080117 bentobox finalpdf web#30

Japanese Culture | Hot Spots | Products

| Food

Aug. 2017

No. 30 FREE www.bentoboxmag.ca

Fire in the bowl!

Spicy

s e l nood

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Contents August 2017 No.30

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Fresh, authentic cuisine

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Feature: Spicy summer noodles

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Restaurant: A dynamic duo joins forces

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Ingredient: Aburaage

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Travel: Izu Peninsula

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Tokyo guide: Old & new

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Only in Japan: Randoseru

24

MUJI picks: Everything you need for bullet journaling

26

Movie: Ancien and the Magic Tablet

30

:[HɈ WPJR YLZ[H\YHU[! Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Angel Café

EDITOR’S NOTE

Nina Hoeschele

Some like it hot How about a little extra heat to celebrate the last weeks of summer? In this issue, we’re featuring some of the hottest noodle dishes you can find in Toronto—including seven spicy selections to challenge your palate around the city. And don’t hesitate because of the warm weather: as it turns out, enjoying some spice can actually help you cool down. Don’t believe us? Give it a try!

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Cover photos: ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO Editors Nina Hoeschele, Amanda Plyley, Yumi Nishio Editorial coordinators Nina Hoeschele, Yumi Nishio Writers Amanda Plyley, Amanda Taylor, Ariel Litteljohn, James Heron, M Crowson, Nina Lee, Nicholas Jones, Walter Muschenheim Designers Chieko Watanabe, Midori Yamamoto Photographer Kazu Maruyama Advertisement & marketing Kazu Maruyama Publisher Kazu Maruyama

Bento Box Communication Inc. | #410-600 Bay St., Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1M6 Phone: 416-964-0981 | www.bentoboxmag.ca | Email: info@bentoboxmag.ca

ISSN 2368-9153

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Feature

辛 さ が 夏 に 良 い の に は ワ ケ が あ る！ト ロ ン ト の 特 選 ス パ イ シ ー 麺

Fire in the bowl!

y c i p S

summer

s e l d noo When the weather is sizzling hot, indulge in one of these unforgettable fiery noodle dishes.

Not only are they incredibly tasty, but food scientists claim that eating them will actually cool you down.

By Ariel Litteljohn Ba c k grou n d i mag e: D es i g n ed b y Ly as h en k o / F reep i k

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K

int on Ramen

Pork Spicy Garlic Ramen $10 .99

The most popular ramen dish at Kinton Ramen Ramen, the Pork Spicy Garlic Ramen is made with chili peppers, bean sprouts, grated garlic, scallions and pork. The secret of this savoury and Ă„LY` YHTLU IV^S SPLZ PU [OL JHYLM\SS` JOVZLU ingredients and special preparation techniques.

Kinton uses only high-quality Canadian-farmed pork for their ramen dishes, which is evident in every bite (and slurp).

Kinton Ramen | www.kintonramen.com 5 branches in downtown Toronto and 1 in Markham

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All of this to convince you that a tempting bowl of red-brothed ramen or fiery udon is worth a shot, when the taste alone is worth trying every single one of the dishes listed here! Chilis and spices are mixed by expert chefs to create tantalizing bowls of steaming hot noodles—thinner noodles are used for the ramen dishes whereas the udon dishes contain a thicker, chewier noodle. Once you have tried one, it’ll be hard not to hunt down every variation that you can find. Lucky for us Torontonians, we are quite spoiled for choice! The secret to each YLZ[H\YHU[»Z ZWPJ` UVVKSL KLÄUP[LS` lies in the combination of spices and chilis; however, unique and high-quality preparation of traditional toppings (pork, egg, veggies) as well as the texture and taste of the noodles are what sets each of these bowls apart. Try them all and let us know what you think.

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Ramen

I

t may seem counterintuitive, but science has shown that consuming spicy foods can actually make you cooler. How so?

When you eat spicy foods that make you sweat, a phenomenon called “gustatory facial sweating,” your blood circulation will initially increase, making your body temperature rise; however, the resulting sweat cools you down as it evaporates off of your body. Humans living in the most scorching climates often indulge in fiery and peppery fare, from Korean fire chicken (buldak) to Chinese white-pepper-spiced beef, to Ethiopian Doro Wat or spicy Indian masalas. Even though the Toronto weather doesn’t hold a candle—er, a flame—to some of these tropical climates, why not give it a try? Not only will you be keeping your belly happy, you will also keep yourself cool over our (relatively) hot summer months. As if that were not enough, spicy foods have also been shown to be heart healthy, to help keep one’s weight in check, to stimulate labour in pregnant women and to help with inflammatory issues such as rheumatoid arthritis.

n i j i a R

Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen $15 ($13.50 without egg)

This is the top-selling ramen at Ramen Raijin, and for good reason. Spicy richness mixed to perfection with the mild pork broth hits you ^P[O H IVSK ^HSS VM ÅH]V\Y ( TLS[ PU `V\Y mouth piece of chashu (pork shoulder) rests on top of the generous noodle portion in this ÄLY` IYV[O HUK `V\ JHU LUQV` [OL KPZO ^P[O VY without the egg.

Ramen Raijin | 24 Wellesley St. W. (Rear), Toronto | 647-348-0667 | www.zakkushi.com/ raijin | OPEN: Sun-Thurs 11:30 am-12 am Fri-Sat 11:30 am-1 am

Let the combination of egg, seaweed, bamboo shoots, green onions, chili oil and luxurious pork bone broth feed your soul at Don Don 0aHRH`H ^P[O [OLPY ]LYZPVU VM :WPJ` :LHMVVK Udon. The Rayu sauce (Japanese chili oil), ^OPJO PZ THKL ^P[O KYPLK ÄZO PZ ^OH[ THRLZ [OL ÅH]V\Y ZV ZWLJPHS ;HZ[` TVYZLSZ VM ZOYPTW clams and squid top the udon noodles, making [OPZ KPZO VUL VM [OL JOLM»Z MH]V\YP[LZ Don Don Izakaya | 130 Dundas St. W., Toronto 416-492-5292 | www.dondonizakaya.com OPEN: Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-4 pm, Dinner: :\U ;O\YZ WT HT -YP :H[ WT HT *Last call 30-60 minutes before closing

Spicy Seafood Udon $12.80

MeNami

Don Don

ya

Izak a

Spicy Tsuke Udon $12

4L5HTP»Z :WPJ` ;Z\RL <KVU KPZO PZ WYLWHYLK ^P[O MYLZO HUK JOL^` OV\ZL THKL \KVU UVVKSLZ ;OL KPZO PZ ZLY]LK VU H ZVIH [YH` with spicy tsuke ZH\JL MVY KPWWPUN VU [OL ZPKL ;OL KPWWPUN ZH\JL PZ X\P[L ÅH]V\YM\S ZWPJLK ^P[O JOPSP VPS NHYSPJ HUK NYV\UK KYPLK ZOYPTW ;OL JSLHY HUK S\_\YPV\Z ZWPJL PZ ^OH[ THRLZ [OPZ KPZO Z[HUK V\[ MYVT [OL V[OLYZ MeNami | 5469 Yonge St., North York | 416229-6191 | www.menami.ca | OPEN: Mon-Sat ! HT ! HT :\U ! HT HT

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,IPZ\»Z :WPJ` 9HTLU KPZO PZ THKL ^P[O LPNO[ RPUKZ VM ZWPJLZ PUJS\KPUN *HQ\U ZLHZVUPUNZ HUK QHSHWLUVZ HUK [OLU TP_LK ^P[O ,IPZ\»Z ZWLJPHS NPUNLY ZWPJLK TPZV ZH\JL +PULYZ OH]L H JOVPJL VM YLN\SHY HUK -\QPZHU YHTLU ( [V^LYPUN IV^S VM -\QPZHU ¸4[ -\QP¹ YHTLU PZ RUV^U MVY ILPUN [OPJR KLSPJPV\Z HUK JOL^` PU \UJVTTVUS` NLULYV\Z WVY[PVUZ·[HRL [OL JOHSSLUNL

Spicy Ramen

Go ahead and indulge in a bowl of spicy magic.

Besides being delicious, what all of these noodle dishes have in common is that they are guaranteed to make you sweat.

3PRL TVZ[ TLU\ P[LTZ H[ [OPZ JVZ` LHZ[ LUK YLZ[H\YHU[ [OL YHTLU UVVKSLZ PU [OPZ ZWPJ` IV^S HYL OHUKTHKL I` *OLM 2VRP 6N\JOP 5V SVUNLY VUS` VU [OLPY ZLJYL[ TLU\ [OL /LSS 9HTLU PZ [OL IV^S MVY `V\ PM `V\ SPRL P[ OV[ 4PUJLK WVYR LNN ILHU ZWYV\[Z HUK NYLLU VUPVUZ [VW [OL WLYMLJ[S` JOL^` UVVKSLZ PU [OPZ KPZO :HRH^H *VÉ&#x2C6;LL | 867 Danforth Ave., Toronto c ZHRH^HJVÑ&#x153;LL JVT 67,5! ;\LZ -YP HT WT Â&#x2039; :H[ :\U !

HT WT Â&#x2039; 4VU JSVZLK

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ee f oC f

Lunch $9.95 +PUULY .95 -\QPZHU YHTLU .95

Sakawa

,IPZ\ VU 8\LLU c 8\LLU :[ > ;VYVU[V c LIPZ\[VYVU[V JVT 67,5! 3\UJO! 4VU -YP ! HT ! WT +PUULY! 4VU ;O\YZ WT WT Â&#x2039; -YP :H[ WT HT Â&#x2039; :\U WT WT

Hell Ramen $11

ken

u y r o h S a t a k a H Red Hot Tonkotsu

$10 .80

The Red Hot Tonkotsu is made with homemade spicy miso and chili oil, which pairs well with both the thin Hakata-style noodles and medium-thick noodles on the menu. Hakata ramen, originating from Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, is considered by some to be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest ramen, as it has the highest Brix (sugar content) of all ramen varieties around the country.

Hakata Shoryuken | 5321 Yonge St., North York 416-733-3725 | www.hakatashoryuken.com OPEN: Daily 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm

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Hot Spot | Sushi Masayuki

By Walter Muschenheim

A dynamic duo joins forces Strength and wisdom: an up-and-coming chef and a local legend provide a complete experience of authentic Japanese cuisine.

Seasonal appetizers *OLM 6RHKH ]PZP[Z SVJHS THYRL[Z HSTVZ[ L]LY` TVYUPUN [V ZLL ^OH[ PUNYLKPLU[Z HYL TVZ[ PU ZLHZVU ILMVYL JYHM[PUN [OL KH`»Z TLU\ MYVT ZJYH[JO

Omakase sushi ;OL YLZ[H\YHU[ VɈLYZ [OL [YHKP[PVUHS omakase VY JOLM»Z ZL[ TLU\ ^OPJO ZOV^JHZLZ [OL KH`»Z ZLSLJ[PVU VM MYLZO ÄZO

Hungry for more? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dig in!

Still waters run deep, and this placid, unassuming dining room in Burlington belies the great depth of experience of its two chefs.

Owner and Chef Masayuki Takabe heads up the sushi counter at Sushi Masayuki, plying the skills he learned from over 10 years working at Oakville institution Mye Restaurant to produce L_WLY[S` JYHM[LK Z\ZOP ;OL JOLM WHPYZ MYLZO Ă&#x201E;ZO Ă&#x2026;V^U PU MYVT 1HWHU ^P[O KLSPJH[L Ă&#x2026;H]V\YZ HUK pays special attention to balancing tenderness HUK Ă&#x201E;YTULZZ While the excellent sushi is a boon to Burlington and Oakville locals, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the traditional kaiseki menu that makes the restaurant worth the trip from across the GTA. A rarity in southern

6U[HYPV [OPZ [YHKP[PVUHS T\S[P JV\YZL 1HWHULZL dining is only available at a small number of restaurants due to the years of experience its chefs require.

At Sushi Masayuki, Takeshi Okada draws on his vast experience to create the kaiseki menu. The meal takes the form of a parade of meticulously crafted small dishes. You can see the preparation that goes into each bite. A small bundle reveals itself to be an omelette, tied with a tiny strip of cucumber, that bursts into a confetti of fresh mushrooms and seasonal vegetables once you pop it in your mouth. A simple salad YL]LHSZ H OPKKLU JVTWSL_P[` VM Ă&#x2026;H]V\Y¡HUK all the vegetables have been carefully sliced to ensure they keep their ideal texture, following the principles used by sushi chefs.

Located just off Queen Elizabeth Way, Sushi Masayuki is a great reason to stop off in Burlington if you are planning a trip to the 5PHNHYH YLNPVU¡Q\Z[ IL Z\YL [V JHSS HOLHK for a reservation. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a fan of great sushi or eager to experience kaiseki, everyone is sure to find an experience they will remember.

Tempura

Snapper head

The tempura at Sushi Masayuki is light and crunchy, and the vegetables and shrimp are moist without being oily.

While small in quantity, the choice bits of meat on this Ă&#x201E;ZO OLHK VŃ&#x153;LY Ă&#x2026;H]V\Y PU HI\UKHUJL

Sushi Masayuki 2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington 905-336-0030 | sushimasayuki.com OPEN: Tuesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Thurs 11:45 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30 pm, 5:30 pmâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:30 pm -YP ! HTÂś ! WT ! WTÂś WT Â&#x2039; :H[ ! WTÂś WT :\U ! WTÂś WT Â&#x2039; 4VU JSVZLK

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Ingredient | Aburaage

By Amanda Plyley

じゅわっとする触感がたまらない人気もの。 W\ќ VWLU [V YL]LHS H OHUK` WV\JO VY WVJRL[ VM sorts. Then the fun begins!

One of the best things about aburaage is its J\SPUHY` ]LYZH[PSP[` >P[O H TPSK ZV`ILHU ÅH]V\Y these little protein-packed pockets are ready to stand in as the main star of the plate or adapt to a variety of broths and hot soups, soaking up the umami (the savoury taste, or quintessential ÅH]V\Y VM [OL Z\YYV\UKPUN KPZO /PNO PU JHSVYPLZ with a long shelf life, aburaage can be kept in the freezer for up to a year and pulled out to WYV]PKL H X\PJR JHSVYPL Ä_ MVY [OVZL VU [OL NV

Aburaage 油揚げ

【あぶらあげ】

Fill up your pockets ;VM\ SV]LYZ HUK UL^IPLZ HSPRL ^PSS ÄUK ZH[PZMHJ[PVU PU [OPZ X\PJR Ä_ PUNYLKPLU[ [OH[ WYVTPZLZ [V ÄSS HUK M\LS Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, and whether you’re conservative when it comes to diet or prefer to branch out and try new things, chances are you’ve tasted tofu at some point. It may have been tossed into a quick stir-fry or noodle dish one night, or you may have tried it scrambled as a substitute for eggs at the newest vegan brunch spot. But outside of the soft, spongy squares that are familiar to most, there is another form of tofu that’s almost exclusive to Japanese cuisine—and there’s a good chance you’ll want to give it a go after

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reading about its uniquely crunchy, satisfying nature.

Aburaage (literally “deep-fried oil”) is tofu like you probably haven’t seen it before. Unlike atsuage, the familiar, thick-cut pieces of tofu that almost resemble slices of white bread, aburaage is made by thinly slicing tofu into square- or rectangle-shaped pieces before KLLW MY`PUN [OLT ¯ [^PJL ;OL`»YL MYPLK [OL ÄYZ[ time at roughly 120 C; the second time, frying at temperatures as high as 200 C, the slices

So just where can you get your hands on this quirky ingredient, and how do you go about preparing it? Well, aburaage has become such a staple in the Japanese diet that just about anyone in the country could answer both questions. Recipes for deep-fried tofu date back to 18th-century Japan, and 1853 marked the ÄYZ[ VѝJPHS WYVK\J[PVU VM [VM\ WV\JOLZ :PUJL the 1980s they’ve been factory-produced to the tune of half a million pouches per year, with roughly one-third of Japan’s soybean supply dedicated to meeting the demand for aburaage. Packages of the ready-made pockets can be found in supermarket freezers across the country, and rest assured they won’t break the bank—a pack of eight pouches costs roughly ¥100, or a little over $1 Canadian.

As for the question of what to do with aburaage once you get it home from the grocery store, [OH[»Z LHZ`! ^OH[L]LY `V\ SPRL :[\ќ [OL pouches with sushi rice to make inarizushi, or YLOLH[ SHZ[ UPNO[»Z ]LNNPLZ [V \ZL HZ H ÄSSLY HUK then grill the pockets to perfection. In the mood for soup? Fill aburaage with mochi (rice cake) to produce a classic oden ingredient, or add it to udon to make kitsune udon. Legend has it kitsune (foxes) love to eat aburaage—and you might, too.

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Travel | Izu Peninsula

By Nina Lee

Izu Peninsula 温泉と海の幸、 多くの景勝地を有する観光王国

Dive, delight, dangle and delve into the unique cuisine, rugged landscape and friendly atmosphere of the Izu Peninsula.

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5V[ MVY [OL MHPU[ VM OLHY[ 0a\ 7LUPUZ\SH PZ H OH]LU MVY OPRLYZ KP]LYZ LJV [V\YPZ[Z HK]LU[\YLYZ Z\YMLYZ ZWLS\URLYZ HUK YVTHU[PJZ 3VJH[LK HIV\[ RPSVTL[YLZ ZV\[O^LZ[ VM ;VR`V PU :OPa\VRH 7YLMLJ[\YL [OL HYLH Q\[Z PU[V [OL 7HJPÄJ 6JLHU ZP[Z VU [OL Q\UJ[\YL VM ZL]LYHS [LJ[VUPJ WSH[LZ HUK PZ H WHY[ VM [OL -\QP =VSJHUPJ AVUL ;OPZ JOHPU PZ JVTWYPZLK VM U\TLYV\Z KVYTHU[ ]VSJHUVLZ HUK L_[LUKZ MYVT [OL 0a\ 0ZSHUKZ [V 4V\U[ -\QP PU *LU[YHS /VUZO\ ;OPZ HYLH ^HZ VUJL HJ[P]L ^P[O LHY[OX\HRLZ tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, creating the Y\NNLK SHUKZJHWLZ HUK MLY[PSL MVYLZ[Z [OH[ NP]L 0a\ 7LUPUZ\SH P[Z JOHYHJ[LY [VKH` 0[ PZ H WVW\SHY [V\YPZ[ KLZ[PUH[PVU MVY ;VR`VP[LZ SVVRPUN [V LZJHWL MYVT [OL JVUJYL[L HUK I\Z[SL VM [OL IPN JP[` MVY H KH` VY ^LLRLUK ;YH]LSSPUN MYVT ;VR`V [V ([HTP H[ [OL UVY[O LUK VM [OL WLUPUZ\SH

is relatively quick, taking less than an hour by shinkansen train. The peninsula is quite a large HYLH HUK [YH]LSSPUN [V KPќLYLU[ ZP[LZ ^P[OPU [OL YLNPVU JHU [HRL \W^HYKZ VM [^V HUK H OHSM hours using trains and buses; be prepared to ZP[ IHJR HUK LUQV` [OL ]PL^

Lush forests, jagged coastlines and shimmering waters Being a peninsula, the entire region is surrounded by coastlines, most rugged—but some areas HYL ISLZZLK ^P[O ZHUK` ILHJOLZ HUK PUJYLKPISL ^OP[L JHWWLK ^H]LZ -YVT HJYVZZ :\Y\NH )H` PU [OL ZV\[OLHZ[ WOV[VNLUPJ 4V\U[ -\QP YPZLZ over the beach at Kumomi kaigan (雲見海岸).

)URP SURZOLQJ DOOLJDWRUV WR PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW ZDWHUIDOOV

Izu is an outdoor haven

This breathtaking sight is best viewed at sunrise or sunset when the skies are clearest. Kumomi kaiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rocky coastline is best enjoyed by boat while exploring the arched rocks jutting out MYVT [OL ^H[LY 5\TLYV\Z V[OLY ILHJOLZ VŃ&#x153;LY stunning and unique views, from Iro Shrine atop the Cape Irozaki (ç&#x;łĺť&#x160;ĺ´&#x17D;) and the unspoiled craggy caves of Dogashima Coast (ĺ &#x201A;ă&#x192;śĺłś) to the sandy shores of Shirahama Beach (ç&#x2122;˝ćľ&#x153;) and intense hues of the Otago Coast (大ç&#x201D;°ĺ­? 澡岸). Minokakeiwa Rock (č&#x201C;&#x2018;ć&#x17D;&#x203A;岊) and the surrounding beaches and marine life are breathtaking. These coastlines form the borders of the Izu Peninsula Geopark, which is home to the famous waterfall tour, sea and marine caves, and dormant volcanoes such as Mount Omuro, Joyama and Kurotake. The Jogasaki coastline (ĺ&#x;&#x17D;ă&#x192;śĺ´&#x17D;澡岸) is one of the most photographed

uro is Mt. Om LWV RU NQRZQ I HG SHDN XUY VRIWO\ F

places on the peninsula, with suspension bridges and 10 km of hiking trails. Try paraglidPUN MYVT OPNO HIV]L [OL WLUPUZ\SH Ă&#x2026;`PUN VU the winds from the coast, or spelunking in the caves both above and below sea level.

6PDOO VFHQLF KRW VSULQJV EHFNRQ YLVLWRUV WR UHOD[ Due to its active volcanic past, the Izu Peninsula claims several onsen, or hot springs, particularly in the hilly central region in Shuzenji (俎ĺ&#x2013;&#x201E;寺). What the town lacks in ocean views it makes up for in history and serene, forested surroundings. Tokko-no-yu (ç&#x2039;Źé&#x2C6;ˇă ŽćšŻ) sits in the middle of the Kitamata River, ready for

Izu Peninsula ă&#x20AC;?äź&#x160;čą&#x2020;ĺ?&#x160;ĺłśă&#x20AC;&#x2018; Located an hour from Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula is surrounded by rugged coastlines jutting into the 7HJPĂ&#x201E;J 6JLHU

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Travel | Izu Peninsula

weary travellers to soak their feet after a long hike. Shuzenji is a quaint town known for its bamboo forests, picturesque river, small shops and ryokan (traditional inns). While most travellers visit the peninsula for the natural setting, many will make a trek to Shimoda City (ä¸&#x2039;ç&#x201D;°) at the southern end of the area, given its importance to Japanese modern historyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it was the landing place of Commodore Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;black shipsâ&#x20AC;? in 1854, which marked the end of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s era of isolation. Today, Shimoda is famous for its beaches and onsen, and activities such as snorkelling and surfing, but visitors can still see remnants of and monuments to Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic landing around the port and along Perry Street.

But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much more to the area than days at the beach. Izu is home to many interesting attractionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like the Atagawa Tropical and Alligator Garden, the Toi Kinzan Gold Mine and the Izu Cactus Park. The Atagawa Garden features 29 species of alligators and other reptiles meandering through a large botanical garden. On the western coast, the Toi Kinzan Gold Mine was in operation during the Edo Period and last closed in 1965. It was once a highly productive gold mine; it produced approximately 40 tons of gold and 400 tons of silver over the years. Visitors have the opportunity to walk through the mining tunnel and sift for gold, while [OL ZOVW VŃ&#x153;LYZ MVVKZ [VWWLK ^P[O NVSK Ă&#x2026;HRLZ And the Izu Cactus Park, situated next to Mount Omuro, is an indoor greenhouse with over a thousand varieties of cacti on display.

From relaxing beaches to waiting alligators, thorny cacti to iridescently coloured fish, glimmering waterfalls and verdant volcanos, untold adventures await you in Izu Peninsula. â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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

Food & souvenirs Izu Peninsula is home to unique dishes that showcase local delicacies.

Tokoroten: Keep cool on hot afternoons by eating

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ŠCourtesy of Kawazu-cho S.C.I. ŠBeppu Kankou Kyoukai

Anbata Wasako: 6ZHHW DQG VSLF\ WKHVH UHG EHDQ

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All photos Šé?&#x2122;岥ç&#x153;&#x152;茳ĺ&#x2026;&#x2030;ĺ?&#x201D;äź&#x161;

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17

TOKYO

Old &

By Amanda Taylor

Tokyo’s unique beauty lies in the city’s ability to blend thousands of years of tradition with modern innovation and style, bringing old and new together in effortless harmony.

Though Japan was isolated in the past, modern Tokyo incorporates bits and pieces from many cultures, but in a fundamentally Tokyo-esque way. It’s a city that seems to absorb outside influence and spit out something wholly its own.

Perhaps the most striking contrast of old vs. new can be seen in Tokyo’s street fashion. The districts of Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando are hubs of Tokyo style. Shibuya and Harajuku exemplify Tokyo’s unique kawaii or “cute” culture, taking inspiration from early European fashion through the use of frills, corsets and pinafores and turning out over-the-top outfits full of colour and lace. Nearby, in Omotesando, chic, high-end shops modelling modern French designers cater to a more upscale crowd. But come summer, festivals abound with people dressed in breezy yukata—a lighter, less involved form of a kimono. Women wear beautiful flowery patterns complete with a bow at the back, while men opt for solid shades of navy-blue, black, grey or brown. © TCVB

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Nestled among the neon lights and glittering skyscrapers of the city are peaceful shrines and temples some thousands of years old, and lovely Japanese gardens that bloom with sakura (cherry blossoms) every spring. In Asakusa, Skytree tower, Tokyo’s latest marvel of modern engineering, looks down over Sensoji, the city’s oldest temple. Skytree is the world’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower, while Sensoji has stood the test of time since 645 AD. Tokyo is also the only place to see both giant statues, such as the striking 12.5-metre-tall Tokyo Daibutsu (giant Buddha) in Jorenji Temple, and giant robots, like the Gundam on Tokyo’s manmade island of Odaiba. And it’s not a stretch to imagine that the colourful wigs and costumes of today’s J-pop stars have their roots in the gorgeous kimono, masks and hairpieces used in traditional Noh theatre performances.

And finally, Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. From

fresh sushi, sashimi and kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining) to world-class Italian and French cuisine, the chefs of Tokyo prove they can take any culinary tradition and master it.

Tokyo offers the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.

tokyotokyo.jp Official Tokyo Travel Guide

gotokyo.org Visit the Tokyo Brand website to plan your next trip and connect with the many exciting experiences this city has to offer.

TO K YO P U LS ES WI T H I D EAS T HAT C O N N ECT THE OLD WITH THE NEW

gotokyo.org

Only in Japan | Randoseru

By M Crowson

Go Dutch

School days are extra chic with the Japanese randoseru. 小学生のマストアイテム。 ファッションとしてハリウッドでも人気だとか…。 required, you’d IL OHYK WYLZZLK [V ÄUK HU elementary schoolchild without one. ;OL H]LYHNL IHN ^PSS ZL[ `V\ IHJR HIV\[ ¥50,000 (nearly $600 CAD), though bargain O\U[LYZ TPNO[ ÄUK [OLT MVY HZ SP[[SL HZ Randoseru mega-fans can also splurge on a luxury version that costs up to ¥150,000! And these days, randoseru fashion has expanded beyond the traditional red and black leather.

Now you can get them in a wide range of colours, and adorned with studs or embroidery. ;OV\NO [OL`»YL X\P[L L_WLUZP]L RPKZ \ZL [OL same randoseru throughout their six years of elementary school, and the price is borne out in the quality of the bag. Plus, grandparents are typically the ones to buy the bag and give it as H WYLZLU[ ^OLU RPKZ ÄYZ[ YLHJO ZJOVVS HNL

Illustration by Chieko Watanabe

Have you ever seen those adorable photos of Japanese schoolkids romping around with their Z[YH^ OH[Z HUK NPHU[ SLH[OLY IHJRWHJRZ& ;OVZL backpacks are called randoseru (ランドセル), and they’re a familiar sight to anyone who’s ever watched an anime, read a manga or seen a Japanese movie with preteen characters. You may recall seeing them yourself: the bags are round on top and square on the bottom, red for girls and black for boys. ;OV\NO [OL PTHNL VM YHUKVZLY\ PZ UV^ synonymous with Japanese schoolkids, it ^HZ ÄYZ[ PU[YVK\JLK [V 1HWHULZL SPML HZ WHY[ VM

H >LZ[LYU PUÅ\LUJLK TPSP[HY` YLZ[Y\J[\YPUN ;OL word randoseru is originally drawn from “ransel,” the Dutch word for rucksack. ;OV\NO 1HWHU ^HZ a “closed country” for most of the Edo period (1600–1868), Dutch traders were allowed in on a limited basis. As curiosity about the Western world grew, the Dutch language and culture ILJHTL VUL VM [OL ÄYZ[ THQVY UVU (ZPHU PUÅ\LUJLZ ;OLZL >LZ[LYU Z[`SL Y\JRZHJRZ were issued to army soldiers in the late 19th century, and their popularity as a schoolbag was cemented when the young crown prince was seen sporting one. ;OLZL KH`Z YHUKVZLY\ are everywhere, and while they’re not strictly

Made of high-quality leather with a hard body and an interior plastic coating, these bags withstand years of running, walking to school and— VM JV\YZL·Z[\K`PUN >OLU JOPSKYLU ÄYZ[ W\[ VU their randoseru, the bags are so big that they seem to swallow the kids whole. But with each year, as the kids grow up, the bag appears to grow smaller, until eventually the kids graduate to middle school and the randoseru is retired.

It’s one of the most nostalgic items in a Japanese childhood, and somehow brings out the best in people. After the earthquake, tsunami HUK U\JSLHY L]LU[Z VM MVY L_HTWSL THU` WLVWSL KVUH[LK YHUKVZLY\ [V ÄYZ[ NYHKLYZ MYVT [OL ;VOVR\ HYLH ^OV OHK SVZ[ ZV T\JO PU [OL disaster. A small but vital gesture to help these kids continue to grow.

Pack your bag School yourself in the art of randoseru fashion by following these handy tips.

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DO

DO NOT

DO

start shopping now.

start school without one.

be charming.

August is a peak month for randoseru sales, so get to stores now if you plan to buy one.

If your family’s moving to Japan, a neighbour will likely be happy to lend you a retired bag.

Parents often attach omamori charms to their kids’ randoseru for NVVK NYHKLZ HUK [YHѝJ ZHML[`

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AUGUST 2017

21

3-Day Takayama Holiday —Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa Tour Round-trip from Nagoya

1 Travel to Takayama, World Heritage Site Shirakawago, and Kanazawa on this 3-day tour.

2 From Nagoya, embark on a journey to some of central Japan’s most remarkable tourist spots.

Enjoy seeing the traditional landscape of Japan.

3 This guided tour visits some areas which might be difficult to see on your own, so relax and enjoy it!

TOUR BASIC INFORMATION Departure City: Nagoya Tour: Monday, Thursday and Saturday Visits: Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa

PRICE

CAD $

1315

*Price is for month of August 2017 *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

DAY 1 11:20 Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

8:30

Depart from Hida Hotel Plaza

Walk to Nagoya Station

Go from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station (150 min) Board the JR Limited Express train to Takayama.

Takayama Morning Market (40 min) Enjoy walking around the bustling Takayama Morning Market, where a wide array of local specialties and other products are being sold.

Shirakawago Observatory (15 min)

Sightseeing around Takayama City

Enjoy an elevated view of the World Heritage-registered thatch-roofed village of Shirakawago. Great picture spot!

Yatai Kaikan (Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall) (30 min)

Wada Residence (traditional thatch-roofed farmhouse) (60 min)

14:0014:0014:30 14:30

Visit this popular facility which displays some of the colourfully decorated festival floats used in the famous Takayama Festival. Enjoy seeing the many intricately made floats. If sightseeing facilities at Takayama, Shirakawago or Kanazawa are closed, the tour will visit altenate attractions.

This is one of the thatch-roofed houses belonging to this registered World Heritage Site. Look around and be fascinated by the culture and history of the village.

Kusakabe Heritage House (20 min)

Kami-Sannomachi (30 min)

8: 309:00

Depart from Hotel in Kanazawa City

Nomura Residence, Nagamachi Samurai District (40 min) Visit a former residence of a samurai family from the Kaga Domain. Admire the traditional architecture and enjoy the beautiful Japanese garden.

Kenrokuen Garden (60 min) This beautiful garden is considered one of the top three of the most treasured Japanese gardens.

It offers an amazing seasonal view throughout the year.

Chaya-gai (40 min) Lunch (45 min)

Enjoy a visit to this historical Japanese-style townhouse and see a range of exquisite folk art and traditional handicrafts.

DAY 3

DAY 2

Enjoy regional cuisine you can only taste in the countryside. Please note that no vegetarian lunch is available at Shirakawago.

Wooden-latticed exteriors of teahouses line both sides of the stone-paved street here. Something from the Edo period still lingers in the air. This area is an Important Traditional Building Preservation District.

From Shirakawago to Kanazawa (75 min)

Located in Takayama’s old quarter, this street is lined with Edo period buildings and provides visitors a glimpse into the past.

From Shirakawago, travel to Kanazawa by bus or expressway bus. A public expressway bus or a charter bus may be used for transfer between Takayama and Kanazawa.

Hida Hotel Plaza

Hotel in Kanazawa City

Feel free to enjoy a relaxing soak in the communal bath at this comfortable hotel.

1. Operated by JTB Japan Travel Corp. Address: 2-3-11 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agent (No. 1955) 2. If the minimum number of participants (1) is not met by 20 days before the scheduled date, the tour will be cancelled. 3. This is a special tour for international visitors. Please note that Japanese residents are not permitted to join the tour. 4. Customers will carry their own baggage. The space is limited inside the Shinkansen and bus, we recommend leaving large baggage such as suitcases at your hotel in Nagoya. 5. If sightseeing facilities at Takayama, Shirakawago or Kanazawa are closed, the tour will visit alternate destinations. 6. A public expressway bus or a charter bus may be used for transfer between Takayama and Kanazawa. 7. Please note that no vegetarian lunch is available at Shirakawago on Day 2. 8. Please provide us with your accommodation (hotel name) and contact information by one day prior to the tour date. If the tour is cancelled, participants will be notified by the operating tour company or their travel agent.

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

Hakuza Honten (30 min) Feel free to purchase handicrafts, accessories, cosmetics and other items made with gold leaf.

Kanazawa Station Lunch on your own after arrival at Kanazawa Station.

Travel from Kanazawa Station to Nagoya Station (180 min) Take the JR Limited Express train to Nagoya.

Public transportation will be used on this tour.

17: 0018:00

Arrive at Nagoya

Tour ends after arrival. Please head to your next destination on your own after the tour.

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Everything you need for bullet journaling 08-, RÄłHUV D OLQH RI GRW JULG QRWHERRNV SHUIHFW IRU NHHSLQJ WDEV RQ \RXU EXV\ OLIH

Interview with

Tina

Sales Associate, MUJI Yorkdale

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s odd that in our information age, powered by digital calendars on mobile devices, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d still be talking about topics as analog as physical journals.

However, ironic or not, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fact that a physical, handwritten form of journaling is taking our digital society by storm.

Simple yet personalized. Sound familiar? This is where MUJI comes in!

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already well versed in the idea of bullet journaling or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply curious about trying it out, all you need to get started is a notebook with a dotted grid. However, the bullet journal boom has meant that these simple notebooks have gotten surprisingly expensive.

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found the notebook that works best for you, the next step is to decide how your journal will be laid out and colour coded. For this task, MUJI offers a wide assortment of coloured pens and markers, from its highly prized gel pens, to sets of coloured markers with dual fine and brush tips. The final step is to customize and decorate your journal using the dozens of stamps on hand in the stationery section of each MUJI store.

Thanks to bullet journaling people all over the world are putting down their digital organizers in favour of a return to a more tactile means of managing your professional and social commitments.

As a perfect extension of this shift to analog from digital, the bullet journal was invented by a digital product designer from Brooklyn named Ryder Carroll. Since its creation, whole websites have been dedicated to the practice. What bullet journaling boils down to is a strategy for simplifying a traditional agenda, diary or Day-Timer, while giving you the freedom to personalize it to your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content.

For more information

Not at MUJI, however. As anyone familiar with its stationery line should expect, MUJI offers simple, stylish options for bullet journaling at a very reasonable price. It has a range of dot-grid notebooks that are conveniently spiral-bound, so they fold flat. The journals are available in a variety of styles and sizes, with features like elastic enclosure bands, built-in pen cases and hard-wearing plastic covers.

To get started on your bullet journal, speak to MUJI staff in the stationery section of any of the four GTA locations.

Organize your days with a journal of your own Pick up some pens while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at it!

www.muji.com/ca

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 TEL: 416-479-1204

5000 Highway 7 Markham, Ontario TEL: 905-201-3587

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

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

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MUJI Markville

NEW OPEN

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25

Film focus | Ancien and the Magic Tablet

By James Heron

Daydream believer +PYLJ[VY 2HTP`HTH ^HU[LK [V THRL H ÄST [V ZOHYL ^P[O OPZ KH\NO[LY HUK Z\JJLLKZ PU [OPZ NVYNLV\ZS` YLHSPaLK LTV[PVUHSS` LUNHNPUN NLT

MOVIE INFO Ancien and the Magic Tablet (2017) Director: Kenji Kamiyama Starring (voice): 4P[Z\RP ;HRHOH[H :OPUnosuke Mitsushima and Tomoya Maeno Screenplay: Kenji Kamiyama Running time: 110 minutes

.20+:

/PNO ZJOVVS NPYS 2VRVUL JHUUV[ Z[H` awake. Her naps transport her to a dream world of IH[[SPUN THJOPULZ ^OLYL she discovers her own family may be involved.

W

P[O ÄSTZ SPRL Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, 009 Re:Cyborg and Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit under his belt, director/ screenwriter Kenji Kamiyama is VUL VM [OL IPNNLZ[ UHTLZ PU [OL ^VYSK VM WVZ[ 4P`HaHRP HUPTH[PVU /PZ UL^ ÄST Ancien and the Magic Tablet (Japanese title: Hirune Hime, SP[LYHSS` ¸5HWWPUN 7YPUJLZZ¹ JVTIPULZ OPZ NPM[ MVY TL[PJ\SV\Z ^VYSK I\PSKPUN ^P[O TVYL WLYZVUHS JVUJLYUZ HZ H MH[OLY! ¸0 OHK ILLU HZRPUN T`ZLSM what the role of animation movies should be, MHJPUN HUK SP]PUN PU Z\JO H OHYZO YLHSP[` [VKH` One day, someone asked, ‘why don’t you create ZVTL[OPUN [OH[ `V\ ^V\SK SPRL `V\Y V^U KH\NO[LY to watch?’ Then, suddenly, a story of an innocent NPYS HUK H MH[OLY JHTL PU[V T` OLHK ¹ It is 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics are just weeks H^H` 2VRVUL 4VYPRH^H PZ H [`WPJHS OPNO ZJOVVS NPYS KPSPNLU[S` Z[\K`PUN MVY OLY \UP]LYZP[` LU[YHUJL L_HTZ :OL SP]LZ ^P[O OLY ^PKV^LY MH[OLY H OPWZ[LY mechanic more talented and artful than his job YLX\PYLZ ^OV PZ MVYL]LY I\Z` TVKPM`PUN TV[VYJ`JSLZ HUK JHYZ 2VRVUL OHZ H WYVISLT [OV\NO! ZOL Q\Z[ can’t seem to stay awake. And when these naps V]LY[HRL OLY ZOL [HRLZ VU [OL WLYZVUH VM 7YPUJLZZ (UJPLU HUK PZ WS\UNLK PU[V [OL IPaHYYL KYLHT Z[H[L 26

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A spirited young KHURLQH ÀQGV adventure as she straddles dreams and reality

realm of Heartland, a steampunk world dedicated to the production of the automobile. There, she is thrust into the machine ^HY IL[^LLU [OL ,UNPUL OLHKZ and the evil Colossus. The only ^LHWVUZ ZOL WVZZLZZLZ HYL H THNPJ [HISL[ JVTW\[LY HUK H [HSRPUN KVN JHSSLK 1V`

As her naps increase in frequency, and the dream ^VYSK KLLWLUZ 2VRVUL ILNPUZ [V ZWV[ WHYHSSLSZ between the twin planes of dreams and reality and discovers clues that her family may also play a role in the Heartland wars. When her father is HYYLZ[LK HUK [OL H\[OVYP[PLZ ILNPU ZLHYJOPUN MVY H [HISL[ VUJL ILSVUNPUN [V OLY TV[OLY 2VRVUL»Z [^V ^VYSKZ JVSSPKL HUK [OL L_JP[LTLU[ ILNPUZ 2HTP`HTH PZ [Y`PUN [V HJJVTWSPZO H SV[ PU OPZ TPU\[L ÄST HUK MVY [OL TVZ[ WHY[ OL Z\JJLLKZ ^P[O HWSVTI -PYZ[S` OPZ ÄST PZ ILH\[PM\S [V SVVR H[ /LHY[SHUK PZ H YPJO JVSV\YM\S PTHNPUH[P]LS` KL[HPSLK ^VYSK HNHPUZ[ ^OPJO OL JVU[YHZ[Z 2VRVUL»Z realworld suburbia in a much drabber palette. His [OLTLZ HYL YLSL]HU[ HUK HKKYLZZ [OL KPZ[HUJPUN LќLJ[ VM [LJOUVSVN` ;OLZL HYL [OYV^U PU[V YLSPLM HZ OL ÄUKZ LJOVLZ VM OPZ M\[\YPZ[PJ THJOPUL ^VYSK PU

the not-so-distant future of pre-Olympics Tokyo.

He questions the role of machines in modern life and asks at what point the ILULÄ[Z VM [LJOUVSVN` [\YU VU [OLTZLS]LZ HUK ILNPU [V L_LY[ H KLSL[LYPV\Z LќLJ[ VU V\Y SP]LZ

Of course, story and character are the heart of any ÄST HUK ^OPSL Ancien’s narrative is occasionally too busy, Kokone wins the day. Voiced by Mitsuki ;HRHOH[H·^OV HSZV ZPUNZ [OL [OLTL ZVUN H deliriously lovely Japanese take on The Monkees’ ¸+H`KYLHT )LSPL]LY¹· 2VRVUL PZ HU LUNHNPUN M\SS` YV\UKLK OLYVPUL! IYPNO[ HUK LULYNL[PJ `L[ UHP]L HUK PUZLJ\YL -VY HSS [OL THUPJ NVPUNZ VU HYV\UK OLY ZOL MLLSZ SPRL H YLHS NPYS 2HTP`HTH ZHPK OL ^HU[LK [V THRL H ÄST OL JV\SK ZOHYL ^P[O OPZ KH\NO[LY HUK PU Ancien he has HJOPL]LK [OH[ 0[ ^PSS IL LUQV`LK I` MH[OLYZ KH\NO[LYZ HUPTL I\ќZ HUK SV]LYZ VM NVVK TV]PLZ Ancien and the Magic Tablet is scheduled to screen as part of the Toronto Japanese Film Festival’s summer program on Sunday, August 20, at 2 pm.

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G O Let's

llearn earn

N I H O N G O

easyJapanese

What to say when trying something new with a friend Sometimes a friend takes you to a new restaurant or a new movie, and you want to ask for their opinions. Or maybe you want to express your own opinions. Here are some phrases to help you.

Intermediate How was it? どうだった？

Verb te form + miru (てみる) means try to do something. It is a good way to suggest something new to your friend. E.g.: Kono anime mitemiru? (このアニメ、見てみる Do you want to try to watch this anime?).

DȬdatta?

That appetizer might be a bit spicy. あのお通しは ちょっと辛いかもしれないね。 Ano otȬshiwa chotto karai kamoshirenaine.

Do you want to try (to drink) the new beer?

Beginner The shortest way to ask for your friend’s opinion.

If you want to make it more polite, it is a good idea to say “dͻdeshitaka?” (どうでしたか？) , particularly to elderly or new people who you don’t know well.

Advanced

新しいビール、飲んでみる？ Atarashii bȟru nondemiru?

Kamoshiremasen (かもしれません) is a very useful phrase that indicates the speaker thinks something might happen or could be true, but it is just as likely that the opposite is true.

Compiled by Kris Szabo and Kozumi Miya-Woolford. Brought to you by the Toronto Japanese Language School | www.tjls.ca | @tjlsca | info@tjls.ca

Ye a r - l o n g

Japanese Language C Lf o rAlAadLu lstALse aer n se r s Why study at the Japan Foundation, Toronto? ‫ ڶ‬sĂƌŝĞƚLJ ŽĨ ůĞǀĞůƐ͕ ĨƌŽŵ ƐƚĂƌƚĞƌ ƚŽ ŝŶƚĞƌŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ‫^ ڶ‬ŝƚƵĂƚŝŽŶͲďĂƐĞĚ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ Ăƚ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ͞ ĂŶͲĚŽ͟ ‫^ ڶ‬ŵĂůů ĐůĂƐƐ ƐŝnjĞƐ Ͳ ŵŽƌĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ ƚŽ ƚĂůŬ ‫ ڶ‬ŽŶǀĞŶŝĞŶƚ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶ ƌŝŐŚƚ Ăƚ zŽŶŐĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽŽƌ͊

䛄䜎䜛䛤䛸䛅ᥖ㍕䜲䝷䝇䝖䜢౑⏝䛧䛯ไస≀㻌㻌

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ŽƵƌ :ĂƉĂŶĞƐĞ ᴾ ůĂŶŐƵĂŐĞ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ ᴾ http://jftor.org/language/classes/ ᴾ 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, M4W 1A8 Opening for the School Coordinator !responsible for the Administration requirement)

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P h o n e : 4 1 6 -9 6 6 -1 6 0 0 x 2 3 3 | E - m a i l : k o za @ jf t o r .o r g

FUJISAN RAMEN

on Queen

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e m soda is mad Japanese crsoeada for a unniiqquuee with melon freshing treat and re

Staff

ACT102 member Lolly fin her mostishing touches onputs the recent m asterpiec e

Walter Muschenheim

Walter is a Toronto-bas W ed translator and writer. A real globetrotter , he has lived in France, Germany and the United States and explored Euro pe and Japan.

On O his adventures, he loves to learn abo a ut languages and food: the two corn co or erstones of culture!

Angel food The maids at Uncle Tetsu’s Angel Café are experts at friendly service, but that’s just one of their talents. raditionally, a performer who can sing, dance and act is called a “triple threat.” But the maids at this Bay and Dundas café have invented a new triple threat: singing, dancing and cheesecake! And that’s not to mention the triple threat that is the three unique styles of cheesecake on the menu.

T

Uncle Tetsu’s Angel Café is inspired by the trend of maid cafés that has swept Japan. Somewhere in between cosplay and cabaret, these cafés feature servers who dress in French maid costumes and put on musical performances for the guests.

At Angel Café, there’s a big focus on getting customers involved—like when you order the omurice. This light, fluffy omelette on top of tomato rice with sautéed vegetables and bacon comes with a fresh salad, a savoury clear soup—and a personalized drawing made in ketchup by your server right at the table.

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The maids also put a lot of serious work into their floorshows. Made up entirely of servers from the restaurant, the dance performance team ACT102 prepares a new one-hour show every month. If you can’t make it to the main show, you can catch a sneak peek on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm.

While you watch, try the Japanese cream soda: a twist on a traditional float with delicious melon soda, whipped cream and ice cream. The refreshing melon flavour and silky ice cream make a heavenly combination. If you’re a fan of matcha, you’ll enjoy the shiratama, or Japanese rice cake with matcha ice cream and matcha sauce.

Angel Café is also a great place to skip the line and get Uncle Tetsu’s famous cheesecake. If you’ve never tried it, it’s a must. Light, fluffy and a little eggy, it has a unique texture that is distinct from traditional cheesecake while still having that

rich flavour. You can even order it to go right from Angel Café.

In addition to the original recipe cheesecake, you can buy the café’s two other styles of cheesecake to go: the angel hat cheesecake is even lighter and fluffier than the original, while the lunar cheesecake is smooth and creamy. There is also a special matcha-flavoured cheesecake available exclusively on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Angel Café 191 Dunas St. W., Toronto | 647-351-2666 angelcafetoronto.com OPEN(Cafe): Mon-Thurs 3 pm-10 pm Fri-Sat 12 pm-10:30 pm Sun 12 pm-10 pm