YL SV]L MVY sake of each generation has brought the company into the upper echelon of sake breweries and cemented its name as one of the bestRUV^U PU ^VYSK One of the keys to Kikusui’s success is its loca[PVU PU UVY[OLYU 5PPNH[H ;OL YLNPVUZ HI\UKHU[ ZUV^MHSS LHJO `LHY HJ[Z HZ H UH[\YHS HPY W\YPÄLY and creates an atmosphere that is virtually WVSS\[HU[ MYLL" PU [OL ZWYPUN TLS[LK ZUV^ ÅV^Z from the mountains into the rice paddies to

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Canned freshness

Aluminum provides a shelter from the elements.

Not only does the aluminum can with its nostalgic design give the sake a unique presentation, it also OHZ HU PTWVY[HU[ W\YWVZL 7\[[PUN the sake in a can was Kikusui’s solution to keeping the delicate characteristics of the raw sake intact and avoiding any damage by Z\USPNO[ ;OL JHUZ HYL ÄSSLK [V [OL top to ensure minimal air contact, further protecting the award^PUUPUN WYVK\J[Z MYHNPSL UH[\YL ;OL YLZ\S[ PZ [OL W\YL MYLZO [HZ[L `V\ ^V\SK L_WLJ[ [V ÄUK VU H [V\Y of Kikusui’s brewery—but in the JVU]LUPLUJL VM H JHU

HUK \UPX\L Ă…H]V\YZ [OH[ `V\ JHU UVYTHSS` VUS` [HZ[L H[ [OL ZV\YJL

KLSP]LY WYPZ[PUL UV\YPZOPUN ^H[LY ;OL YLZ\S[ PZ the cultivation of rice that is among the best in 1HWHU¡HUK PKLHS MVY ZHRL IYL^PUN A longtime favourite in Japan and the winner of the 2014 International Wine Challenge, Funaguchi 2PR\Z\P 0JOPIHU :OPIVYP PZ [OL Ă&#x201E;YZ[ HUK VYPNPUHS nama sake (raw or fresh sake), created over 40 `LHYZ HNV <UWHZ[L\YPaLK HUK \UKPS\[LK 2PR\suiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nama sake delivers incredibly delicate and W\YL Ă&#x2026;H]V\YZ [OH[ HYL KPŃ?J\S[ [V Ă&#x201E;UK PU [`WPJHS WHZ[L\YPaLK ZHRLZ 5VYTHS ZHRL PZ WHZ[L\YPaLK [^PJL K\YPUN [OL IYL^PUN WYVJLZZ HUK [OL OLH[PUN PU WHZ[L\YPaH[PVU PUL]P[HIS` I\YUZ VŃ&#x153; H SV[ VM [OL UH[\YHS HUK MYHNPSL JOHYHJ[LYPZ[PJZ Because Funaguchi is never heated at high temperatures, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to enjoy the delicate

;OL MYLZOULZZ VM -\UHN\JOP PZ PTTLKPH[LS` WHSH[able, with a strikingly fruity aroma and a distinct SP]LSPULZZ 9PJO M\SS IVKPLK HUK M\SS VM umami, it is delicious chilled or on the rocks, and pairs nicely with otsumami ZHS[` ZUHJRZ )LJH\ZL P[ÂťZ \UWHZ[L\YPaLK `V\ JHU L_WLJ[ [OL Ă&#x2026;H]V\Y [V HNL HUK JOHUNL V]LY [PTL 7VW VWLU H JHU HM[LY ZP_ TVU[OZ HUK `V\ÂťSS Ă&#x201E;UK H JVTWLSSPUN Ă&#x2026;H]V\Y similar to that of brandy; after a year, the taste [HRLZ [OL ZOHWL VM H *OPULZL YPJL ^PUL )\[ UV matter when you choose to drink it, this nama sake is not to be taken lightlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;at 19% abv, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VUL VM [OL Z[YVUNLZ[ ZHRLZ V\[ [OLYL Funaguchi is available at the LCBOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Markham location (Highway 7 at Woodbine Avenue).

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APRIL 2017

15

Travel | Nara

By Sylvester Pilgrim

Nara

卑弥呼の時代から歴史を育み続ける古都で鹿と戯れる。

©JNTO

If you are planning a trip to the Kansai area of Japan, it will not be complete without a journey to Nara.

Situated between Osaka, Wakayama, Mie and Kyoto prefectures is the beautiful landlocked region of Nara. Located approximately 32 kilometres from Osaka City, the region’s capital city of the same name is an easy 45-minute train ride away on either the Kentetsu or the JR Line.

6UL VM [OL ÄYZ[ [OPUNZ [OH[ ^PSS JH[JO `V\Y L`L when you arrive via either route is the prevalence of Sento-kun, the antlered mascot of the city. The Kintetsu Line’s point of entry puts you in close proximity to the Higashimuki shopping street or shotengai ^OPJO VќLYZ WSLU[` VM JHMtZ and traditional Japanese restaurants as well as a wide variety of souvenir shops. You can also ÄUK HU HYYH` VM UVU 1HWHULZL J\PZPUL After working your way south through the ZOVWWPUN KPZ[YPJ[ `V\ ^PSS ÄUK VUL VM [OL TVYL

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famous attractions in the area: the Nakatanido shop. This store is well known as much for mochi—Japanese rice cakes—as it is for the ZWLJ[HJ\SHY ZOV^ I` P[Z WYVWYPL[VY HUK Z[Hќ On several occasions daily, you can watch with fascination as they work in harmony to pound rice into the soft delicacy that their establishTLU[ PZ RUV^U MVY ;OL ÄUPZOLK WYVK\J[ PZ H Z^LL[ ILHU WHZ[L ÄSSLK [YLH[ [OH[ ^PSS OH]L `V\ wanting more.

Make some new fourlegged friends >OLU `V\ ÄUHSS` [LHY `V\YZLSM H^H` MYVT [OL show and the treats, the main attraction of the area will lie ahead: Nara Park. Here, you can

©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO

A walk in the park

Enjoy a tranquil visit

t butsu a The Dai Temple Todaiji

©AC works

observe a rich religious culture as you climb the stairs from the roadway and enter the park, passing temples and shrines on the way to the greenery. You will also encounter some of the numerous inhabitants that call the area home. They are wild but friendly and very approachable, especially if you happen to be in possession of a pack of their favourite treat— deer cookies (shika senbei). They are also extremely polite and show their appreciation before and after you give them a senbei. Yes, the deer do bow in Nara Park.

One of the more impressive things about these four-legged park dwellers is their intelligence.

There are several cookie vendors dotting the approximately 1,240-acre park, but the deer know enough not to approach the stalls or

attempt to take any for themselves. However, when they see a pack being purchased, it becomes a comedic free-for-all with a lot of bowing and nibbling.

There are many other interesting attractions to [OL WHYR HZPKL MYVT [OL KLLY @V\ ^PSS ÄUK [OL Nara National Museum, which is considered an Important Cultural Property of Japan and OV\ZLZ ZVTL UH[PVUHS [YLHZ\YLZ 0[ HSZV VќLYZ H bookstore, a gift shop and a café, and its walls contain a brief history of the Buddhist temples in the area. Farther along and on the way to Todaiji Temple there are more stalls selling Japanese treats as well as an abundance of tax-free shops. Todaiji itself hosts the Daibutsu, or the Big Buddha. When you stand in front of the gigantic statue of the peaceful Buddha, you

Nara 【奈良】 Nara Prefecture is a beautiful landlocked area with a capital city that boasts the same name.

The city was once also the permanent capital of Japan.

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Travel | Nara

will see that this spectacular sight is well worth the small price of admission.

Sit back and enjoy the sights Another interesting feature in Nara Park is 5PNH[Z\KV ;LTWSL 0[ VŃ&#x153;LYZ H SHYNL KLJR MYVT which you can get a beautiful panoramic view of the park with the city in the background.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ideal location to see the fall colours and the spring sakura blooms. If you want to take a rest from your trek, you can enjoy a free cup of hot or cold tea in the tea room adjacent to the temple. It is a self-serve-style establishment that isâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for the most partâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;attendant-free; the only stipulation is that you are required to wash your cup. The walls are adorned with images of [OL Ă&#x201E;YL SP[ 6TPa\[VYP ZHJYLK ^H[LY KYH^PUN MLZtival that occurs here in the early spring, adding a colourful backdrop for your enjoyment.

If you happen to be in the park in early March, I recommend a visit to the plum grove. There you can see the many vibrant blossoms in bloom.

And later in the spring, you will see the blossoming sakuraâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so there is never a bad time to visit. A short walk from the grove is a pond with rentable rowboats for those who want to enjoy a relaxing row on the calm waters of the basin. ( ^VVKLU NHaLIV SPRL Z[Y\J[\YL PZ HSZV H]HPSable for non-swimmers who want to enjoy the view of the pond from a safe distance.

A visit to Japan is an incredible journey, and including Nara Park in your itinerary will make your vacation unforgettable. Â?@HZ\M\TP 5PZOP Â?15;6

Food & TPVWFOJST Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had your Ă MM PG UIF QBSL UBLF B CSFBL BOE JOEVMHF JO TPNF PG UIF BSFB T FEJCMF FOUFSUBJONFOU

Discover the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tasty eats and indulgent treats

ŠSylvester Pilgrim

Kana Kana: A very short stroll from the woodland is

the famed Kana Kana cafĂŠ. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great locale to relax in a quaint atmosphere while enjoying a cup of FRÄłHH DQG D SDVWU\

ŠAC works ŠBeppu Kankou Kyoukai

,BLJOPIB TVTIJ: Nara is famed for Kakinoha-sushi,

a type of Oshi-sushi WYLZZLK Z\ZOP [OH[ PZ ^YHWWLK in persimmon leaves. You can pick some up from one of the many shops at the train station.

All photos ŠNara City Tourist Association unless otherwise noted

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www.bentoboxmag.ca

APRIL 2017

19

Only in Japan | Vending machines

By M Crowson

Not just for pop +PZJV]LY [OL KP]LYZL JVU]LUPLU[ HUK VJJHZPVUHSS` OLYVPJ ^VYSK VM 1HWHULZL ]LUKPUN THJOPULZ 飲料から生活雑貨、卵に緊急時のヘルプまで。進化しすぎな日本の自動販売機。

Hunger

Shortage Thank you saving my liffeo!r

ou Thank y !

Noodle

Th irst

Emergency

Illustration by Reiko Ema

Japan is famous for technological innovations, especially in the world of robotics, as scientists create more and more lifelike robots. But if ma chines ever take over Japan, it might actually be the vending variety. Why? Japan is lousy with vending machines. There are about 5.52 million scattered across the nation, or about one per every 23 Japanese, everywhere from remote villages to the scenic summit of Mt. Fuji.

But these machines are not just for pop and sugary snacks.

You can get the usual Japanese hot and cold KYPURZ MYVT JHUULK JVќLL [V *HSWPZ I\[ [OLYL HYL HSZV THJOPULZ [OH[ VќLY WPWPUN OV[ TLHSZ like ramen, gyoza or even a hamburger and fries—a godsend when you’re at a highway rest stop and no restaurants are open. Likewise, if you’re caught in a sudden rainstorm, you may ÄUK HU \TIYLSSH ]LUKPUN THJOPUL 0M `V\»YL H[ the public bath and somehow have misplaced your socks or underwear, you may be able to grab a brand new pair. Other peculiar, poten [PHSS` \ZLM\S VќLYPUNZ PUJS\KL IH[[LYPLZ Z[HTWZ

magazines, gum, oranges and fresh eggs (just don’t ask what kind of magic they use to keep the eggs from breaking). There are also cigarette HUK HSJVOVS ]LUKPUN THJOPULZ MVY `V\Y NYV^U up needs, which used to be unregulated, but ZPUJL [OL`»]L ILLU \WKH[LK ^P[O H JHYK HJ[P]H[LK HNL ]LYPÄJH[PVU Z`Z[LT +VU»[ ^VYY` PM `V\»YL MLLSPUN N\PS[` HIV\[ `V\Y 6UL *\W :HRL VY Asahi bomber, because many Buddhist temples HUK :OPU[V ZOYPULZ UV^ VќLY ]LUKPUN THJOPULZ stocked with omamori, traditional protection amulets with prayers for all your spiritual ail ments, as well as omikuji MVY[\UL [LSSPUN [VRLUZ Vending machines are also increasingly being used to protect the physical as well as the spiri [\HS IVK` :VTL SHYNL WHYRZ HUK Z[H[PVUZ UV^ Z[VJR KLÄIYPSSH[VYZ HSSV^PUN VYKPUHY` WLVWSL [V save lives when emergency services can’t get VU ZP[L PTTLKPH[LS` 3VJHS ÄYL Z[H[PVUZ VќLY MYLL lessons on how to use them. After the 3/11 triple disaster, companies also began strategiz ing how to use vending machines during natural disasters. As a result, machines have become TVYL LULYN` LѝJPLU[ HUK ZVTL UV^ OH]L HU “emergency mode” that allows free access to water or information during natural disasters.

6UL JVTWHU` L]LU THKL H OHUK JYHURLK TH chine that can be operated during total power V\[HNLZ -YVT [OL ]LY` ÄYZ[ THJOPUL PU]LU[LK PU [V KPZWLUZL [VIHJJV [V [VKH`»Z OPNO [LJO emergency service features, Japanese vending machines have come a long way.

Making your selection Vending machines are very user-friendly, so you’ll probably do Q\Z[ ÄUL VU `V\Y V^U I\[ OLYL HYL H ML^ quick reminders about OV^ [V THRL [OL TVZ[ of your Japanese machine experience.

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DO

DO NOT

DO

try a hot beverage.

rely on plastic.

use the recycling bin.

Especially if you’re travelling in ^PU[LY H OV[ JHUULK JVќLL ^PSS warm you right up.

Most machines only accept cash or coins, so leave your credit card at home.

There are few public trash cans on the streets of Japan, so be careful about drinking and walking.

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Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and Sushi Workshop How would you like to try making your own sushi? On this tour you can experience handshaping and rolling sushi, and of course, tasting your own work of art!

1 Receive instruction on sushi-making from a Tsukiji sushi chef.

2 The guide will lead the tour around Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and through the many bustling shops. (Please note that the tuna auctions will not be visited on this tour.)

TOUR BASIC INFORMATION Departure city: Tokyo Dates: every Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri Visits: Tsukiji Outer Fish Market Duration: approx. 4 hours Includes: English-speaking guide, lunch, admission charges and transportation expenses noted in the itinerary.

PRICE

CAD $

175

*Price is valid for the month of April 2017 *Price may fluctuate due to change in exchange rate.

HOW TO PURCHASE

I T I N E R A RY

7:30–8:30

Pick-up Service

Head from hotels to Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal

9:00

Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal

The tour meeting location is inside the World Trade Center Annex on the 1st floor (Bus Terminal).

Daimon Station Proceed to Tsukijishijo Station by subway

Toei Sunbway Line Tsukijishijo Station

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

45 Tsukiji Outer Fish Market min The largest marketplace in Japan, Tsukiji is busy and bustling even before the sun comes up. The items lining the outer market are all for restaurant businesses as they select seafood for the menu of the day. This area has many specialty shops selling seafood and fish eggs as well as kombu (seaweed), dried bonito, groceries, delicacies and more.

90 Sushi-Making Workshop min Try your hand at sushi-making using seasonal seafood ingredients. This fun workshop is led by a sushi chef who teaches participants how to make sushi.

13:00

Hibiya Subway Line Tsukiji Station

There is no drop-off service to hotels after the tour ends. Please head to your next destination on your own.

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

All photos ©JNTO

APRIL 2017

23

The natural fabric that feels like a second skin MUJI returns to its roots with its elegant, timeless linen collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Linen is such a classic textile. People have been using it for thousands of years and for good reason. You really can live in it. People think caring for linen is daunting but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really easy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a durable fabric that stands up to repeat washing and the natural beauty of the fabric really comes out with time. (I do recommend either laying your linen pieces Ă&#x2026;H[ VY OHUNPUN [OLT [V KY`

button-down over a long-sleeve shirt and then maybe even tie a shirt around your shoulders MVY L_[YH LŃ&#x153;LJ[ Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also introducing some more patterns just to give a bit more dimension. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see pinstripes and also broader stripes on certain

womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tunics that evoke seaside living. ;OL V\[Ă&#x201E;[ 0ÂťT ^LHYPUN [VKH` ZOV^JHZLZ [OL hues-of-blue theme. These pants are beautiful and you can breathe in them. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the biggest feature of our linen collection. In hotter weather `V\ KVUÂť[ MLLS SPRL `V\ÂťYL Z\Ń&#x153;VJH[PUN Most of MUJIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparel breathes really well, but SPULU PZ Q\Z[ KPŃ&#x153;LYLU[ @V\ Q\Z[ MLLS KPŃ&#x153;LYLU[ ^OLU you wear it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not at all constricting and it beJVTLZ TVYL Ă&#x2026;L_PISL HUK TVYL Ă&#x2026;\PK V]LY [PTL š

The French Li nen 3/4 Sleeve Tunic is soft f an nd d breezy

We incorporate linen into almost every department. Not only do we have linen in our garments department, we also have it in our accessories, and we use it in our line of bedding as well. If you are someone who Ă&#x201E;UKZ ILKKPUN \UJVTMVY[HISL PU OV[ ^LH[OLY switching to linen is a nice option because it breathes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great for summertime, especially in humid Toronto.

The trend for our apparel line this year is a lot of blue hues and natural textures, and we are continuing this trend in the linen collection. If you look at our colour theme youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see hues of blue and colours that complement them, like pale brown or beige or raw white.

The colour scheme of all these blues with the fabricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural texture is very reminiscent of Japanese clothing. It goes back to classic Japanese indigo dyeing. The boxy or draped silhouettes that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re introducing are also inspired by Japanese street style. For summertime especially, we always go back to our roots.

The pants for some of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection are wide-cut and then cropped for an airy, light feel that you can layer. This collection really creates opportunities for light layering. You could wear our short-sleeve

For more information

www.muji.com/ca

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Vernon Rubiano Style Advisor at MUJI Yorkdale

Vernon is wearing the French Linen Crew Neck Sweater and Easy Trousers

Try a few MUJI pieces together for a layered look!

MUJI Atrium

MUJI Square One

MUJI Yorkdale

Atrium, 20 Dundas St. W., C-03, Toronto | TEL: 416-591-2233

Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga TEL: 905-276-2737

+\Ń&#x153;LYPU :[ ;VYVU[V

Store Hours: Monâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Fri 10 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;8 pm :H[ HTÂś WT ŕ Ž :\U HTÂś WT

Store Hours: Monâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Fri 10 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 pm :H[ ! HTÂś WT ŕ Ž :\U HTÂś WT

Store Hours: Monâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Fri 10 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 pm :H[ ! HTÂś WT ŕ Ž :\U HTÂś WT

TEL: 416-479-1204

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APRIL 2017

25

Film focus| After the Storm

By James Heron

A wise and gentle ode to family life

Award-winning and critically acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-eda returns with a powerful story of family ties remade, drawing more deeply than ever on his personal memories.

Â? -<10 ;,3,=0:065 5,;>692 )(5+(0 =0:<(3 (60 7YV 0UJ .(.( *69769(;065 -034

MOVIE INFO After the Storm (2016) Director/Screenplay: /PYVRHa\ 2VYL LKH Starring: Hiroshi Abe, Kirin Kiki, Yoko 4HRP HUK :VZ\RL 0RLTH[Z\ Running time: 117 minutes +^LSSPUN VU OPZ WHZ[ NSVY` HZ H WYPaL winning author, these days private detective Ryota can barely pay child support. As OPZ ^PKV^LK TV[OLY HUK L_ ^PML ZLLT [V move on with their lives he struggles [V Ă&#x201E;UK H SHZ[PUN WSHJL PU [OL SPML of his young son. A stormy Z\TTLY UPNO[ VŃ&#x153;LYZ [OLT a chance to truly bond again. Portions of this Kore-eda again expertly review appeared in Nikkei Voice. chronicles dysfunctional

D

PYLJ[VY /PYVRHa\ 2VYL LKH OHZ NP]LU \Z ZVTL VM [OL TVZ[ HŃ&#x153;LJ[ PUN 1HWHULZL Ă&#x201E;STZ VM [OL WHZ[ KLJHKL ( UL^ 2VYL LKH YLSLHZL PZ eagerly awaited by both Japanese audiences and foreign cinephiles, and his new Ă&#x201E;ST After the Storm, will not disappoint those high expectations. Like master director Yasujiro Ozu, to whom he has often been compared, /PYVRHa\ 2VYL LKHÂťZ Ă&#x201E;ULZ[ Ă&#x201E;STZ L_WSVYL [OL theme of family. The director has assembled a cast of some of his most reliable actors, PUJS\KPUN /PYVZOP (IL Still Walking @VRV 4HRP Like Father, Like Son HUK 2PYPU 2PRP Our Little Sister MVY HUV[OLY \UKLYZ[H[LK HZZLZZTLU[ VM Japanese family dynamics.

9`V[H PZ WYPaL ^PUUPUN H\[OVY ^OV OHZ ILLU abandoned by his muse and it is now 15 years since his last novel. He ekes out a living as H ZTHSS [PTL KL[LJ[P]L H QVI [OH[ OL KLS\KLZ himself into believing is research for his next book. His father has just died and he struggles with a destructive gambling addiction that burns through the money he should be giving HZ JOPSK Z\WWVY[ (Z OPZ TV[OLY HUK L_ ^PML move on with their lives, Ryota fears he will be left behind.

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family dynamics, mixing comedy and pathos while supported by a cast of some RI -DSDQ¡V Ă&#x20AC;QHVW DFWRUV

Renewing contact with his estranged family, Ryota struggles to take back control of OPZ L_PZ[LUJL HUK [V Ă&#x201E;UK H lasting place in the life of his young son. One night a typhoon strikes. The fractured family is forced to spend the night together at Ryotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiny danchi HWHY[TLU[ VŃ&#x153;LYPUN \W [OL Z[HNL MVY TLSVKYHTH[PJ YLJVUJPSPH[PVU VY [OL Ă&#x201E;UHS KPZZVS\[PVU VM [OL MHTPS` ;OPZ ILPUN 2VYL LKH ^L know it will be neither but something with much greater subtletyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but no less power.

After the Storm feels like a lighter companion WPLJL [V 2VYL LKHZ THZ[LYWPLJL Still Walking, lacking the immediacy of Like Father, Like Son, but it will probably be more engag PUN¡MVY UVU 1HWHULZL H\KPLUJLZ HU`^H`¡[OHU the more emotionally muted Our Little Sister.

Abe brings a seedy, careworn charisma to the JLU[YHS YVSL H[ VUJL JOHYTPUN ZLSĂ&#x201E;ZO HUK ZLSM KLZ[Y\J[P]L )LOPUK 9`V[HÂťZ IS\Ń&#x153; HUK IVUOVTPL there is the regret of a man stranded between what he should have done and who he could OH]L ILLU 6M OPZ JOHYHJ[LYZ 2VYL LKH Z[H[LZ! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Burdened with a hopeless reality, and unable

to give up on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreamâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is for this very reason that happiness remains unattainable.â&#x20AC;?

When a desperate client asks, â&#x20AC;&#x153;how did my life turn out like this?â&#x20AC;? Abeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes issue a barely WLYJLW[PISL Ă&#x2026;PUJO VM ZLSM YLJVNUP[PVU 0[ PZ VUL of many nice moments in a subtle and nuanced performance. Despite the serious themes, [OV\NO [OPZ PZ 2VYL LKHÂťZ TVZ[ O\TVYV\Z Ă&#x201E;ST [V date and there is great comic interplay between 9`V[H OPZ KL]PV\ZS` Ă&#x2026;PNO[` TV[OLY 2PRP HUK OPZ WLYWL[\HSS` L_HZWLYH[LK LSKLY ZPZ[LY [OL HS^H`Z L_JLSSLU[ :H[VTP 2VIH`HZOP ;OPZ PZ H ]LY` WLYZVUHS ^VYR MVY 2VYL LKH HUK OL OHZ ZHPK ¸;OL Ă&#x201E;ST PUJVYWVYH[LZ [OL JOHUNLZ that occurred within me after my mother and MH[OLY KPLK P[ÂťZ [OL Ă&#x201E;ST [OH[ PZ TVZ[ JVSV\YLK I` ^OH[ 0 HT (M[LY 0 KPL PM 0ÂťT [HRLU PU MYVU[ VM God or the Judge of the Afterlife and asked: Âş^OH[ KPK `V\ KV KV^U VU LHY[O&Âť 0 [OPUR 0 ^V\SK Ă&#x201E;YZ[ ZOV^ [OLT After the Storm.â&#x20AC;?

After the Storm will be screened at the JCCC on May 18. For more info, visit jccc.on.ca

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APRIL 2017

27

Beauty | N15 Hair Salon

By Sheena Kirkbride

Revolutionize your look N15 Hair Salon uses sophisticated technology to give you the hairstyle of your dreams. 今度こそ、思い通りの髪型に…日本で経験を積んだヘアスタイリストにお任せ！

Navigate your way through a row of tall buildsophisticated our technique is,” says Jessie. At ings and condos near College and Bay, and N15 Hair Salon, you’ll be primped and pam`V\»SS Z[\TISL \WVU ÅVVY [V JLPSPUN ^PUKV^Z [OH[ pered with the latest hairstyles that are trending invite you into a trendy and in Japan, and you’ll have stylish hair salon. Hiroki is a the option to get a digital There’s quite veteran hairstylist who polperm or straight perm usa demand in Toronto ished his skills in both Japan ing Japanese solutions and Canada over the years brought directly from overbecause a lot of people before joining forces with seas. If you want to change partner Jessie to open N15 realize how sophisticated your look with a new hair Hair Salon last September. colour, they will set you up our technique is.

The name of the salon is a with high-quality hair dyes cute reference to November that are also from Japan.

2015—back when Jessie was still (Some popular colouring techniques a client of Hiroki’s, and when they are ombre, sombre and balayage.) decided that they would open a You can also get a Japanese hair hair salon together. treatment and eyelash extensions. Pop in on your way home “Japanese hairstylists really unfrom work or school and freshen derstand Asian hair and there’s up your look! quite a demand in Toronto because a lot of people realize how Jessie (left) and Hiroki (right) 28

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Service sampler Women’s haircut: $45–89 Colour: $79–135 Balayage/Ombre colour: $200 and up Digital perm: $139–219 (haircut not included) Shampoo and hair treatment: $55–109

N15 Hair Salon 831 Bay St., Toronto | TEL: 416-615-0088 | n15salon.com OPEN: Daily 9 am–9 pm

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What to say at the grocery store

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Toronto is home to a number of Japanese grocery stores, and shopping at them is a great way to expand your vocabulary while trying many different Japanese treats! Try using some of these phrases next time you pick up some mochi ( ) or furikake (ふりかけ).

Intermediate How much?

Ninki (人気) is an i-adjective that means popular. To say someone or something is popular, use ninkigaaru (人気がある) ; for someone or something that is becoming popular, use ninkigaderu (人気が出る).

いくらですか？

I think the change (you gave me) is wrong. お釣りが間違っていると思います。

Ikuradesuka?

Is this candy popular in Japan?

Otsuriga machigatte iruto omoimasu.

このお菓子、 日本で 人気がありますか?

Beginner To ask how much something costs, you can point at the item and say this phrase. If you want to be polite just add o (お) in front this sentence. Oikuradesuka? (おいくらですか？) is more polite.

Kono okashi nihonde ninkiga arimasuka?

Advanced If you are not 100% sure of what you’re saying, but you’re pretty sure, use plain form + to omoimasu (と思い ます). You can also use this to state your opinion, or to gently indicate that someone has made a mistake.

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

Illustration by Reiko Ema

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