070116 bentobox

Japanese Culture | Hot Spots | Products | Food

Jul. 2016

No.17 FREE www.bentoboxmag.ca

Feature

age 04 See P

Ice-Cold

Summer Treats EXPERT NOODLE-MAKING

Transcend plain old vanilla with these refreshing desserts

MeNami takes its udon seriously JAPANESE ISLAND CULTURE

Sunny beaches and good eats in Okinawa

Contents

JULY 2016 No.17

Food

Featured

04 Summer treats

10 Featured products

Beat the heat this summer with kakigori, the perfect traditional treat for your sweet tooth.

08 Finding the perfect udon MeNami Japanese Udon House goes the extra mile to craft house-made noodles unlike any other in the city.

12 Bittersweet at its best Searching for the secret to a long and healthy life? Look no further than this perplexing plant.

This summer, add some fun Japanese tableware to your meals, creating an Asian atmosphere.

08

16 MUJI product picks These three products are everything you need to travel serenely.

Culture

28 Local events Celebrate Japanese culture in your own backyard.

22 Only in Japan Catch your noodles before you eat them by taking part in nagashi somen during these sweltering hot months.

32 Beauty Bring strength to your hair with the Tanto hair wax series.

38 Next-level street eats Toronto’s first authentic Japanese street food, with a twist!

Freshly prepared in a room that simulates Japanese weather.

Udon in Canada doesn’t get more authentic than this.

30 Hit the books Advice from a skeptic: Marie Kondo’s guide to tidying up is best read as an eccentric memoir tucked inside a self-help book.

Travel 18 Featured destination: Okinawa

36 Memoir

Japan’s Okinawa Islands are a fascinating blend of indigenous and Japanese influences.

More than a recreational vehicle, in Japan the bicycle is a major mode of transportation for anyone going anywhere.

24 One-of-a-kind dining A café for the birds! This avian-themed restaurant is a place where patrons flock.

38

Grab some Japanese street food on the go— right here in downtown Toronto.

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter

EDITOR’S NOTE

Nina Hoeschele

facebook.com/bentoboxmag

Crafting a memorable summer Summertime always brings a certain amount of pressure—a feeling like you must get out there to make the most of the sun. Luckily, we have some ideas to help you fill your summer days.

First of all, it’s a known fact that cold treats are a summer must. But don’t settle for plain vanilla—try delving into surprising Japanese flavours, from matcha parfaits to mochi sherbet (p. 04). For the truly hungry, there’s nothing more “summer” than grabbing some street food and enjoying it in the sunshine, right?

For that, Toronto’s first authentic Japanese street food vendor (p. 38) has you covered.

What about summer activities, you ask? Didn’t you know that food can be an activity, too? For instance, you can partake in the ritual of capturing escaped noodles from fast-flowing water (p. 22)—as ridiculous as it is delicious. Or how about a ride on your trusty bicycle (p. 36)? Even if you’re stuck working all summer, commuting via bike is an eco-friendly choice that gives you a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

However you choose to relax, we hope you have a summer to remember!

twitter.com/bentoboxmag Editors Nina Hoeschele, Amanda Plyley, Yumi Nishio Editorial coordinators Nina Hoeschele, Yumi Nishio Writers Amanda Plyley, Amanda Taylor, Georgi Videnov, Jenny McKechnie, Junko Mita, M Crowson, Ria Kim, Sheena Kirkbride, Shelley Suzuki, Walter Muschenheim Designers Chiyako Mukai, Reiko Ema Illustrator Chieko Watanabe Photographers Kazu Maruyama, Mamoru Anzai, Kazuki Watanabe Production assistants Erika Nagano, Hitomi Kibe, Kosho Matsumoto, Yuki Yonetani Advertisement & marketing Maiko Kurotaki Publisher Kazu Maruyama

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JULY 2016

03

Feature

Summer treats Beat the heat this summer with kakigori, the perfect traditional treat for your sweet tooth.

Japan’s elegant answer to the snow cone will please even the most sophisticated palate.

Over a millennium ago, famous author Sei Shonagon wrote about kakigori (かき氷) in the Pillow Book, a poetic journal and now a classic of Japanese literature. She placed kakigori in a list of “Elegant things: shaved ice mixed with liana syrup and put in a new silver bowl.” At the time, it was called kezurihi (削り氷), and it 04

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was made in the heat of summer by servants who travelled to the deepest mountain caves to cut pieces off giant sheets of ice. The ice was brought back and shaved by steel into slivers thin as snowflakes, flavoured with a syrup derived from the sap of local vines, and presented at court as a sweet, warm-weather indulgence.

Kakigori, or “shaved ice,” was originally a highclass dessert that only the most wealthy could afford. Luckily, times have changed, and we can now enjoy the modern version of this cool dessert both in Japan and right here at home. But it was a long time coming. After Shonagon’s time, eight centuries passed before everyday

Green Tea Parfait Millie’s signature Green Tea Matcha Parfait is made with a delightful combination of premium matcha gelato, whipped cream, azuki (red bean) paste, fresh strawberries and corn flakes. The azuki paste and gelato are crafted in-house with ingredients from Japan!

Millie Creperie Proudly serving Toronto’s first Japanese crêpes and parfaits, with a focus on making everything in-house. Millie Creperie also offers a fine selection of cakes. milliecreperie.com 161 Baldwin St., Toronto | 416-977-1922 "* Ê "1,-\Ê q/ ÕÀÃÊ££\ÎäÊ> qn\ÎäÊ« ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊ££\ÎäÊ> q££Ê« Sun 11:30 am–9 pm

Matcha Parfait

This parfait takes matcha love to a new level! Creamy matcha pudding is layered with crunchy corn flakes, whipped cream, sweet red bean paste and two pieces of pillowy-soft matcha cheesecake— topped with matcha ice cream and house-made matcha sauce.

Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Angel Café Toronto’s first and only Japanese maid-style café. Angel Café offers up premium Japanese desserts, from Uncle Tetsu’s famous cheesecake to delicious ice-cold treats. www.angelcafetoronto.com 191 Dundas St. W., Toronto | 647-351-2666 "* Ê "1,-\Ê-Õ q/ ÕÀÃÊ££Ê> q£ä\ÎäÊ« ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊ££Ê> q££Ê«

people were finally able to enjoy kakigori for themselves. Shaved ice first became popular in the 1860s when a businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit decided to import ice from Hokkaido, but it was still painstakingly shaved by hand on a plane worked with a hand crank.

Soon afterward, a merchant named Hanzaburo

Murakami invented the mechanized ice-shaving machine, which was equipped with a mechanical blade that transformed the Japanese world of summer sweets.

Kakigori is just one delicious, icy treat you can enjoy in these sweltering months. Other mouth-

watering desserts include bite-sized mochi sherbet, gorgeous green tea parfaits, refreshing slushies, floats topped with a generous swirl of soft serve and cold drinks garnished with fresh fruit. Hit the streets and hunt down one of these desserts at a Japanese shop near you.

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JULY 2016

05

Keep it frosty

Celebrate summer with these delicious, ice-cold Japanese treats

Shaved Ice Tsujiri’s version of the classic snow cone comes in two flavours: matcha and yuzu citron. Each cup is deliciously decorated with a scoop of red bean paste and chewy shiratama rice balls, with a bonus sweet-chestnut ball on the matcha version.

Ice Blended Pick your favourite from five different flavours, including red bean and chocolate ice. Our recommendation? Tsujiri’s original matcha flavour and honey-sweetened yuzu citron flavour.

For a little extra, you can ask them to add milk, which gives it a smoother texture.

Float Are you obsessed with matcha, but you still want to try out some of Tsujiri’s other flavours? Then the float is your answer. Put matcha, vanilla or matcha-vanilla-swirl soft serve on your Ice Blended cup. These two cold treats are a match made in heaven.

Tsujiri Tsujiri is a Japanese tea brand that was founded in Kyoto in 1860. Tsujiri Toronto is the brand’s first North American location, specializing in matcha drinks and sweets. tsujiri-global.com 147 Dundas St. W., Toronto | 647-351-7899 OPEN HOURS: Daily 11:30 am–10:30 pm

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Sencha Refresher The Umeboshi Sencha is a refreshing upgrade to traditional green tea, with a pleasantly sweet aftertaste. And for those who worry about lemonade being too sweet or too sour, the Yuzu Lemonade strikes a citrusy balance that’s just right.

Nohohon This cosy tea room is a serene space that serves Japanese drinks made with all-natural ingredients. The result is a selection of delicious refreshments that are also good for you. www.nohohontea.com 467 Queen St. W., Toronto | 416-603-2366 "* ĂŠ "1,-\ĂŠ-Ă•Â˜q/Â…Ă•Ă€ĂƒĂŠÂŁĂ“ĂŠÂŤÂ“q™Ê“ÊUĂŠ Ă€Âˆq->ĂŒĂŠÂŁĂ“ĂŠÂŤÂ“q£äʍ“

Mochi Sherbet

Sweet & chewy bites

Add a twist to the same old sundae with Mochi Sherbet!

Refreshing scoops of sherbet are enveloped in a layer of mochi, or sticky rice cake. You can try this unique delicacy in green tea, red bean, black sesame, vanilla, strawberry or mango avour.

Mochi Sherbet can be found in supermarkets.

More info: ĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ >˜>`>ĂŠNĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Â?vV°V>

Take these treats home!

Fumi Ice

Dairy-Free Gelato

Vegan & glutenfree

This delectable Japanese gelato is artisan-made in small batches. It’s also a great choice for those with dietary restrictions, as it’s dairy-free, gluten-free and veganfriendly. Flavours include matcha green tea, mango and roasted white sesame.

Fumi Ice can be found in supermarkets.

More info: ĂŠ Ă€i>ĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ œœ`ĂƒĂŠNĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Â?VVĂ€i>ĂŒÂˆĂ›ivœœ`ĂƒÂ°Vœ“

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JULY 2016

07

B Best est o off T Toronto oronto

By Georgi By Georgi Videnov Videnov Restaurant

Spicy Tsuke Udon This cold-served udon with shrimp tempura is a refreshing summer dish accompanied by the chef’s spicy sauce, made of oil, dried seaweed and sesame seeds.

Finding the perfect udon MeNami Japanese Udon House goes the extra mile to craft house-made noodles unlike any other in the city.

Kitsune Udon This traditional udon, famous for its house-made broth, is enhanced by marinated and deep-fried tofu, ďŹ sh cake, grated ginger and green onion.

08

Black Sesame Purée Udon In this wonderful blend of white and black sesame seeds, chef Kevin has found a way of preserving the colour, yet taking some of the bitterness out of the black sesame.

Hungry for more? Let’s dig in!

With udon training in Japan and a year of preparation behind the launch of MeNami, it’s clear that owner Chae Kim and head chef Kevin Shin are dedicated when it comes to noodles. The restaurant even simulates authentic Japanese weather conditions for udon preparation: MeNami’s noodle-making machine, imported from Japan, is in a moisture/temperature-controlled room that keeps the same levels all year round.

The result is fresh, flavourful noodles.

honey butter mayonnaise dip to replace the traditional sea salt garnish. The variety of flavours and ingredients in these dishes is only emphasized by the wide selection of beverages: from sake, beer and Korean liquors to specialty cocktails. The Johnnie Black Tea is MeNami’s top seller, while the Yuzu Mojito is a refreshing antidote to hot weather. The whole experience is complemented by the comfortable décor: the space is decorated with antiques that give a vintage vibe while still feeling modern.

From the traditional Kitsune Udon with its refined broth to the fusion Black Sesame Purée Udon with Beef, Kevin’s creativity and attention to detail is astonishing. This is equally evident in the menu’s tapas selection, like the tender Smoked Salmon with Parsnip Sauce. It pairs well with the Corn Kaki-Age, for which Kevin created a special

Kevin continues to work on his craft, and he hopes to learn even more ways of making fresh homemade udon. So, for noodle lovers everywhere: treat yourself and enjoy a true taste of Japan at MeNami.

Oven-Roasted Pork Belly

Smoked Salmon with Parsnip Sauce

This appetizer has rich flavour that is enhanced by the juicy and tender texture of the seasoned pork belly—the perfect choice for meat lovers.

A light start for your meal—the smoked salmon is served raw as sashimi, lightly torched on the outside, dipped in parsnip sauce and surrounded by cucumbers and grape tomatoes.

Chae Kim & Chef Kevin Sake bar

MeNami’s selection of local and imported sake offers a wide variety of flavours that complement every dish on the menu.

Restaurant owner Chae Kim sent chef Kevin Shin on a simple mission to Japan: to find out whether there is a difference between fresh and frozen noodles. After studying udon in Kagawa Prefecture—and spending a year preparing, learning and mastering the craft— they opened up MeNami, Ontario’s first homemade udon house.

MeNami www.menami.ca TEL.: 416-229-6191 5469 Yonge St., Toronto OPEN: Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 am Sun 11:30 am–12 am

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JULY 2016

09

Hot

Featured

in

Japan

PRODUCTS

This summer, add some fun Japanese tableware to your meals, creating an Asian atmosphere.

01

Unique luxury dishware

First produced in the 17th century, Arita porcelain is celebrating its 400-year history.

These dishes (top row) are called Mamezara, a term referring generally to small side dishes. Mamezara come decorated with a variety of designs in blue, white, iron-red and gold. Sometimes they have an auspicious shape such as Tai (red snapper), which is considered a bringer of happiness. Sobachoko (bottom row) are 8-cm cups designed for holding soba-noodle dipping sauce. Produced by Amabro—a company by artist Amane Murakami that adds an artistic touch to everyday items—these dishes are decorated with traditional patterns from the 17th century.

You can use them for serving pickles, ice cream or your favourite drink.

They also make a unique gift!

More info about these products

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amabro | www.amabro.com

Original package Mamezara and Sobachoko are wrapped and delivered in these cute red or green boxes.

02

Lovely afternoon tea

Invite elegance and relaxation into your day with a warm, comforting cup of tea.

Why not enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon with tea using your favourite Japanese tea set? If you haven’t found a favourite, this delicate glass pot with a beautifully patterned ceramic lid and sophisticated set of cups is definitely for you. The glass teapot allows the tea to swell and expand behind a glass wall, putting the serenely floating tea leaves on display.

More info about these products

03

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fun with soy sauce

Add a little flair and complete your Japanese table setting with these modern ceramic dishes.

Get c

Fu j

rabby

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s Bon

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A cute t crab b will ill appear with its legs outstretched.

When you pour soy sauce into these small dishes, a symbol such as a fascinating bonsai tree, glorious Mt. Fuji or a tasty fish appears. The size of the image will change depending on the amount of soy sauce you add. Watch the image take shape and then get ready to dig in!

More info about these products

FANTASUTEKI | www.fantasuteki.com (Japanese-only website) www.bentoboxmag.ca

JULY 2016

11

Flavour of the month

By Amanda Plyley Ingredient

クセになる苦み。 沖縄料理に欠かせない夏の味。

the flowers. When planted in an area with at least half a day’s worth of direct sunlight and assisted by wire or bamboo, goya stalks can grow up to five metres tall. Whether from your garden or an Asian grocery store, goya is best enjoyed unripe (dark green and blemish-free) and can be stored in the fridge for about a week.

Goya ゴーヤ

【ごーや】

Bittersweet at its best Searching for the secret to a long and healthy life? Look no further than this perplexing plant.

When grocery shopping in Japan, you’re bound to encounter a unique and unfamiliar fruit in the produce section. Firm, dark green, oddly bumpy and cucumber-shaped, goya can easily bring to mind its cool, crisp doppelgänger at first glance—but you’ll be in for a surprise when you take the first bite!

Originating in India and introduced to China in the 1300s, goya—otherwise known as “bitter melon”—has long enjoyed popularity in parts of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, even as it is largely unknown in other parts of the world. A tropical

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fruit that enjoys full sunlight, goya thrives in the harsh heat of summer and is thus grown primarily in Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. Chockfull of vitamins and antioxidants, this firm fruit has been linked to Okinawa’s impressive centenarian population, earning it plenty of attention throughout Japan despite its decidedly bitter flavour.

Planted in the spring and harvested through summer and fall, goya plants begin by sprouting small yellow flowers, signalling pollination and prompting the fruit to begin growing just below

So just how do you go about eating this funky fruit?

Beginners, chomp with caution: this extremely bitter melon is an acquired taste. Start by chopping off the ends and slicing lengthwise to open it up, revealing a mass of seeds held inside by white fibres. Spoon out the seeds and slice the remaining goya into thin strips. Boil or soak the slices in salted water for ten minutes to reduce bitterness, then toss them in a salad for a sharp, crunchy kick.

Making a stir-fry? Add goya slices as you normally would bell peppers and you’ll find yourself enjoying a regional specialty, goya champru (literally “something mixed” in Okinawan). Have a juicer?

Throw goya in along with your usual green juice ingredients and drink down the nutritional benefits.

High in vitamins A, B and C as well as folate and flavonoids, goya is championed for its vast array of medicinal properties. Polypeptide-P assists in lowering blood sugar levels while charantin increases the body’s ability to metabolize glucose, making this melon a great addition to type-2 diabetic diets. Blood-purifying agents help treat skin conditions like acne and eczema, and cooling and cleansing effects aid in reducing water retention and stimulating digestion. Pregnant women, however, should steer clear of goya as it can induce contractions.

Look for goya in your local Asian supermarket or give it a try the next time you’re in Japan. Prepare yourself for the bitter taste, but keep in mind that the payoff is worth it—just ask the Okinawan elderly population, currently enjoying a life expectancy among the longest in the world.

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[PR] Zakkushi Group

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Ramen Raijin brings you delicious convenience To promote and share Japan’s incredible food cultures with the world, the Japanese yakitori izakaya ;BLLVTIJ PQFOFE JUT mSTU $BOBEJBO store in downtown Vancouver in August of 2004. Using binchotan charcoal imported from +BQBO ;BLLVTIJ XBT UIF mSTU SFTUBVSBOU UP CSJOH genuine charcoal yakitori to Canada, and it has been offering savoury Japanese soul food to Canadian foodies ever since.

In 2012, Zakkushi was warmly welcomed in Toronto, and the restaurant group quickly expanded its business to include ramen with the subsequent opening of Ramen Raijin. With its HSPVQ PG VOJRVF SFTUBVSBOUT PGGFSJOH B EJWFSTJmFE approach to delicious Japanese eats, Zakkushi has established itself as a leader in Toronto’s Japanese food scene.

Zakkushi Group in Toronto

www.zakkushi.com 14

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The well-loved Sapporo Beer Blast campaign (which offers a pitcher of Sapporo for just $12.99) is on again this summer, but that’s not all that’s new with Zakkushi Group. This June, Ramen Raijin added an exciting new takeout option to its roster of Japanese favourites: a delicious variety of bento boxes.

Comprised of an assortment of Japanese dishes separated into handy compartments, bento boxes are a tasty staple in Japan and are a great way to indulge in several different tastes all in one reasonably sized meal. Luckily for Japanese food lovers, Ramen Raijin is offering eight new varieties of takeout bento boxes ($8.99 and up), HJWJOH FWFSZ EJOFS UIF DIBODF UP mOE B DPNCJOBtion that will please their palate. With selections ranging from crispy, juicy tonkatsu UP nBWPVSGVM

mackerel simmered in miso, Ramen Raijin’s new bento boxes are a convenient way to enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner on the go.

Looking for a light snack rather than a full meal?

Ramen Raijin has also opened up a Japanesestyle convenience store where you can stock up on lighter fare imported from Japan—from sweet and salty snacks, like Pocky and Pretz, to refreshing beverages like Oi Ocha green tea.

The store also sells a plethora of packaged Japanese foods for you to take home.

If you’re ready for a taste of something new this summer, be sure to stop

by Ramen Raijin!

ZAKKUSHI on CARLTON

JAPANESE NOODLE BAR

193 Carlton St., Toronto Tel: 647-352-9455

3 Gerrard St. E., Toronto Tel: 647-748-1500

RAMEN RAIJIN

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>P[O 4<10 ÄUK L]LY`[OPUN `V\ ULLK [V [YH]LS ZLYLULS`

It’s made for frequent travellers like me! Ì>

MUJI Atrium Furniture Department, Sales Associate

I love my travel suitcase’s classic design—minimal and elegant. When you look at it, you can see the quality of the construction. It’s built for frequent travellers like me. I’m not sure I could have managed my move from Japan to Canada without it! From arriving in Vancouver to working and snowboarding in Banff to moving to Toronto, I’ve taken it with me on lots of adventures. Its large capacity and secure storage system make it easy to pack, and because it’s lightweight and rollable, it doesn’t feel bulky to travel with. You’d never guess how much it can hold!”

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Sitting in an airplane seat during long trips can be really uncomfortable, but MUJI’s fitted neck cushion makes any journey relaxing and enjoyable. The cushion is made with microbeads that conform to your body and support your neck. It’s so comfortable you may even find yourself wearing it at home! The neck cushion also pairs well with MUJI’s Beads Sofa, as it’s made from the same material.

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I can take all my favourite toiletries from home!

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MUJI Atrium, Sales Associate

This hanging travel bag keeps all of my toiletries organized. There are several different types of bottles to customize your kit so you can make sure you only have exactly what you need. The best part is that they are all the approved size for airport security so you can take your travel bag with you as a carry-on! The bag’s hanger tucks away when you’re travelling, and then you can open it up at your destination to hang the travel bag on the wall.

It’s great for making the most out of small spaces.”

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After a long day of travel, you’ll want to freshen up—without having to dig around for your toiletries. This bag hangs easily on any bathroom door so that your items are always in reach. It’s like taking your home bathroom vanity everywhere you go! > } }Ê/À>Ûi Ê >}Ã\Ê >À}iÊfÓä°xä]Ê- > ÊfÓä°xäÊ­ i }i]Ê >V ]Ê ÀiÞ]Ê >ÛÞ®]Ê* /Ê ÌÌ iÃ\Ê i>ÀÊ ÌÌ iÊÜ Ì Ê >«Êf£qfÓ°xä]Ê*Õ «Ê ÌÌ iÊfΰÓxqfÈ°xä]Ê-«À>ÞÊ ÌÌ iÊfÓ°Çxqf{

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Featured destination

By Amanda Taylor Travel

透明度が高い遠浅の海。本島から離島まで、一生に一度は訪れたい場所。

Okinawa Japan’s Okinawa Islands are a fascinating blend of indigenous and Japanese influences.

Many Japanese consider Okinawa their version of Hawaii. This group of islands in the south reflects Chinese, Japanese and indigenous influences, with strong impressions of traditional Ryukyu culture evident in its architecture and arts. Not minutes after setting foot on one of the islands you’ll undoubtedly encounter the slow, soothing tones of the sanshin—a banjo-like instrument with a deep, reverberating sound that seems to say, take it easy, you’re in Okinawa now. The pace of life is slower and the people more open, a contrast to the sometimes faceless whirl of life in Tokyo. Everyone’s got a reason to smile, and the

locals aren’t shy, often waving and saying hello.

In fact, ask anyone in Japan and they’ll tell you Okinawa has a special culture all its own.

Okinawa Hontou (Main Island) The main island of Okinawa is a great place to start your tour. It’s home to many of Okinawa’s most celebrated spots such as International Street, Shuri Castle and the gigantic Churaumi Aquarium.

Rent a car if you can, as Okinawa’s capital, Naha, lacks the connectivity of Japan’s other major cities: it’s serviced by a single monorail.

Photos on this page ©Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Island culture, Japanese-style

Okinawa Main Island

Miyako Island

Iriomote Island

Ishigaki Island

Okinawa 【沖縄】

©Akimasa Yuasa/©JNTO

palm trees are liberally represented with the rest of the carefully cultivated foliage. Though the garden was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, it has since been restored and declared a World Heritage Site.

Once you’ve fuelled up, it’s time to take in some of the island’s famous sights. Shuri Castle is accessible by monorail, though it’s a bit of a walk from the stop to get there. The castle was the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which reigned over the Okinawa Islands before they were taken by Japan in 1609. As such, the castle reflects a more Chinese esthetic, with plenty of red and gold embellishments, and Chinese dragons lurking all over. Shuri Castle sits on high ground and gives a great view of the surrounding island.

Compared to the spectacle of the aquarium, the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum is a more sobering experience, but it presents an important part of Okinawan culture. It’s a monument to the over 100,000 civilians who lost their lives in the Asia-Pacific War. The museum’s five permanent exhibits detail the history leading up to the battle of Okinawa, simulating the terror of hiding in caves, rocked by the boom and flash of artillery, and life in postwar refugee camps, among other things. But the most haunting facet of the museum is the fourth floor, where rows upon rows of personal testimonies from civilians are laid out for the public. Reading about some of the horrors native Okinawans faced during the battle is not for the faint of heart.

Shikina-en Royal Garden is another example of how Okinawa gives Japanese cultural influences its own unique spin. The corrugated red roofs of the garden structures are distinct to Okinawa, and

Ask anyone what to see in Okinawa, and Churaumi Aquarium is sure to make its way into the conversation. It’s a three-hour bus ride from Naha but worth the trip. Churaumi is huge, comprising four floors of amazing exhibits featuring giant sharks, manta rays and a special exhibit full of mysterious deep-sea creatures, like the luminous shrimp. And their dolphin show is a crowd favourite, featuring adorable trained dolphins that dance, flip and even sing on cue.

Menlcsoomree) (We

©JNTO

After checking your bags you may want to start with a trip to International Street, known as Kokusai Dori in Japanese. It’s the place to buy all kinds of yummy Okinawan sweets and quirky souvenirs, or find an izakaya (pub-style restaurant) where you can sample Okinawan cuisine. If you’re looking for a place to start your culinary tour of the islands, goya champru is an Okinawan staple. This stirfried dish contains goya, a bitter but healthy green vegetable, mixed with egg and pork. Umibudou, or “sea grapes,” is another popular dish unique to Okinawa. These long, green tendrils harvested from the sea really do look like bunches of tiny green grapes. Another must is soki soba, an Okinawan noodle soup featuring delicious cuts of juicy pork.

©Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

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The many sights of Okinawa’s islands

There’s no shortage of sweet treats to take home from Okinawa.

From chinsuko (shortbread) biscuits to sweet potato tarts, the unique culinary offerings of Okinawa make the best souvenirs.

©Y.Shimizu/©JNTO

Food & souvenirs

Soki soba: Soki soba is a hearty soup made of chewy Okinawan soba noodles and falloff-the-bone boiled spare ribs, all served in a flavourful pork broth.

Photos ©Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ishigaki is also home to a large boat terminal, and is a hub for visiting the various smaller islands such as Kohama, a pristine getaway with a tiny population supported by two resorts. It’s also the site of Churasan—a popular serialized TV drama from 2001—and the house from the show is a tourist attraction. On nearby Taketomi Island, you can take a ride on one of Okinawa’s water buffalo carts.

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With all the good eats, great music and easy island vibes it has to offer, visitors to Japan can’t afford to miss out on a trip to Okinawa.

©Sakura Higa

Far south, Iriomote Island is closer to Taiwan than Japan. It’s known for the beautiful, sprawling green jungles that make up the majority of the island. If you’re lucky you may spot the Iriomote cat—a critically endangered leopard-like cat that can only be found on this island.

Okinawa’s sweets: Some classics among the plethora of sweet snacks are popo-crêpes, a rolled crêpe made of flour, eggs and miso oil, and sato andagi, fried dough balls also known as Okinawa doughnuts.

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Ishigaki’s sunny beaches are another prime spot for scuba diving. At the famous Manta Scramble off Kabira Bay, divers can mingle with graceful manta rays. In fact, Ishigaki has one of the highest rates of manta ray encounters in the world.

©Saori K/©JNTO

©Sakura Higa

Ishigaki and Miyako are popular Okinawan islands. The pristine beaches of Miyako feature clear turquoise water and white sand, making them ideal for scuba divers. One must-see spot is Yoshino Beach, where the crystal-clear water reveals schools of colourful tropical fish. It’s the perfect place for snorkelling.

©Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau/©JNTO

Southern Islands

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Cultural curiosity

By M Crowson Only in Japan

Play with your food Be a good sport: catch your noodles before you eat them by taking part in nagashi somen during these sweltering hot months. ギネス記録は3328メートル。どんどん流してちゃって∼。 it’s on the move. With nagashi somen, the noodles are cooked and cooled as usual, then sent flying in handfuls down a long bamboo flume on a stream of ice-cold, crystal-clear water. The person at the top of the flume tells everyone to get ready by calling, “Iku yo!” and people gather on either side of the flume with chopsticks ready to snatch as many noodles as they can, immersing each successful catch into their own personal bowl of dipping sauce. The flow is fast and the noodles are slippery, so getting the hang of things takes practice, but don’t be intimidated if you’re not an expert at using chopsticks. Stay near the top of the flume: even if you can’t grab the rocketing noodles the first few times, someone down the line will snag them. And once you find your rhythm, nagashi somen is fun and filling. It’s also a rare chance for adults and children to play with their food in public, and with gusto.

Summer is the season for nagashi somen (流し 素麺), when kids and grownups alike get to play with their food by partaking in the unique experience of eating “flowing noodles,” a meal that requires both a big appetite and some physical dexterity. The main course in question is somen, a white wisp of a noodle made out of wheat and cut so thin you can’t even measure it with a ruler. Like its more famous, fat-bodied cousin, the udon noodle, somen can be eaten both hot and cold, but it’s best known as a dish served cold— just what your belly needs for those hot-weather

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days. Somen noodles cook almost instantly once they hit boiling water, and are often served chilled on a bed of ice in a communal bowl. The slender noodles are dipped into a smaller bowl of tsuyu, a delicately flavoured dipping sauce, and garnished with delicious accents like chopped leeks, ginger, cucumbers, wasabi and kinshi tamago, a panfried egg omelette that’s neatly rolled and sliced into thin strips.

Somen is tasty enough when it’s piled high and standing still, but it’s even more delicious when

With its mix of feasting and fun, nagashi somen is a festive food to share with your family. This playful, group-oriented dish pairs perfectly with traditional Japanese celebrations like Obon, which honours the souls of ancestors who come back to visit during mid-August. For a more formal style, some specialty restaurants also offer nagashi somen as a seasonal delicacy, but better be quick if you try this method—restaurants urge guests to catch and eat as much as possible, since whatever falls into the bowl at the end of the flume will be thrown away.

Know your somen-catching etiquette

HOW TO GO WITH THE FLOW Follow these three simple tips and you’ll be playing with your food like a pro.

DON’T use your fingers.

DO be considerate.

Nagashi somen is a communal food, so be sure to leave enough noodles for everyone else.

The water and noodles are shared by everyone, so stay sanitary and use your chopsticks, not your digits.

DON’T double dip.

Once you’ve nabbed your sticks full of somen, don’t chew a little and put the rest back.

What goes in your bowl goes in your mouth.

Illustrations by Chieko Watanabe

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One-of-a-kind dining

By Jenny McKechnie Restaurant in Tokyo

沢山 沢 沢山の小鳥を眺めながら、 山の の小鳥を の小 小鳥 鳥を を眺めな めなが ながら、 な がら ら、 、カラフルでキュートなカフェタイム。 カラフル カラ カ ラフ フルでキ フル ルで でキ キュートなカ ュートなカフ な フェタ フェタ タイム。 イム イ ム。

A café for the birds

This avian-themed restaurant is a place where patrons flock.

By now you may be familiar with the growing trend of the cat café. Never a place to be behind on the times, Japan has moved on from felines to bring us yet another fantastically themed dining establishment that celebrates our winged friends, the birds.

Contrary to any Hitchcock-inspired visuals, you can rest assured that Tokyo’s Kotori Café focuses on the happy side of birds—and the only swooping you will be subject to is by friendly staff wanting to make sure that you have an enjoyable experience.

Naturally, when thinking of a bird-themed restaurant, you may imagine a “white linen”-type place known for its duck cordon bleu (or, for the rest of us, some fries and greasy chicken). However, at Kotori Café, nobody is going to be asking to try the duck. In fact, that may get you a dirty look or two.

Kotori Café is a homage to our feathered friends that allows you to interact with these delicate creatures in a fun way—a particular treat for those of us whose most frequent bird contact is with the 24

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questionable-looking pigeon on our windowsill.

Colourful parrots, cockatiels and budgies can be found at Kotori Café, and in a world where we are quick to lose ourselves in the swiping of a screen, it is refreshing to sit and watch. Gazing at these creatures not only adds to the calm environment of the café, but allows patrons the opportunity to be present in the moment.

Speaking of the atmosphere, Kotori Café is a pleasantly bright spot that gives the feel of sitting in a friend’s dining area. If you prefer to enjoy the birds from afar, have no fear. The birds are kept separate from visitors in a glassed-off space to allow for viewing without fear of swooping! Even better, while you sip on your coffee, you will be serenaded by the tweets and whistles of the feathered occupants—what a relaxing way to spend an afternoon! If you want to visit directly with the birds, holding and petting them, you can pay an extra ¥540 (about $6) for a five-minute session.

winSgspread y ou seeaund comre s!

A café you’ll be tweeting about

l urfu o v Fla hered feat nds frie

For the birds Some facts to accompany your visit.

There are over 1,000 types of birds around the world.

Owls, snakes, dogs, cats, rabbits and goats all have Japanese cafés of their own!

Winter is a popular time to bird-watch in Japan with many migrating birds passing through.

The pheasant is the national bird of Japan.

In Japanese lore, a three-legged crow named Yata-garasu led descendants of the Sun Goddess to Japan. Birds hold a special place in this country!

Kotori Café Like all Japanese theme restaurants, Kotori Café takes the bird theme to the next level. While indulging in a café au lait or one of the many teas, visitors can try an assortment of tasty sweets or super-cute sandwiches that all resemble (of course!) birds. Cakes, ice cream treats and even the French toast take on the theme of tiny birds that are so cute you may think twice about eating them. Don’t let that deter you from trying them out—your tastebuds will thank you! And, with reasonable prices, consider wearing your stretchy pants so that you can try out a few of the yummy-looking desserts. You can expect to spend between $6 and $10 for a drink, or combine a drink and food item for around $16. Many of the menu options come extravagantly plated in ornate birdcages of their own—this is a celebration of the bird down to the very last detail!

Once you’ve had enough time to savour your bird-inspired treats, do some bird-themed shopping for a souvenir to remember your visit. Kotori Café offers up a variety of bird-related items, from postcards to purses, pillows to pens.

Depending on where you are staying while in Tokyo, there are two Kotori Cafés to choose from, located in Kichijoji and Omotesando. So, leave the binoculars at home and make the trip out to Kotori Café!

Kotori Café has two locations in Tokyo. The Omotesando location is a short walk from Omotesando Station. The Kichijoji location is a 15-minute walk from JR Kichijoji Station or Mitaka Station. kotoricafe.jp Omotesando: TEL.: 03-6427-5115 6-3-7 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo OPEN HOURS Daily 11 am–7 pm Kichijoji: TEL.: 0422-29-9224 1F Bueno Mitaka no Mori, 1-14-7 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-City, Tokyo OPEN HOURS Daily 10:30 am–6 pm

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5\ 3˛aI

Two-Day World Heritage Site Tour

1 This is a two-day tour without a guide allowing you to explore Mt. Kͻya’s World Heritage Sites on your own.

2 This package includes bus and train tickets, various coupons and admission discounts.

3 Participants stay overnight at a shukubo (temple lodging) at Henjoko-in Temple, Eko-in Temple or Tentoku-in Temple. In the morning, they’ll have an enlightenment experience learning one of the meditation methods based on the Buddha’s preachings about truth and secret teachings of Buddhism.

TOUR BASIC INFORMATION Departure City: Osaka Visits: Mt. KȬya Duration: Two Days Accommodation (with dinner and breakfast) and transportation costs included in the tour.

PRICE

303

CAD $

*Price is for month of July 2016 *Price may fluctuate due to change in 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 This is an open-itinerary plan without a guide. You will receive the package with the information on how to pick up tickets (bus, train and admission), final itinerary, and English map before the tour date.

Day 1 From Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station 90

9 am

Day 2 Sightseeing at Mt. KȬya Explore the World Heritage Site freely.

(Nankai Railway, Express, non-reserved seat) min

From Gokurakubashi Station 5 min to KȬyasan Station Sightseeing at Mt. KȬya Participants are free to see the sights on their own, and are provided with discount coupons for various admission fees and a Kͻyasan bus pass.

Feel free to visit Okunoin (mausoleum of Kukai) and Danjogaran, the heartland of Mt. Kͻya.

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine *Artist’s representation.

Actual meal may differ. ©Shutterstock.com

From KȬyasan Station to Gokurakubashi Station

5

min

The Henjoko-in Temple, Eko-in Temple or Tentoku-in Temple (lodging)

From Gokurakubashi Station 90 to Nankai Namba Station min

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine will be provided.

(Nankai Railway, Express, non-reserved seat)

*This tour uses public transportation. Seating is non-reserved. Please note that you may be unable to sit down. *This is a walking tour, not a bus tour. Please wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in.

All photos ©JNTO unless otherwise noted.

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

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What’s happening?

July 2016 Events

Parasyte Part II: Completion

Natsu Matsuri and Obon Festival Saturday, July 9 | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) More info: www.jccc.on.ca > The traditional summer festivities of Natsu Matsuri and Obon Festival will also be celebrating Tanabata! The JCCC invites everyone to enjoy a lively festival atmosphere with games, great food and spectacular performances. Many community organizations, including the NJCC and the Toronto Buddhist Temple, come together to make this a unique event. Weather permitting, the event takes place outside in the parking lot, or in the Kobayashi Hall. Mark your calendars now! Everyone is welcome and admission is free!

In the concluding chapter of the thrilling Parasyte saga, Shinichi and his alien sidekick Migi must do battle on a greater scale as the invaders introduce a powerful conglomerate parasite monster into the fray. With the plague gaining control of the nation’s leaders, it is all-out war between humanity and the alien parasites that continue to invade the brains of the human populace. Why have the parasites come to earth and what is their ultimate plan? Are they here to cull humankind and colonize our planet?

Or to save the planet from the destructive and irresponsible human race?

Toronto Sailor Moon Celebration

Thursday, July 21, 7 pm l $10 l Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) More info: 416-441-2345

Exhibitions Bayefsky/Inoue: Tattoo exhibition Until Sunday, August 7 | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) | More info: 416-441-2345 > This show encourages looking at cultural contexts of Canada and Japan through the beauty and art of tattooing, and Japanese-style ink work.

Yakishime Ceramic Exhibition Until Wednesday, August 10 Japan Foundation, Toronto (2 Bloor St. E., 3 F, Toronto) l More info: www.jftor.org > This exhibition examines yakishime ceramic art as an element of traditional Japanese culture from its earliest origins to contemporary works. It includes pieces made for the tea ceremony, demonstrating how yakishime gained new status in the Muromachi period (1338–1573), as practitioners searched for a distinctively Japanese sense of wabi and sabi, the art of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in the natural and authentic. There will be two related free events happening at the Japan Foundation, Toronto. The Taste of Clay: Ceramic Artist Julia Nema on the Beauty of Yakishime, Monday, July 4, 6:30 pm–8 pm; and Born on Fire: Julia Nema on the Inspiration of Japanese WoodFired Ceramics, Tuesday, July 5, 6:30 pm–8 pm.

Film Akira Kurosawa’s Ran Screening Saturday, July 2, 6:30 pm l l $13 | TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W., Toronto) | More info: 1-888599-8433 > At “Shakespeare on Film,” a special screening 28

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event commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, we invite you to enjoy another breathtaking masterpiece directed by Akira Kurosawa: Ran. Director Kurosawa takes us on a magisterial retelling of King Lear in 16th-century Japan. An aging warlord (Tatsuya Nakadai) divides his kingdom between his three sons, leading to an epic, blood-soaked struggle for power. Audiences can prepare themselves for a stunningly shot film, rich in Noh theatre-style elements, large-scale choreographed battle scenes and a beautiful emotive score by Toru Takemitsu, all the more so in 4k digital restoration! Admittance restiricted to ages 14+.

Other Otafest Friday, July 1–Sunday, July 3, 10 am l $60 l Telus Convention Centre (120 9th Ave SE., Calgary, Alberta) l More info: otafest.com > Calling all cosplayers! Celebrate the Canada Day weekend at Calgary’s Otafest, a fun anime convention promoting Japanese art, culture and media in the Canadian community. Enjoy one of the many community panels, participate in photo ops or cosplay contests, shop for plushies or body pillows in the giant vendor hall, bring home a commissioned portrait or pin from the artist alley, and more! Tickets available at Otafest’s website and on Eventbrite.

JCCC Summer Pub Night Saturday, July 2, 8 pm l $12 l Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Kobayashi Hall (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) l More info: 416-441-2345 > You’re invited to share an evening of dancing, drinking and socializing with your family and friends! There will be a cash bar, fun activities and a dance floor.

Saturday, July 9, 11 am–8 pm l $25 l Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd., Toronto) l More info: sailormooncelebration.com > Moon Prism Power, Makeup! The Toronto Sailor Moon Celebration returns for a second year of Sailor Moon fun at the Ontario Science Centre!

Come enjoy a full day of Sailor Moon-related activities including cosplay panels, merchandise, videogames, a masquerade costume contest, dance party, photo ops and autograph sessions with our special voice actor and cosplay guests, and more. Pre-registration tickets are $20 online.

AniRevo (Anime Revolution) Friday, August 5–Sunday, August 7 l $50–75 Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building (999 Canada Pl., Vancouver, British Columbia) More info: www.animerevolution.ca > Cosplay season is coming! Last-minute sewing is happening. Cosplayers welcome you to Vancouver’s largest celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture! Prepare yourself for a gathering of the west coast’s most creative cosplayers and showcase your cosplay to like-minded fans! Meet some of the most famous Japanese and English voice actors from anime like FMA, Attack on Titan, Kill La Kill, Kaichou wa Maid-sama, Sailor Moon Crystal, Naruto, Gundam Seed Destiny and more!

Fans can enjoy art, animation, comics, costuming, cultural displays, dance, gaming, musical performances and other events. This three-day con experience should definitely not be missed!

Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Saturday, August 27–Sunday, August 28 l $ TBA Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St. W., Toronto) l More info: www.yugioh-card.com > Ready, set, duel! The Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series is back in Toronto! Duellists compete with their original decks to bring home exclusive prizes. This year’s tournament will be held in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Register soon to claim your entry spot. Ready for a challenge?

It’s your move!

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Hit the books

By M Crowson Books

Add salt for joy Spark Joy

Tips from the

tidying queen A tidy house is a happy house. Here’s a sneak peek at some of Marie Kondo’s tips for permanently reorganizing your life.

by Marie Kondo

Don’t be a librarian.

Advice from a skeptic: Marie Kondo’s guide to tidying up is best read as an eccentric memoir tucked inside a self-help book.

Books are only valuable when you first read them, no matter how many notes you take or pages you dog-ear. Once you’ve read them through once, say goodbye.

Treat your bras and cutlery like royalty.

Put these intimate objects into joyful formation: colour-code your bras so they look like a candy display, and put silverware in a soft rattan drawer to avoid unpleasant rattling.

Author info

Marie Kondo（近藤 麻理恵）is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose first book sold over three million copies worldwide, was translated into 35 languages and was made into a Japanese television show.

Cathy Hirano is a Canadian-Japanese translator whose work has won the Mildred L. Batchelder Award and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. She lives with her family in Shikoku, Japan.

Japanese author and self-help “It Girl” Marie Kondo recently released a sequel to her international bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Last year Kondo was listed as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people after her English debut sold over 1.6 million copies in North America. Her philosophy, the “KonMari Method,” has amassed a stunning amount of attention: she’s been featured in the New York Times and The Washington Post, she’s a popular TV personality, she’s got an army of “KonMari” certified consultants, and now, with Spark Joy, there’s an adorably illustrated follow-up to her English debut. As a functionally messy person with organizational aspirations, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Is her method really magic?

Do her tips really “spark joy”?

The answer? Kind of. Kondo has a pragmatic and weirdly compassionate approach to owning objects. Her advice is to go through your life in a specific order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous objects) and sentimental items.

First, commune with the objects in each category through touch. Does this T-shirt spark joy when 30

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you hold it? Does this skirt? If not, toss it—into the donation pile, one hopes. But before doing so, express your gratitude with a kind word, like, “You did a good job, shirt.” Every item needs this level of personal attention in relatively quick succession, and she warns that excuses like “it might come in handy” are a major no-no. The average woman reportedly wears less than half the clothes she owns, so Kondo might be on to something here, particularly for those “it doesn’t fit now, but….” wardrobe staples.

Similarly, Kondo claims that “the average person spends about thirty minutes a day searching for things” at the office, which adds up to more than 40 hours of monthly searching. Thus, she tells us to put aside just six hours to clean the office for a dramatic rise in work efficiency.

But take her advice with a grain of salt, because such quirky, common-sense gems are set next to wildly overzealous purges, like when Kondo threw out a joyless screwdriver, then later tried to tighten a loose bolt with a joyful ruler. She nearly cried when the ruler broke. Her solution: create

Don’t look sentiment in the eye.

Sentimental items are the toughest to tidy, so slowly work your way up to them. If you’re still struggling to toss your childhood teddy bear, try covering his forlorn gaze.

joy by showering these useful but shrug-worthy objects with praise: “Dear old screwdriver, I may not use you much, but when I need you, why, you’re a genius.”

Kondo’s concrete organizing advice is peppered with personal anecdotes that paint a sometimes hilarious, sometimes maddening picture of living life with a compulsive mind. A self-proclaimed “tidying freak,” when she was a schoolgirl Kondo would sneak into the kitchen at 4 am to reorganize the dishes, stacking and restacking them in a futile search for the perfect equation. She seems to have turned what might otherwise be classified as a disorder into a formula to resist our mindless culture of consumption. It’s a lovely thought, especially given Kondo’s conviction that, through tidying, “you will learn to like yourself.”

But there’s also something bittersweet about her epilogue: after the mega-success of her first book, she cancelled a planned vacation in order to answer a potential client’s surprising email request, which read: “Dear KonMari, please teach me how to tidy.” That message came from her father.

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Styling tips Beauty

Keep your hair exactly how you styled it, all day long Bring strength to your hair with the Tanto hair wax series.

ld Ho st fa

Now available in hair salons across Canada, Nakano’s hair products are among those most highly recommended by Japanese hairdressers. Ranging between seven different levels of strength, Nakano’s Tanto hair wax series contains moisture-retaining ingredients that help keep UV rays from fading your hair colour and damaging your hair, while keeping your style firmly in place. A mixture of fruity scents such as kiwi, orange and grape gives a fresh and clean impression without being too sweet.

NAKANO Styling Tanto N Wax 5 [Super Hard]

NAKANO Styling Tanto N Wax 6 [Ultra Super Hard] More info: www.nakano-seiyaku.co.jp/english/products/tanto/

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NAKANO Styling Tanto N Wax 7 [Super Tough Hard]

The secret to a good hair day

Enjoy beautiful, silky, straight hairâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; without getting out the ďŹ&#x201A;at iron Do you long for perfectly straight hair? Japan Beauty Images Salon is offering Japanese hair straightening that changes unmanageable, less-than-fabulous locks into healthy, shiny and pin-straight hair without any effort in the morning.

Before Be The hair-straightening procedure uses non-damaging products that are handpicked and imported from Japan.

Front

Back

Japan Beauty Images Salon TTEL: 905-770-2900 75 Main St. N., Markham w www.japanbeauty.ca salon@japanbeauty.ca

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Celebrating the 35th Sister City Anniversary

Japan Festival Mississauga 2016 This festival is an inaugural extravaganza of Japanese culture!

Enjoy a traditional Japanese Summer Festival with food and beverage booths, entertainment and stage performances. All ages are welcome.

Mississauga, Canada Kariya City, Japan Mississauga’s symbolic “Marilyn Monroe” towers condominium

Square One Shopping Centre

Hurontario St.

Mississauga Celebration Square Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.

Kariya Park

Experience “Wa,” true Japan

Civic Centre

Family Area The event will feature popular Japanese food and drink booths, entertainment and performances on the stage. Watch demonstrations of Japanese Budo, tea ceremony and flower arrangement, and try making your own bento (lunch box) and onigiri (rice balls)! One of the highlights of the event will be Bon Odori (traditional Japanese square dance), which wraps up the festival.

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Exhibition Area City Centre Dr..

Alcohol Booth

Central Library

Lawn

Food Vendor Area

Main Stage Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.

Mark your calendar: Sunday, July 10!

The Japan Festival Mississauga 2016 will be held on July 10, from 12 pm to 8 pm. The event venue is Celebration Square, located in the heart of downtown Mississauga (300 City Centre Dr.). Families, friends, seniors and groups of all ages, please come and enjoy this amazingly fun event.

For more information, visit www.japanfestivalmississauga.com Mississauga Friendship Association

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Duke of York Blvd.

Kariya City and Mississauga began their sister-city relationship on July 7, 1981.

Since then, both cities have contributed to each other by exchanging ambassadors to further welcome each other’s cultures and build the relationship. In Mississauga, July 7 is designated “Kariya Day” and “Kariya Park” has been officially opened. Fittingly, there is also a park named “Mississauga Park” in Kariya. This year is a big milestone: the 35th anniversary between these two sister cities. To celebrate, Mississauga is holding an exciting Japanese Festival for the first time ever. This special event promises to promote the friendship between Japan and Canada and help it grow even closer.

Introducing Japanese food and culture

Living Arts Dr.

Sister cities celebrating their 35th anniversary

Kariya’s Mando (paper lantern) Festival

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Memoir ࡔ ࡕ ࠕ

By Shelley Suzuki help alert people in front of me, but it was actually from the high humidity of the country, which quickly rusts the brakes.) Luckily, my first trip ended safely and without incident, my pride still intact.

That bicycle became one of my best friends. It took me everywhere. Bicycles are much more than a recreational vehicle in Japan: they are a main mode of transportation for anyone from students in their school uniforms, to businessmen in their suits and ties, to businesswomen in their skirts, blouses and high heels, as well as many housewives on their way to shop for the daily groceries. Mornings and after school will be a regular parade of bicycles, of students plugged into headphones, finishing their breakfast or, worse yet, texting their friends while pedalling at lightning speeds.

Illustration by Chieko Watanabe

Japan on two wheels

More than a recreational vehicle, in Japan the bicycle is a major mode of transportation for anyone going anywhere.

I love to drive—but when I got to Japan, I was hit with the harsh reality that I would have to start taking trains and riding a bicycle to work. I was told my bicycle would be waiting for me at the train station. Off I went to meet my new two-wheeled friend. A Board of Education member was there to introduce me on my first day, as otherwise it would have been impossible to find it in the sea of bicycles lined up at the parkade. I was in awe. I had never seen so many bikes parked in one place at one time.

The bicycle I was introduced to was unlike any bicycle I’d had before. It had strange covers on the

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handles and a quirky basket on the front. (I later found out that this kind of bicycle was affectionately called a “housewife’s bike.”) As I pedalled away, I felt like a gawky adolescent, sure that everyone was staring at me. The bike was prominently upright with the handlebars sitting quite high and the seat quite low. I was certain the odd foreign girl riding the geeky bicycle with the cool handgrip covers was going to stop traffic.

I didn’t stop any traffic in the end, although I am sure a few people turned their heads when I stopped at an intersection and an ear-splitting screech came from the brakes. I swear I heard a wine glass break. (I was told this squeak would

Another noticeable group is the “salarymen,” the business group. They will ride their bicycles to work from the station nearest to their office and often take the bike to office drinking parties. This sometimes results in a new form of “drunk driving.”

The most interesting group, though, is the housewives. They are able to shop for a family of five, do the banking, pick up the dry cleaning and still fit in a coffee with their friends, all on their trusty bicycle. But, oh, make sure to cover up. Full-face visor, scarf, long sleeves, hand covers and sunglasses are all necessary for your cycling pleasure.

You may not be the coolest person on the street, but you will get where you are going.

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.

rve ppy to se !

Alwaysu ha yo at Gushi

Staff

Next-level street eats

Crispy, s avoury a Yum~ nd sweet!

Ria Kim

Ria is a local TO foodie who loves exploring authentic Japanese restaurants in the Greater Toronto Are a. Ever since her summer exchange in Tokyo, her palate for Japanese foo d quality and flavours has never been the same. When she’s not on the lookout for new eats with frie nds, you can find her fiddling on Illustrator or preparing for her next trip abroad.

Toronto’s first authentic Japanese street food, with a twist!

I

t’s hard to miss the row of food vendors lining the street at Bathurst and Dundas. Standing out among them is a red-and-brown Japanese street food stand called Gushi. As I arrive, Gushi’s delectable aromas of Japanese fried chicken, mayonnaise, ginger and green onions are instantly captivating. Manager Jordan Harasinski Gillis brings out three delicious-looking karaage (fried chicken) dishes with a friendly smile. The aroma hits me and I suddenly feel famished.

Gushi owner Shinji Yamaguchi developed the idea of opening Toronto’s first authentic Japanese street food stand in 2012. What began as a stand selling hotdog skewers quickly expanded into what’s been voted the city’s best street food vendor by Toronto.com, the Toronto Star and multiple food bloggers. Shinji’s brilliant twist on takoyaki (fried octopus balls), karaage and other recipes is a true representation of the restaurant’s

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name, Gushi (meaning both “skewer” and “accomplishment”).

After marinating for hours, Gushi’s karaage is perfectly tender and juicy with lightly crisp skin. The flavours are intensified by generous toppings (including sesame sauce, spicy mayo, green onions, pickled ginger and nanami/shichimi pepper). Another customer favourite, Nanban-Style Chicken, is colourful and nicely presented: fried chicken on a bed of nutritious purple rice, garnished with pickled onions, green onions, pickled ginger and shichimi pepper. This dish is finished off with creative additions like zesty citrus vinaigrette and homemade, creamy garlic aioli sauce that amplify the savoury chicken. For first-timers, the Original Gushi Combo provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in Gushi’s most popular items all in one sitting: three pieces of karaage, two takoyaki and one croquette, served on a bed of rice. Gushi’s

takoyaki is a creative spin on the traditional recipe that uses shichimi pepper seasoning and potato batter for a unique, spiced flavour and texture, as well as two generous chunks of octopus for each ball (rare in Toronto and Japan!). The croquette has a crispy exterior with a soft, mashed-potato interior, embedded with corn, carrots and a prominent green onion flavour. Servings are generous in each box, the different ingredients combining into a harmonious meal with loads of colours, textures and flavours. Delicious.

Want to give Gushi a try? Don’t miss their second location in Union Station. They also deliver!

Gushi Japanese Street Food 707 Dundas St. W., Toronto | 1-888-260-4580 www.eatgushi.com "* \Ê q->ÌÊ££Ê> qnÊ« ÊUÊ-Õ ÊV Ãi`