IBUKI Magazine Vol. 10 March & April 2011

Japanese Inspired Food and Lifestyle Magazine

いぶき

Bento

息吹

10 Delicious

Recipes Plus:

Luxuriate!

Spas offer Eastern treatments

SAKURA CON 2011

FREE

March & April 2011 Vol.10 Seattle/Bellevue/Portland

2 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

CONTENTS FEATURE 4

Thinking Inside the (Bento) Box

24

Luxuriate!

26

Sakura-Con 2011

These healthy, colorful and creative boxed meals have been around for centuries in Japan. Learn how to make your own!

4-5 Healthy & Deluxe Bento Recipes 6-7 Colorful & Quick Bento Recipes 8-9 Kawaii & Fun Bento Recipes Spas and salons steeped in Eastern traditions nurture and rejuvenate women in western Washington.

An insider’s guide to the Pacific Northwest’s biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture.

EAT & DRINK 14

Restaurant Directory

20

Umai Lab

4

Photo by CC Yaguchi

Breakfast, lunch and dinner from a convenience store?

Yep. Our foodie correspondent bets you’ll be back for more too.

LIFESTYLE 17

i fart rainbow

18

Store & School Directory

22

Travel

30

Local News and Events

Even the most jaded shopper will brighten at the buying possibilities in Tokyo.

24 IBUKI Magazine Vol. 10 March & April 2011 Publisher Misa Murohashi English Cartier Editor-in-Chief Bruce Rutledge Editor and Translator Yuko Enomoto Editor Jessica Sattell Photographer CC Yaguchi

Contributing Writers & Artists Enfu (Ken Taya) Steven M. Corless Rose Special Thanks Chin Music Press

Published by Axia Media Group, Inc. Bellevue, WA 98005

Comments and general inquiries info@ibukimagazine.com Advertising Info advertise@ibukimagazine.com Become our fan on Facebook

www.ibukimagazine.com 3

息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE_Japanese bento boxes

Thinking Inside the Box Japanese bento boxes serve up beauty, creativity and nourishment

By Bruce Rutledge

M

artin Metke takes a bento to work just about every day. “I thought I’d be teased,” says the Seattle IT worker. “I thought people would say, ‘What, don’t you have any money?’” Instead, a coworker noticed how delicious the lunch looked and offered to pay Metke’s wife to make an extra one.

The bento has been part of the Japanese diet for centuries.

It is served at formal occasions, carried to lunch by students and sold at just about every major train station in the country. While a traditional bento would have white rice with a pickled plum (umeboshi) in the middle and different sections of fish, meats and vegetables, in truth, just about anything goes, including elaborate “character bentos” that depict beloved anime or manga characters and are, some say, an elaborate ploy to trick children into eating their vegetables.

There’s no question that a bento is more aesthetically pleasing and typically more nutritious than your average brown bag lunch. Metke says unwrapping his bento at lunch time is “like getting a Christmas present every day.”

But bentos are only for those who have the time, dedication and big budget to make them, right?

Not so, says Noriko Nishimura, Metke’s wife. She says it takes her 30 minutes or less to make the bentos each morning, and it’s not expensive at all. “I don’t spend much on food,” she says.In fact, making a bento every day for lunch saves the couple money since they don’t go out to eat.

4 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

Nishimura doesn’t start from scratch every morning, either.

She usually includes some pickled or marinated food that has been prepared ahead of time. She also doesn’t stick strictly to Japanese ingredients. “I use Japanese food as much as possible, but I sometimes use roasted or pickled beets, for example.”

Makiko Itoh, author of The Just Bento Cookbook and a popular blogger at justbento.com, stretches the definition of bento even further. She lived in Switzerland for 15 years and learned that “Japanese ingredients are not practical all the time, so I create European-style bentos as well.”

Interest in bentos seems to have spread across the globe. Itoh says her English-language blog has 393,000 subscribers, and she hears from readers all over the world. “I’ve heard from a group in the U.K. using bentos (to overcome) eating disorders, from a parent who uses bento for an autistic son, all kinds of people.” She also says that most of the bentos she makes are vegetarian or vegan.

Itoh and Nishimura both say that preparation is key. “We Japanese are encouraged to eat 30 different ingredients a day,” Nishimura says. “I try to include as many ingredients as possible, as much flavor as possible and as much color as possible. That’s the idea behind bento.”

On the next few pages, we offer some easy-to-follow recipes that use traditional Japanese ingredients in playful, unique ways.

Deluxe bentos feature an array of colors, tastes and textures.

A classic “character bento” photographed by Christopher D. Salyers, author of Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes.

Photo by CC Yaguchi

Many local restaurants serve mouthwatering bentos, and a precious few offer them for takeout or delivery.

Cute bentos brighten up a child’s lunchtime.

Pikachu with his poke-ball, ready to be devoured. Photo by Christopher D. Salyers.

Photo by CC Yaguchi

The Chef Kenzo bento at Uwajimaya in Seattle is a lunchtime favorite.

www.ibukimagazine.com 5

息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE_Japanese bento boxes

e x lu e D & y h lt Hea

Recipe Contri

butor

Noriko & Mar

tin

Bento box: $28 at Uwajimaya

Tofu Hamburger Ingredients (makes about 10-15 patties) • 1/2 lb firm tofu • 1/2 lb ground chicken (or pork) • 1 egg • 2 tbs ground fresh ginger • 1 tbs soy sauce • 1 tbs sake • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 carrot, finely chopped • 2 green onions, finely chopped • Teriyaki sauce (or 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbs sake and 1 tbs soy sauce) 1. Wrap tofu with paper towel and microwave for one minute. When it cools down, drain

6 息吹 ibuki • MARCH / APRIL 2011

OK to Freeze

well by squeezing the excess water out of the tofu.

2. In a large bowl, mash or chop the tofu well. Add ground chicken, egg, ginger, soy sauce, sake and salt. Mix well till it becomes sticky.

3. Add carrot and green onion. Mix again.

4. Make bite-size patties.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet pan. Cook patties on high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.

6. Add teriyaki sauce and cook for a few more minutes.

Onion Salad • • • • • • •

1/2 onion 1 tbs dried wakame seaweed 1 cherry tomato (optional) 1/2 tbs olive oil 1 tbs rice vinegar 1 tsp soy-sauce 1/2 tsp sugar

1. Soak dried wakame in a bowl of water for more than 3 minutes. Drain well.

2. Mix vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce and sugar to make sauce.

3. Slice onion finely and place in the sauce.

4. Add wakame and mix well.

5. Decorate with sliced cherry tomato.

Bento Boxes at Uwajimaya You will find a variety of beautifully designed bento boxes at Uwajimaya. Most of them are dishwasher and microwave safe. Find your personal favorite!

This summer: a very special Seattle cookbook

Zesty Salmon & Veggies Ingredients (makes 2 servings) • 1/2 lb salmon, sliced into four pieces • 1/2 onion, finely sliced • 1 carrot, sliced into thin strips • 1/2 celery, sliced into thin strips • 4 tbs rice vinegar • 2 tbs sugar • 2 tbs soy sauce • 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper • corn starch / salt and pepper 1. In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and crushed red pepper to make sauce. Add sliced onion, carrot and celery to the sauce and mix again.

2. Lightly season the salmon with salt and pepper. Sprinkle corn starch over the seasoned salmon.

3. Grease a skillet and cook salmon on med-high heat. Cook about 3-4 minutes each side until well done.

4. Place hot salmon in the sauce.

5. Store salmon in refrigerator overnight to allow the flavor to soak in.

Japanese Rolled Omelet —

Tamagoyaki

• 2 eggs, beaten • 2 tsp sake • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tsp soy sauce 1. Add egg, sake, sugar and soy sauce. Mix well.

2. Heat pan and lightly coat with vegetable oil.

3. Spread half of the egg mixture around the pan.

4. When halfway cooked, use a rubber spatula or chopsticks to roll the egg into 3 to 4 layers.

5. Slide the rolled egg towards the front of the pan, and pour in other half of the egg mixture around it.

6. When halfway cooked, fold the egg over about 3 times.

7. Move the rolled egg onto a plate to cool down. Cut into desired portions. * Chopped spinach was placed in the middle for the photo. www.ibukimagazine.com 7

息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE_Japanese bento boxes

k ic u Q & l u f r lo o C

tyle

Lifes Bento box: $3.49 at Tokyo Japanese

Five Color Sushi Rice

Precook and freeze the toppings. Then in the morning, defrost a small portion and place on top of sushi rice.

Brown: Soboro Chicken • • •

1 lb ground chicken 1 tsp ground ginger Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 4 tbsp sake, 4 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp water and 2 tsp sugar 1. In a sauce pan, heat the premixed sauce and the ground ginger.

2. Add ground chicken. Simmer the meat on medium-low heat, stirring constantly with chopsticks until the liquid is absorbed.

Yellow: Japanese Scrambled Egg • •

1 egg, beaten ½ tsp sugar

8 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

1. Lightly grease a sauce pan and heat well.

2. Mix beaten egg and sugar together.

3. Pour into pan and scramble finely, using chopsticks. Unlike cooking a typical scrambled egg, cook egg on high heat quickly to make a fluffy texture.

Green: Edamame •

JFC WEL-PAC brand frozen edamame Defrost in cold water, then remove from water and set aside.

Red: Red Pickled Ginger

• JFC WEL-PAC brand red pickled ginger

Orange — Homemade Salmon Flake • •

½ lb Salmon filet Mix together sauce: 5 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 5 tsp sugar and 1 tsp vegetable or sesame oil 1. Grill or sauté salmon filet and remove skin and bone. Flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork.

2. In a sauce pan, heat the sauce on mediumhigh and add the salmon. Cook and stir well until the liquid is all absorbed.

Sushi Rice

• 1 cup steamed rice • 1 tbs sushi vinegar Mix warm steamed rice and sushi vinegar.

Bento boxes at Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle carries reasonably priced bento boxes, chopsticks & cases, wrapping cloth and other bento items. Their recent top-seller is the long and thin 2x7.5-inch bento box that fits nicely in a purse or small tote.

Nimono Vegetables • 1 lb JFC WEL-PAC brand pre-cut vegetable mix • Sauce (mix 1 tbs sugar, 1 tbs soy sauce and 1 tbs sake) 1. In a sauce pan, heat one tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil on medium heat. Add frozen pre-cut vegetable mix and stir fry for about 2 minutes.

2. Add sauce and 1 cup water. Cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil (about 10x10-inch size) with a hole in the middle and cook about 5 minutes.

3. Uncover the pan, turn the heat to high and cook until the liquid is mostly gone.

Japanese vegetables mix >> Contains shiitake mushrooms, carrots, taro potatoes, burdock roots (gobo), bamboo shoots and lotus roots. << Kinpuira mix Contains burdock roots and carrots.

TOKYO Japanese Lifestyle

Now 4 locations!

Southcenter Mall, Suite 1220

(206) 241-0219

Northgate Mall, Suite 740

(206) 363-3213

Tacoma Mall, Suite 616

JFC’s Frozen a la Carte

(253) 475-5380

Shumai

(360) 943-5790

•

JFC WEL-PAC brand frozen shumai Defrost in microwave

Capital Mall, Suite 334

UMAMI KUSHI - Yakitori Catering Catering service for private parties, special occasions, and festivals ご自宅でのパーティーやイベント会場へケータリングします！

Mini sausage

• JFC WEL-PAC brand frozen mini sausage Defrost in microwave JFC has many selections of pre-cooked and frozen products that help you to make tasty dishes in a minute. Keep some in your kitchen!

手羽先 レバー ねぎま つくね エリンギ トウモロコシ ししとう 焼きおにぎり 他多種対応！

“it’s in the fire”

King Salmon Kobe Beef Prime Rib Clam Oyster Asparagus Tsukune Negima and MORE!!

www.Umamikushi.com | tel (206) 265-1923 | Chef Harold Fields www.ibukimagazine.com 9

息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE_Japanese bento boxes

Kawaii & Fun! (cute)

Bento box: $20 at Miki House Bellevue

Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients (makes about 25-30 meatballs) • 1 lb ground chicken (or beef ) • 1 egg (or 1/2 tsp starch & 1/2 tsp water) • 1/2 cup onion, chopped • 1 tbs sugar • 1 tbs soy sauce • 1 tbs sake • 1 tbs ketchup • 2 tbs rice vinegar • 2 tbs water • 1 tsp starch + 1 tsp water, pre-mixed • 1 tbs vegetable oil for stir fry 1. Combine ground meat, beaten egg and onion in a large ball and mix well. For children who

10 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

have egg allergies, use pre-mixed 1/2 tsp starch and 1/2 tsp water to replace the egg.

2. Form into bite-size balls.

3. In a small bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, sake, ketchup, vinegar and water to make sauce.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in meatballs and cook about 5 minutes until outside is brown. Remove excess oil using paper towel, then add the sauce. Cook about 5 minutes more until the liquid is almost gone. Make sure meat is well-done.

4. Add pre-mixed starch and water to make the leftover sauce thicker.

Good to Freez

Animal Bento Picks - $4.00 at Uwajimaya Kids will love the cute bento picks.

It makes the lunch easy to eat for young children, and mom doesn’t have to deal with leftovers!

Meatballs can be kept frozen without changing the texture or flavor. Cook many at once, freeze and defrost a small portion each morning!

Miki House Kids’ lunch box items Popular Japanese children’s fashion brand Miki House has a great collection of bento items at its newly opened store in downtown Bellevue (1032 106th Ave NE #123).

These make very nice birthday gifts too!

Vegetable Mini-Curry • 2 tbs Kikkoman Ginza Curry Sauce • 2 leaves of spinach, chopped • 2 slices of carrot 1. Cut the carrot in heart shape, then steam or boil.

2. Chop spinach finely.

3. In a small cup, mix curry sauce and chopped spinach. Heat in microwave for half minute.

4. Place the curry sauce in a plastic container. Top with the carrot.

Kikkoman Ginza Curry Sauce - Available at Asian grocers This canned curry can be a tasty and easy addition to your bento. It’s mild and less spicy, so your kids will love it too!

Panda Rice Balls • 1/3 cup rice, cooked • 1 slice of nori seaweed • 1 tbs umeboshi (pickled plum) 1. Divide rice into three triangular pieces. You may use a rice ball maker.

2. Cut nori with scissors to make 8 round shapes. Stick the round-shaped nori to the rice balls to make panda eyes and ears.

Use a grain of rice and umeboshi to decorate as eyes and mouth.

1032 106th Avenue NE, Suite 123, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 455-4063 | www. mikihouse-usa.com PARIS MILAN NEW YORK KIEV SEOUL HONG KONG BEIJIN TAIPEI TOKYO

Mini Rice Ball Maker - $3.25 at Uwajimaya Use mini rice ball maker to shape kawaii mini onigiri quickly!

www.ibukimagazine.com 11

息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE_Japanese bento boxes

Chef’s Bento

The bento makes an elegant meal, especially when it’s prepared by a skilled chef. Several places around the greater Seattle area offer deluxe bentos at affordable prices for takeout, delivery or to eat in. These meals are a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach.

Rikki Rikki in Kirkland

(425) 828-0707 www.rikkirikki.com

Rikki Rikki in Kirkland is one of a few places on the East side that serves a luscious bento for dinner or lunch. These bentos feature chicken teriyaki, tempura, a California roll or slices of sashimi, miso soup and pieces of nigiri sushi, depending on the one you order. The one we sampled included light and crisp tempura batter on vegetables and shrimp, tender pieces of chicken and top-rate slices of sashimi and sushi. The dinner menu includes gourmet bentos starting at around $16. For lunch, simpler bentos featuring Mandarin orange chicken, black pepper beef and other seasonal ingredients cost around $10. They are some of the most popular items on the noontime menu. Rikki Rikki will prepare the bentos for takeout as well. The chefs change the ingredients seasonally to offer diners the tastiest mix in their boxed lunches.

Photo by CC Yaguchi

I Love Sushi in Lake Bellevue

(425) 455-9090 www.ilovesushi.com

I Love Sushi in Lake Bellevue has delicious boxed lunches for takeout that are well suited to large corporate events or small gatherings of friends. Executive Chef Masa Nakashima and his crew of six Japanese chefs ask that you order at least 24 hours in advance. You can view the bentos on the restaurant’s website: http://lakebellevue. ilovesushi.com/takeout.htm. For $15, you’ll receive a cut of deep-fried pork, a pork dumpling, baked egg, a grilled fish (we sampled some mouthwatering black cod), simmered seasonal vegetables and a rice dish. The rainbow trout, matsutake and bamboo we sampled were deliciously simmered in dashi. Taro root and gobo (burdock) rounded out a well-balanced, plentiful lunch. The right photo is Kyoto tryle “Ajisai” bento ($25)

Downtown Uwajimaya www.uwajimaya.com The Chef Kenzo bento selection at Uwajimaya supermarket in the International District offers a little luxury in a box for lunch or dinner. The sushi connoisseur will appreciate the saba sushi bento, which features healthy, flavorful slabs of mackerel starting at a very reasonable $7.99. Other bentos include mouthwatering slices of black cod kasuzuke, shrimp scampi, succulent slices of porkbelly, pickled plum, baked egg, lotus root, squid filled with rice and much more. Even the more expensive bentos at Uwajimaya are a bargain. The Chef Kenzo bentos are all made daily in the supermarket’s kitchen using the freshest ingredients. Come by at lunchtime and get them while they’re hot.

Photo by CC Yaguchi

12 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

Cafe Soleil in Mukilteo (425) 493-1847 www.cafe-soleil.net

Cafe Soleil makes Euro-Japanese style bento selections for gatherings of all sizes. Try the teriyaki hamburger bento ($10), shrimp fry bento ($10) and Euro-Japanese deluxe bento ($18).

Contact them in advance to place your order.

Bento Bookshelf

Kinokuniya Bookstore, right next to Uwajimaya Supermarket, has the best collection of books on Japanese cuisine in the city. Everything from practical guides to beautiful, high-end works of art are stocked here. Sort through the cookbooks, choose your favorite, then walking through the Kinokuniya bookstore doors to Uwajimaya and start shopping for your ingredients.

The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches to Go

By Makiko Itoh, Photographs by Makiko Doi, $19.95 Itoh’s popular postings about bento preparation on her justbento.com blog have grown into a book, out this winter from Kodansha International. The book features simple, healthy and clever twists on the Japanese boxed lunches. The soft-cover book features lots of new recipes from Ms. Itoh that have not appeared on her blog. Itoh includes both Japanese and non-Japanese bentos, and says she has made a point of using ingredients easily found outside of Japan whenever possible.

Flipping through the color pages, it’s easy to get inspired to create a special someone a very special lunch. Itoh covers every aspect of bento-making, from basic recpies to a list of necessary equipment to an easy-to-understand glossary of terms.

published by Kodansha International

Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes

By Christopher D. Salyers, $14.95

published by Mark Batty Publishers

Bumblebee-shaped rice balls, mice fashioned from hardboiled eggs and ham, and Pikachu lovingly rendered in seaweed. It’s hard to ignore mom’s rule never to play with your food when such kawaii characters look up from your lunchbox. Face Food Recipe welcomes one to the world of charaben, character bento boxes whose enormous popularity continues to skyrocket thanks to enthusiasts from Japan and around the world. Author and charaben connoisseur Christopher D. Salyers follows up Face Food, his lovesong to the cute, healthy and homemade lunches, with even more photographs of the creations of Japan’s top charaben artists as well as diagrams and practical tips for making and designing your own. An easy-to-follow section on kitchen tools to create your charaben will surprise you at how easy and inexpensive it is to start sculpting Super Mario from scratch, and an extensive glossary filled with everything from recipes for the staples to the lowdown on the best ways to work with Japanese foodstuffs ensures you’ll never be lost at the cutting board.

th Visit our boo 011 2 n at Sakura-Co

The leading source for Asian books including bento recipes and cookbooks!!

Inside Uwajimaya www.kinokuniya.com

Seattle 525 S Weller St, Seattle (206) 587-2477 Portland 10500 SW Beaverton Hillsdale, Beaverton (503) 641-6240 Inside Uwajimaya www.ibukimagazine.com 13

Restaurant Directory SEATTLE Greater Seattle Mashiko Japanese Restaurant (206) 935-4339 4725 California Ave SW, Seattle Check out sushiwhore.com You’ll like it.

Wann Japanese Izakaya (206) 441-5637 2020 2nd Ave, Seattle www.wann-izakaya.com

Kushibar

(206) 448-2488 2319 2nd Ave, Seattle www.kushibar.com

Shiro’s Sushi Restaurant (206) 443-9844 2401 2nd Ave, Seattle www.shiros.com

Issian

(206) 632-7010 1618 N 45th St, Seattle www.issian-seattle.com

Maekawa Bar

(206) 622-0634 601 S King St # 206,Seattle

Fort St. George

(206) 382-0662 601 S King St # 202, Seattle

I Love Sushi - Lake Union 206-625-9604 1001 Fairview Ave N, Seattle

Aloha Ramen (206) 838-3837 8102 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle Aoki Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar (206) 324-3633 621 Broadway E, Seattle Blue C Sushi - University Village (206) 525-4601 4601 26th Ave NE, Seattle Blue C Sushi - Fremont (206) 633-3411 3411 Fremont Ave N, Seattle Blue C Sushi - 7th avenue (206) 467-4022 1510 7th Ave, Seattle Boom Noodle, Capitol Hill (206) 701-9130 1121 E Pike St, Seattle Bush Garden Restaurant (206)682-6830 614 Maynard Avenue S., Seattle Cutting Board (206) 767-8075 5503 Airport Way S, Seattle Chiso (206) 632-3430 3520 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle Fuji Sushi (206) 624-1201 520 S Main St, Seattle Genki Sushi - Queen Anne (206) 453-3881 500 Mercer St. Unit C-2, 2B, Seattle Genki Sushi - Capitol Hill ((206) 257-4418 1620 Broadway, Seattle Hana Restaurant (206) 328-1187 219 Broadway E, Seattle Hiroshi’s Restaurant (206) 726-4966 2501 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle Imo Asian Bistro (206) 264-9570 704 1st Ave, Seattle

Japonessa Sushi Cocina (206) 971-7979 1400 1st Ave, Seattle J Sushi (206) 287-9000 674 S Weller St, Seattle Kaname Izakaya Shochu Bar (206) 682-1828 610 S Jackson St, Seeattle Kisaku (206) 545-9050 2101 N. 55th St. #100, Seattle Kozue Japanese Restaurant (206) 547-2008 1608 N 45th St, Seattle Maneki (206) 622-2631 304 6th Ave S, Seattle Marinepolis Sushi Land -Queen Anne Hill (206) 267-7621 803 5th Ave N, Seattle Moshi Moshi Sushi (206) 971-7424 5324 Ballard Avenue, Seattle Nishino (206) 322-5800 3130 E Madison St # 106, Seattle Nijo (206) 340-8880 89 Spring St, Seattle Ototo Sushi (206) 691-3838 7 Boston St, Seattle Red Fin Sushi Restaurant (206) 441-4340 612 Stewart St, Seattle Ricenroll - Madison Street (206) 262-0381 214 Madison St, Seattle Ricenroll - Rainier (206) 329-2223 828 Rainier ave. S, Seattle Samurai Noodle - University District (206) 547-1774 4138 University Way NE, Seattle Shiki Japanese Restaurant (206) 281-1352 4W Roy St, Seattle

Hours: Sun - Thu 5pm - 12am Fri & Sat 5pm - 2am Happy Hour: 5p-6p & 9p-11p

“NO SUSHI, SO WHAT!”

“WE ARE IZAKAYA!”

11204 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle • 206.417.3175 • setsunarestaurant.com 14 息吹 ibuki • MARCH / APRIL 2011

Shun Japanese Cuisine (206) 522-2200 5101 NE 25th Ave #11, Seattle Tsukushinbo (206) 467-4004 515 S Main St, Seattle Toyoda Sushi (206) 367-7972 12543 Lake City Way, Seattle Wabi-Sabi Sushi Bar & Restaurant (206) 721-0212 4909 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

South End

North End Cafe Soleil

(206) 575-6815 16820 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila www.miyabirestaurant.com

(425) 493-1847 9999 Harbour Place # 105, Mukilteo www.cafe-soleil.net

Setsuna Izakaya restaurant (206) 417-3175 11204 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

Bluefin Sushi & Seafood Buffet (206) 367-0115 401 NE Northgate Way # 463, Seattle Blue C Sushi - the Village at Alderwood Mall (425) 329-3596 3000 184th St SW, Lynnwood Edina Sushi (425) 776-8068 19720 44th Ave W, Lynnwood Marinepolis Sushi Land -Lynnwood (425) 275-9022 18500 33rd Ave NW, Lynnwood Matsu Sushi (425) 771-3368 19505 44th Ave W #K, Lynnwood Sakuma Japanese Restaurant (425) 347-3063 10924 Mukilteo Speedway # G, Mukilteo Taka Sushi (425) 778-1689 18904 Hwy 99 Suite A, Lynnwood Tengu Sushi (206) 525-9999 301 NE 103 St, Seattle

New Zen Japanese Restaurant (425) 254-1599 10720 SE Carr Rd, Lunch Bento: create your own $$9.50www.newzensushi.com

Miyabi Restaurant

Blue C Sushi - Westfield Southcenter (206) 277-8744 468 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila Marinepolis Sushi Land -Southcenter Mall (206) 816-3280 100 Andover Park West 160, Tukwila Bistro Satsuma (253) 858-5151 5315 Point Fosdick Dr NW #A, Gig Harbor Daimonji Sushi & Grill (425) 430-1610 5963 Corson Ave S, Suite 194, Seattle Genki Sushi -Renton (425) 277-1050 365 S. Grady Way Ste. B & C, Renton

Dozo Cafe

(425) 644-8899 3720 Factoria Blvd SE Try authentic Ramen. No MSG.

I Love Sushi -One Lake Bellevue (425) 455-9090 23 Lake Bellevue Dr, Bellevue

I Love Sushi -Bellevue Main (425) 454-5706 11818 NE 8th St, Bellevue

Rikki Rikki Japanese Restaurant (425) 828-0707 442 Parkplace Center, Kirkland www.rikkirikki.com

Izakaya Sushi - at The Landing (425) 228-2800 829 N 10th St. Suite G, Renton Izumi Japanese Restaurant with Sushi-Bar (425) 821-1959 12539 116th Ave N.E., Kirkland Kikuya Restaurant (425) 881-8771 8105 161st Ave NE, Redmond

Eastside Blue Ginger Korean Grill & Sushi (425) 746-1222 14045 NE 20th St, Bellevue Ginza Japanese Restaurant (425) 709-7072 103 102nd Ave SE, Bellevue Himitsu Sushi and Teriyaki (425) 882-2500 13112 NE 20th St # 200, Bellevue I Sushi (425) 313.7378 1802 12th Ave NW, Suite F, Issaquah

I LOVE SUSHI Taste the Difference

23 Lake Bellevue Dr., Bellevue WA (425) 455-9090 | www.ilovesushi.com

www.ibukimagazine.com 15

Restaurant Directory Kiku Sushi (425) 644-2358 15555 NE 24th St, Bellevue Marinepolis Sushi Land -Bellevue (425) 455-2793 138 107th Ave. NE, Bellevue Marinepolis Sushi Land -Redmond (425) 284-2587 8910 161st Ave NE, Redmond Sushi Maru (425) 453-0100 205 105th Ave, Bellevue Sushi Me (425) 644-9800 1299 156th Ave NE #145, Bellevue Sushi Mojo (425) 746-6656 1915 140th Ave. NE, D1-B, Bellevue Sushi-Ten (425) 643-6637 2217 140TH Ave NE, Bellevue Momoya Restaurant (425) 889-9020 12100 NE 85th St, Kirkland Ricenroll - Bellevue Square (425) 455-4866 2039 Bellevue Square 2nd fl, Bellevue Ricenroll - Issaquah Highland (425) 369-8445 1052 Park Dr. Issaquah Ricenroll - Alertson on Mercer Island (206) 232 0244 2755 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island Rolls & Rolls + Sushi (425) 454-4313 11011 NE 12th St, Bellevue Sushi Joa (206) 230-4120 2717 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island The Bento Box (425) 643-8646 15119 NE 24th St, Redmond

Tokyo Japanese Restaurent (425) 641-5691 3500 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue 2AM (425) 643-1888 14603 NE 20th St #4, Bellevue

Beaverton / Hillsboro

PORTLAND Portland Bamboo Sushi (503) 232-5255 310 SE 28th Ave, Portland Biwa Restaurant (503) 239-8830 215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland Blue Fin Sushi (503) 274-7922 1988 SW Broadway, Portland Bush Garden (503) 226-7181 900 SW Morrison St, Portland Hiroshi Restaurant (503) 619-0559 926 NW 10th Ave, Portland Koji Osakaya -Downtown Portland (503) 294-1169 606 SW Broadway, Portland Koji Osakaya - Lloyd Place (503) 280-0992 1502 NE Weidler, Portland Marinepolis Sushi Land -Lloyd (503) 280-0300 1409 NE Weidler St, Portland Marinepolis Sushi Land -Pearl (503) 546-9933 138 NW 10th Ave, Portland Mika Sushi (503) 222-0699 1425 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland

祝 Sakura-Con 2011 One FREE drink for cosplayers

16 息吹 ibuki • MARCH / APRIL 2011

Yuki Sushi & Sake Bar (503) 525-8807 930 NW 23rd Ave, Portland

Hakatamon (503) 641-4613 10500 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton Hanabi’s Izakaya Bistro & Bar (503) 646-1986 10053 SW Nimbus Ave, Beaverton Izakaya Kaiten Sushi (503) 643-2578 14605 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton I love Sushi (503) 644-5252 3655 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton Koji Osakaya -Hillsboro (503) 629-1815 2215 NW Allie Ave, Hillsboro Marinepolis Sushi Land -Beaverton (503) 520-0257 4021 SW 117th Ave, Beaverton Syun Izakaya (503) 640-3131 209 NE Lincoln St, Hillsboro Sambi Japanese Restaurant (503) 296-0045 9230 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton Sushi & Maki (503) 648-4366 2401 NE Cornell Rd No. X, Hillsboro Yuki Sushi & Sake Bar (503) 430-5275 1335 NE Orenco Station Pkwy, Hillsboro

Vancouver WA Marinepolis Sushi Land -Vancouver (360) 883-3881 1401 SE 164th Ave, Vancouver

Welcome cosplayers!! We offer special deals with your purchase April 22-24

$10 coupon ticket for cosplayers

April 22-24

www.ibukimagazine.com 17

Business Directory Art & Furniture Kobo

koboseattle.com Kobo at Higo (206) 381-3000 604 S Jackson St, Seattle Kobo Capitol Hill (206) 726-0704 814 E Roy, Seattle Shop & gallery featuring art, craft and design from Japan and the Northwest The Wing Luke Museum (206) 623-5124 719 South King Street, Seattle Azuma Gallery (206) 622-5599 530 1st Ave S, Seattle Carolyn Staley-Fine Japanese Prints (206) 621-1888 2003 Western Ave #107, Seattle Glenn Richards - Asian Furnishings & Antiques (206) 287-1877 964 Denny Way, Seattle Ming’s Asian Gallery - Seattle (206) 748-7889 519 6th Ave S, Seattle Ming’s Asian Gallery - Bellevue (425) 462-4008 10217 Main St, Bellevue The Cullom Gallery (206) 919-8278 603 S Main St, Seattle Shogun’s Gallery (503) 224-0328 1111 NW 23rd Ave, Portland

Bakery and Cafe Hiroki Desserts (206) 547-4128 2224 N 56th St, Seattle Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee House (206) 515-4000 607 S Main St, Seattle Kitanda Brazilian Bakery & Espresso (425) 641-4413 15230 NE 24th St, Redmond

18 息吹 ibuki • MARCH / APRIL 2011

Fumie’s Gold

www.fumiesgold.com (425) 223-5893 10115 NE 1st St # CU2, Bellevue | Japanese pastry Next to the Bellevue downtown park!

Setsuko Pastry

www.setsukopastry.com (206) 816 0348 1618 N 45th St, Seattle A Healthy Alternative pastry with a Japanese spin

Fuji Bakery

www.fujibakeryinc.com Seattle Store (206) 623-4050 526 South King St Bellevue Store (425) 641-4050 1502 145the PL SE, Bellevue

UniCone Crepes

(206) 243-6236 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila Zoka Coffee & Tea - Greenlake (206) 545-4277 2200 North 56th St, Seattle Zoka Coffee & Tea - University (206) 527-0990 2901 NE Blakeley St, Seattle Zoka Coffee & Tea - Kirkland (206) 284-1830 129 Central Way, Kirkland Cortona Cafe (206) 327-9728 2425 E Union St, Seattle Seabell Bakery (425) 644-2616 12816 SE 38th St, Bellevue

Books, Games & Anime Anime Raku

(425) 454-0112 10627 NE 8th St, Bellevue www.anime-raku.com

Kinokuniya Book Store

Seattle Kinokuniya (206) 587-2477 525 S Weller St, Seattle Beaverton Kinookuniya (503) 641-6240 10500 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton

Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle Southcenter Mall Store (206) 241-0219 633 Southcenter Mall, Suite 1220, Seattle Northgate Mall Store 401 NE Northgate Way, Suite 740, Seattle (206) 363-3213 Tacoma Mall Store 4502 S Steele St, Suite 616, Tacoma (253) 475-5380 Capital Mall Store 625 Black Lake Blvd, Suite 334, Olympia (360) 943-5790 Anime Asylum (503) 284-6626 1009 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR VIDEO HOP Downtown Store (206) 587-4037 601 S. King St. Suite#101, Seattle Pink Gorilla - International District (206) 264-2434 601 S King St, Seattle Pink Gorilla - University District (206) 547-5790 4341 University Ave NE, Seattle

Sake Saké Nomi (206) 467-7253 76 S Washington St, Seattle

Grocery and General Store Anzen Hiroshiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (503) 233-5111 736 NE MLK Blvd, Portland Daiso Alderwood Mall (425) 673-1825 3000 184th St SW, # 398, Lynnwood

Mutual Fish Company www.mutualfish.com (206) 322-4368 2335 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

AISHA Skin and Body Care Therapy www.aishainfo.com (206) 621-9494 509 Olive Way #Suite 1201, Seattle A haven hidden within steps of Westlake Center

(425) 744-9751 Sogetsu contemporary school of ikebana Classes in home studio and around town

www.en-salon.com (425) 883-1010

www.uwajimaya.com Seattle Uwajimaya (206) 624-6248 600 5th Avenue South, Seattle Bellevue Uwajimaya (425)747-9012 15555 NE 24th St. & Bel Red Rd., Bellevue Renton Uwajimaya (425) 277-1635 501 South Grady Way, Renton Beaverton Uwajimaya (503)643-4512 10500 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale HWY, Beaverton Daiso West Lake Center (206) 625-0076 400 Pine St. #1005, Seattle Daiso International District 76 S Washington St, Seattle H-Mart -Lynwood (425)776-0858 3301 184th Street Southwest, Lynnwood

13112 NE 20th St # 500, Bellevue

E Z Chair Barber Shop

(425) 702-9900 12121 Northup Way # 210, Bellevue

Olympus Spa

Lynwood Olumpus Spa (425) 697-3000 3815 196th Street Southwest #160, Lynnwood

Tacoma Olympus Spa (253) 588-3355 8615 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma WellnessOne of Eastgate (425) 289-0092 15100 SE 38th St., Ste. 305B, Bellevue

Fashion Miki House USA

www. mikihouse-usa.com (425) 455-4063 1032 106th Ave NE # 123, Bellevue

Health and Beauty Acupuncture Associates -Eastgate (425) 289-0188 15100 SE 38th St #305B, Bellevue Studio 904 Hair Salon (206) 232-3393 3041 78th Avenue SE, Mercer Island Hen Sen Herbs (206) 328-2828 13256 NE 20th St, Bellevue

Ikebana by Megumi

www.ikebanabymegumi.com

eN Salon

Uwajimaya

Japanese Floral Design

Momo (206) 329-4736 600 S Jackson St, Seattl

Schools Music School of Taiko (425) 785-8316 www.Japantaiko.com

Yushoryu Ikenobo (206) 723-4994 5548 Beason Ave. S.,Seattle Ikenobo Lake Washington Chapter (425) 803-3268 11832 NE 73rd St, Kirkland The Little Flower Station (425) 770-5888 www.thelittleflowerstation.com Cooking Hiroko Sugiyama Culinary Atelier (425) 836-4635 22207 NE 31st St, Sammamish NuCulinary (206) 932-3855 6523 California Ave SW, Seattle Satsuma Cooking School (206) 244-5151 17105 Ambaum Blvd S, Seattle Martial Arts Seattle Kendo Kai (206) 721-1416 1610 S King St, Seattle Seattle Judo Dojo (206) 324-7080 1510 S Washington St, Seattle Obukan Kendo Club (503) 443-2281 4130 SW 117th Ave. Suite 246, Beaverton Language Seattle Japanese Language School (206) 323-0250 1414 S Weller St, Seattle Tea Ceremony Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch (206) 328-6018 5125 40th Avenue N.E., Seattle

FUJI BAKERY All-Natural Organic Japanese artisan bakery

Delicious

Bellevue 145th Store

Seattle International District

145th

5th

148th

6th

QFC

1502 145th Pl SE, Bellevue Tel: (425) 641-4050 M-F: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-4pm Sun & Holiday: Close

Poire (Pear Danish) $2.50

Brioche Cube

Sunflower cheese cake$4.00

S King St

SE 16th St. Bellevue Collage

Croissant Aux Amandes$3.50

chocolate franbois (raspberry) & caramel banane

Lake Hill Blvd

S Weller St Uwajimaya

Daiso

526 South King St, Seattle Tel: (206) 623-4050 M-F: 11am-6pm, Sat: 11am-6pm Sun & Holiday: Close

Salmon :$1.50 Japon (azuki): $2.50

Cake citron $6.00(S) $9.00(L)

www.ibukimagazine.com 19

UMAI LABS

EXPERIMENTS IN THE DELICIOUS http://umailabs.com

BY Rose

E

ver wish there was a place that sold great bento, tasty pasta dishes, delicious freshly made bread, mouth-watering desserts and perfectly fried chicken all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week? There is such a place out there. In fact there are tens of thousands of places like that out there. They are called konbini, or convenience stores in English, and they can be found all over Japan. I know what you are thinking. “You want me to go to a convenience store just to eat the food? Are you kidding?” Past experience has taught you that convenience stores are only good for greasy, slimy hot dogs, nuclear nachos, drinks the size of small children, crusty old corn dogs and mystery meat hamburgers. Until my first trip to Japan, I was right there with you. I would have never dreamed of wasting my hard-earned money or the trip of a lifetime in a place like a convenience store until I went into my very first Family Mart in Narita, Japan. Now whenever I am in Japan, I can’t resist having at least one meal or more a day from a konbini!

Konbi Breakfast Hungry? In a hurry? Running late for school or work or got to get an early start to make the best of a well-earned vacation?

The konbini has got you covered! Try some of my favorite bread choices like ham and cheese mayo bread! Two perfectly creamy ham buns ready to go. Super chewy mochi mochi bread is a sweet way to start the day.

If you read my blog, you know how much I love chewy things, and the bread choices available at konbini are always super fresh and very chewy. The soft, airy bread is always filled with a selection of perfectly seasoned sweet or savory fillings, making them a delicious treat for breakfast or really any time of day. Freshness is guaranteed by ensuring that products are rotated at least once a day and more likely several times a day.

Photos © FamilyMart Co., Ltd.

Rose is a blogger at umailabs.com. The blog dedicates itself to seeking out or recreating the food she loved so much when she was an exchange student in Japan. She earned her degree in International Studies: Japan from UW. Her passion is sharing her knowledge of Japan and her dinner table with anyone who is hungry.

20 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

Lunch Now it is lunch time. Maybe you don’t have time to order at a restaurant — even a fast food one! Again a konbini is the place to go.

By far my favorite lunch option at a konbini is bento. Konbini-ben are portable, wellportioned and well-balanced meals that typically feature a variety of protein, veggies and starch. From there the sky is the limit.

Konbini-ben can either be a classic Japanese meal like tofu steak, rice and sumono, or it can be an exotic meal like bibimbap from Korea or even a down-home Japanese meal like curry rice or omuraisu. Konbiniben can also change based on the season.

Warm dishes like beef stew are available in the winter, while light cold noodle dishes like zaru soba are popular in the summer.

Other favorite lunch options include rice balls. At Family Mart, they keep their rice perfectly fresh and tender, and the nori is kept separate form the rice until it is time to eat it to keep it nice and crisp. The fillings are the best part! So many choices and most of them very tasty! Increasingly there are a number of innovative onigiri options like sukiyaki, salmon and even uni and ikura!

ini Gourmet Dinner Now it is dinner time. Perhaps you aren’t the greatest cook, or it seems you were too busy having fun, and all the restaurants are now closed. Or like me, you just don’t have a ton of money, period. Never fear; konbini is here! You don’t have to pick out another bento. There are plenty of other options available at a konbini such as pasta. Try a tasty and traditional meat-sauce spaghetti.

Or if you feel more adventurous, there is always the tarako and butter pasta The pasta is always fresh, never frozen or prepackaged.

Instead all of the fresh food available at a konibini is made daily in nearby factories and then shipped directly to the konbini. In some areas where it is really busy, a konbini might receive several deliveries each day to keep up with demand.

BTW, FamilyMart’s American

brand Famima!! was established in 2004, and now there are 10 Famima!! stores in California. I hope they will come to Seattle someday!

Dessert No dinner is complete without dessert.

I’m not talking candy bars people. Yeah, konbinis offer candy, chips and all the other little snack things that you can find at a convenience store here. But I am talking about real dessert — like sit down nice restaurant dessert. How about Japanese pumpkin Mont Blanc, tiramisu or chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce? The best part about these desserts is that unlike in restaurants here in the US, the portions aren’t too big. I can get my sweet fix without feeling like I have to go straight to the gym.

So

when visiting Japan, don’t bypass the konbini! Go in, look around and eat something!

Besides, konbini are also great places to buy other things such as stationery, clothing, simple groceries and household products, pay a bill, mail a package, make a copy, send a fax or buy a souvenir to take back home to your friends.

Night Snack Finally it is the end of the night. Perhaps you have been out drinking with the boys or girls, maybe singing some karaoke or who knows what. Anyway, you are probably starved and you need a really great snack.

Something that will soak up all the alcohol sloshing around in your stomach. Something golden brown, deep fried and juicy. I’m talking about fried chicken, hot dogs filled with cheese on a stick or beef croquettes. If you need something more meal-like, try the oden. Oden is a hodgepodge of fish sausage, meat, veggies, tofu, noodles and other things all simmered together in the same cooking stock. There are actually a couple of advantages to eating oden from a konbini.

For one, if it is late and cold, you can have a nice hearty meal to warm you up. But more importantly, you can pick and choose what you want to keep costs low.

www.ibukimagazine.com 21

TRAVEL

Only in Tokyo A Shopper’s Paradise

By Steve Corless

Uniqlo Harajuku Store. Photo © FAST RETAILING CO., LTD

U

nless I am browsing through a DIY home center or electronics superstore, I enjoy shopping about as much as doing my taxes. But Tokyo is a city that has something for everyone; a full day of shopping in Tokyo can be great fun, if you know where to go beforehand.

Ginza area Ginza is probably Tokyo’s most famous shopping district, known for its expensive boutiques, large department stores, high-end restaurants and exclusive clubs. In addition to these types of establishments, the Ginza area has some unique specialty stores all within walking distance of each other.

If you are looking for a souvenir gift for a child or are a collector or hobbyist yourself, Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza is the place to visit.

This is probably Tokyo’s largest toystore, with four stories of every kind of doll, puzzle, toy, hobby item or game imaginable. If you have never had fun in a stationery store, I recommend a visit to Itoya. The Japanese pay attention to detail and expect quality in the products they buy. The stationery, notebooks, writing instruments, traditional paper and gift-wrapping materials here are the best available anywhere in the world. After spending time at Itoya, a visit to your local office supply superstore will never be the same.

Near JR Yurakucho station is Bic Camera, the center of the universe for afficionados of consumer electronics, audio/video, computer and photography products. Be prepared to be overwhelmed — this place is eight stories of cool stuff. Bring your passport if you plan to buy something duty free. Don’t expect prices for Japanese products here to be less than back home, but deals can be found on items to be discontinued in the Japanese market, and you can find products not yet available in the States. If you are a musician, don’t miss the 15-story Yamaha music store. Renovated and expanded in 2010, this must be

22 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

the world’s most expansive retail store for musical instruments (Yamaha is the world’s largest manufacturer) and music accessories. It even has a 333-seat concert hall.

Hakuhinkan Toy Park 03-3571-8008 | Chuo-ku Ginza 8-8-11 Itoya 03-3561-8311 | Chuo-ku Ginza 2-7-15 Bic Camera 03-5221-1111 | Chiyoda-ku Yurakucho 1-11-1 Yamaha Music Store 03-3572-3134 | Chuo-ku Ginza 7-9-14 La La Port A very different shopping environment can be found at La La Port Toyosu, a newly built shopping, dining and recreation complex on Tokyo Bay’s waterfront. With 200 shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone. For inexpensive and stylish casual wear, stop by Uniqlo, Japan’s leading clothing retailer. And don’t miss Muji (literally “no brand”), the minimalist and ecologically friendly retailer of consumer goods, clothing and just about anything else you can imagine. For the perfect Japanese-inspired gift for a child, stop by Kid’s Foret; any fan of anime will love the products here. For a break from shopping, visit the Ukio-e (woodblock print) museum or enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront.

La La Port 03-6910-1234 | Koto-ku Toyosu 2-4-9 http://toyosu.lalaport.jp/en Shibuya area Shibuya is one of the centers of Japanese youth culture and fashion. The fun begins as you make your way out of Shibuya station and across the street with a mass of seemingly thousands of other pedestrians through the famous “scramble crossing.” A popular and trendy shopping complex favored by young women is the Shibuya 109 department store.

This complex of retail stores is known as the mecca for young women

IZAKAYA 居酒屋 Hey Sugi-chan, what is your specialty dish?

from the gyaru culture. Shibuya also is home to the Tokyu Hands flagship store, another place even the most shopping challenged can enjoy exploring. Originally a DIY store, Tokyu Hands has a selection of household, hobby and novelty items available only in Japan that is fun to explore, even for a non-shopper like me.

Shibuya 109 www.shibuya109.jp | 03-34775111 | Shibuya-ku Dogenzaka 2-29-1 Tokyu Hands Shibuya www.tokyu-hands.co.jp | 035489-5111 | Shibuya-ku Udagaw 12−18

I have many.

Let see,,

And people can relax as if they are at home.

Sukiyaki, Shabu-shabu, Kushikatsu, Gyu-don, I see..

Beef steak,

Yakiniku One day..

Burger..

TOFU HARAJUKU OISHII SHOCHU YAKITORI UMAMI KUSHIYAKI TO OTAKU SAKE KAWAII MAIKO IZAKAYA RAMEN PONZU NABE DA

NEXT ISSUE

Steve Corless is an in-

Coming May1st

dependent travel consultant based in Seattle. Steve spent 15 years in Japan working in sales and marketing and as a US foreign service officer in Tokyo and Osaka. He lives in Lynnwood with his wife and daughter.

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1618 N 45th St Seattle, WA 98103 Tel: (206) 632-7010

KATSUO SAKURA SAPPORO HANAMI YATAI YAKISOBA KARAAGE TO issian-seattle.com HANABI SHIBUYA GYOZA BENTO SHOGA MACCHA ANKO NAB www.ibukimagazine.com 23

Luxuriate!

Spas and salons around the Puget Sound offer Eastern treatments

By Yuko Enomoto

Reflexology — eN Salon

eN Salon

13112 NE 20th St. #500 Bellevue | (425) 883-1010 www.en-salon.com

This salon takes the idea of beauty and ratchets it up several notches.

The polite and friendly reflexologist Yukari Hoashi prepared a hot tub for my feet, then helped me to the recliner, which was kept comfortably warm throughout the one-hour session. Being a novice, I was advised to take short exhale breaths when I felt any pain. Yukari dabbed some aroma oil onto her hands and began by massaging my shin and ankle bones to “open up” my energy channels. Then she began working on my left foot in earnest. I have always felt cold in my extremities, but somewhere near halfway through the session, I began to feel tremendous warmth. Yukari quickly identified a few “weak” areas of my body by touching my feet. One of them was the hips, a place of instability where I had just begun acupuncture and sound treatment. “If you continue kneading this area right here, you will start to notice a difference,” she said. The first reflexology session is almost always painful to some extent, according to Yukari, because of a buildup of toxins. Firm pressure is used to release these toxins from the body and stimulate lymphatic drainage. “After two or three sessions, the pain will give way to relaxation,” she said.

Reflexologists believe that our feet are a road map to the entire body, with specific areas in the feet corresponding to a certain or group of organs. And that by applying pressure to those areas with the thumb and forefinger, the body is stimulated through neurological pathways toward correction. The body, as Eastern medicine believes, is constantly trying to heal itself. Reflexology not only relaxes the muscles of the body through massage, but in more intensive treatments, it also helps remove toxins in the body so that the healing process may begin. Eastern reflexology as practiced in most Asian countries can be quite painful at least for the first few sessions in the location of the foot that corresponds to your body’s trouble area. Yet I was surprised at how light I felt as I dismounted the recliner. I realized I was tapping into a practice that has lasted through the centuries for a very good reason. Yukari offers both Eastern-style reflexology and Western-style reflexology, which uses softer pressure on the feet. A 60-minute session costs $50. A ticket for five sessions costs $225. A 30-minute Quick Course is priced at $30.

Balancing Facial — eN Salon My partner in this spa outing decided to try the balancing facial by Norico, a licensed esthetician and masseuse at eN salon. When we first met Norico, we immediately noticed her beautiful skin. “I only use minimal cosmetic products on my skin. My belief is that we can maintain nice skin with a healthy lifestyle, eating habits and regular massage treatment to encourage lymphatic drainage.” She begins the facial with cleansing, scrubbing and pore cleansing to remove dirt, then she begins massaging. She takes the time to thoroughly unravel any tightness in the décolleté, neck and shoulders to get the blood circulating in the upper body. Then we move on to the kobido-style facial massage. Kobido is an ancient facial treatment that was enjoyed among women of the aristocratic class. Light and fast, the kobido technique combines facial massage with stimulation of pressure points in a rhythmic fashion. My friend says it doesn’t feel like facials she’s experienced before. “I adjust the massage according to the degree of tightness of my clients, and encourage lymphatic drainage. That is why I stick to hand massage event though many salons started using machines to do facials,” said Norico. “Women with edema will notice that the bloating will begin to disappear and see more definition around the eyes and cheekbones. Gaunt women will begin to develop softer lines. Laugh lines will also begin to diminish.” After finishing the treatment on the left side of her face, my friend is handed a mirror for inspection. Indeed, her left eye looks larger than her right and her face looks firmer overall. The final portion of the facial consists of a masque, which Norico prepares according to each client’s skin condition, and a head massage while the masque works its magic. “The scalp is a continuation of the face,” said Norico. “A good scalp massage will change your complexion.” After the session ends, my friend looks in the mirror and barely suppresses a grin. “Kobido treatment is really fun for me because the effects are immediate,” says Norico. “I can actually see my client’s complexion begin to change during a massage or notice the tightness in her face melt away. Just one session can make a difference, but a regular monthly visit will result in a noticeable difference.” A 60-minute session costs $55. A ticket for three sessions costs $145; six sessions, $280.

24 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

Olympus Spa

3815 196th St. SW #160 Lynnwood | (425) 697-3000 www.olympusspa.com

Korean Spa — Olympus Spa If you are a female Seattle resident, you probably know about the Olympus Spa. And, if you are a recent transplant, you will no doubt hear about the place often called by its nickname, the Korean spa, because there’s no other place in the state of Washington that’s quite like it. The family-run Olympus Spa is an oasis where women of all ages come alone or in small groups of girlfriends to relax, rest and rejuvenate. A small tea room and a separate restaurant that serves authentic Korean fare make this spa a place where you not only nurture your spirit, but your physical body — inside and out. The idea of the spa came from a simple yearning, according to Sun Kyong Lee, president of the spa’s Lynnwood branch.

“My mom can’t tolerate the cold,” Lee said. “Seattle weather feels colder than South Korean weather.” So Lee’s father got busy with plans to keep his wife warm. But he didn’t want to build a Western-style spa; he wanted to build something closer to home in spirit. What sets this spa apart from most is also in services not rendered: the choice to simply hang out all day if you so desire. Plan to spend an entire morning or afternoon here.

You are free to roam the facility in your robe and bare feet. You can visit the spa just for the use of the energy rooms, the resplendent pools or the saunas. But if you made it this far, you won’t want to miss the traditional Korean hot spa treatment: the Korean Body Scrub and Body Moisturizing. Be prepared for 45 minutes of invigorating whole body scrub that sloughs off dead skin, improves blood circulation and leaves your entire body tingling and feeling as smooth as silk. Body Moisturizing is a luxurious full-body treatment that begins with a generous slathering of warm olive oil, followed by warm milk, then honey. For further pampering, follow up with a Swedish or deep tissue massage offered in one of the private rooms.

Hair Nails Facials Reflexology etc.

eN Salon 13112 NE 20th Street, # 500 Bellevue, WA 98005

TEl: (425) 883-1010 http://www.en-salon.com World Class Salon Services

Aisha Skin and Body Care Therapy Anti-aging facials, Therapeutic massage, Body detoxification wraps, La Hot Stone Therapy, Eyelash perming, and more.

AISHA

509 Olive Way #1201, Seattle Tel: 206-621-9494 www.aishainfo.com

Eyelash Perm — AISHA AISHA Skin and Body Care Therapy is a haven hidden within steps of Westlake Center in the heart of downtown Seattle.

At the chic and cozy salon, owner Akemi offers premium services from anti-aging facials, therapeutic massage to La Stone Therapy. Another unique service offered

by AISHA is its eyelash perm, which is very popular among women in Japan and is now hitting New York and LA. AISHA is one of a few salons in Seattle that offrsr the treatment. “I tried introducing the eyelash perm to my regulars and they just loved it. They usually enjoy that they do not have to use eyelash curlers and have appealing eyes without makeup on,” says Akemi. The eyelash perm at AISHA costs $50.

Medical Dental Building 509 Olive Way, Suite 1201, Seattle (206) 621-9494 | aishainfo.com

E Z CHAIR BARBER 12121 Northup Way #210, Bellevue Tel: (425) 702-9900

Hair & Pedicure For Men Walk-ins Welcome!!

Authentic Japanese Crepes Since 2007

ユニコーン クレープ At Southcenter Mall | 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila 98188 www.facebook.com/UniConeCrepes www.ibukimagazine.com 25

26 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

SAKURA-CON 2011

T

he Pacific Northwest’s biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture keeps getting bigger and bigger. Last year, SakuraCon — a three-day extravaganza of costumes, anime, manga, J-pop and intense otaku collecting — drew more than 18,000 people to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in downtown Seattle. This year, the convention, held on April 24-26, could be even bigger, with the North American debuts of the oh-so-cute-and-spirited Berryz Kobo, a popular all-girls band, and exis†trace, an all-female visual kei rock band; the appearance of fashion phenomena 6%Dokidoki (see Ibuki #8 for an interview with founder Sebastian Masuda) and Sixh.; and a special screening of the first two episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. Easter weekend never felt so funky!

Other special guests include voice actors, producers, anime directors, DJs and all sorts of artists. The convention center pulses with creativity over Sakura-Con weekend. That’s probably because the festival, now in its 14th year, has always emphasized fun and community over profit and economy. “We started Sakura-Con because we missed the fun,

multi-level anime conventions where something was always happening and you were afraid to eat lunch for fear of missing something you really wanted to see,” writes the founding group on Sakuracon.org. “We were tired of the professionally run conventions that herded you into a room to see a speaker for one hour, than herded you into a line for an autograph and closed in time for you to be home for supper!”

That is definitely not what happens at Sakura-Con. The convention center halls overflow with people, and the costume-clad fans spill out into the street and into the local shops and restaurants. A trip to the nearby Blue C Sushi during Sakura-Con weekend is like dining out in an alternate universe.

So what are you waiting for? Discounts for three-day passes are available for those who preregister before March 20. The price for the threeday pass rises from $50 to $60 after that. Buy your tickets at the door and you’ll pay $35 on Friday, $40 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday.

Children under 18 need to bring a filled out parent-permission form, which can be found at sakuracon.org. Get your tickets and let your inner otaku out for the weekend.

Snaps f rom last yea r

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SAKURA-CON 2011

Music & Fashion Guests

Berryz Kobo

Ibuki: This is the first appearance for Berryz Kobo in the US. What sort of things would you like to do while you’re in Seattle?

Shimizu: I want to go to the very first Starbucks. Tokunaga: I want to eat a hamburger, the biggest one in Seattle!!

Ibuki: Do you follow any North American or European bands?

Tokunaga: NEYO and Hannah Montana. Kumai: Lady Gaga.

Tsuganaga: Avril Lavigne and Connie Talbot. Shimizu: Michael Jackson.

The peppy girls group that has been churning out hits in Japan since 2004 is set to make its North American debut at Sakura-Con. The group is also releasing its first CD in the US at the convention. The group delivers high-energy performances that are cute to the Nth degree, which should stoke the Sakura-Con crowds to the point of frenzy. Berryz Kobo consists of Saki Shimizu, the 19-year-old captain of the group; Momoko Tsuganaga, also 19; Chinami Tokunaga, 18; Maasa Sudo, 18; Miyabi Natsuyaki, 18; Yurina Kumai, 17; and Risako Sugaya, also 17. Ibuki chatted with the girls via email about their upcoming US debut. Excerpts from the interview appear in the left column:

Ibuki: What’s your secret to success?

Natsuyaki: Each person has a distinct personality, and everyone is really kind to each other. That’s the best ingredient.

Ibuki: Where did the name Berryz Kobo come from?

Shimizu: Berries are really small fruits. They’re cute, but they have a lot of power, too. So that’s why we have a “z” — for extra power! Sugaya: And “kobo” (or “koubou”) is Japanese for “factory,” so we’re the factory for creating lots of music!

Ibuki: Has Berryz Kobo ever performed outside of Japan?

Sudo: We did a “mini-live” in Korea in 2009. That was really fun, and there was lots of energy. Kumai: Last year we went to Bangkok in March. There were thousands of people there. My heart was going so fast!

Ibuki: Does the group have a message for all their fans coming to see them at Sakura-Con? Tokunaga: I want to learn to speak English. Please teach me, everyone!

Kumai: I’m happy to finally meet you all. I want to learn a lot of things about Seattle. Shimizu:I’m excited since this is the first performance in America.

Let’s have a lot of fun! Sudo: I want to study English, and I’m hoping to have some conversations with you.

Ibuki: Your first official US CD will be released at Sakura-Con. Are you excited about reaching new fans in America?

Tsugunaga: We're so happy! We want our fans to support our music in America, so maybe we can sing an all-English song someday!

28 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

6%DOKIDOKI It’s like a candy store exploded and covered everyone in delicious, bright, fruity colors. Founded by Sebastian Masuda, the 6%Dokidoki fashion line is the epitome of Japan’s kawaii subculture. This year, Ibuki is excited to announce that Sebastian Masuda and the 6%Dokidoki shop girls, featured in our 8th issue, will be at Sakura-Con to hold a Harajuku-style fashion show and discussion. “It’s about bringing happy anarchy to youth culture, says Masuda.

Photo © 6%DOKIDOKI, Masuda Sebastian

Visit our booth at Sakura-con 2011!!

Exis†trace

Check out their first US single, TWIN GATE >>!

This female visual kei band delivers hard-driving rhythms and a dramatic, energetic stage show. Exis†trace features Jyou on vocals, Miko and Omi on guitar, Mally on drums and Naoto on bass. They’ve been cranking out straight-ahead tunes since 2003. While the music is almost old school in its intensity, the band’s hair, makeup and outfits are a mesmerizing mix of David Bowie androgyny, Marilyn Manson macabre and the traditional femme fatale. This band rocks.

We have strong passion to arouse the big fan of “Characters” and their lifestyle to enthusiasm with our “Characters” products. With such strong view, the COSPA Inc. people who love “Characters” will support and arouse the big fan of “Characters”.

Photo © MONSTER’S INC. / JapanFiles

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Sixh.

Part band, part fashion line, Sixh. is a collaboration between IBI and MINT that was inspired by designer h.NAOTO. If that means something to you, then you’re already on your way to buy tickets to Sakura-Con. But if that seems like gibberish, let’s just say that Sixh. makes clothes that are part goth, part inspired by the host and hostess bar culture in Japan, and oh-so-very hip and cool. On stage, the music is surprisingly conventional and mildly indulgent, but the outfits are to die for. Expect lots of swooning from Sakura-Con fans.

Photo © Sixh.

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Local News and Events EVENTS Sakura-Con 2011 The largest anime convention in the Pacific Northwest

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Explore Seattle’s deep connections with Japan

When: April 22-24 Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle Admission: $50 for three days (pre-register by March 20th) / $35 Friday, $40 Saturday, $30 Sunday, $60 for three days at the door.

When: April 1-3, 2011 Where: Seattle Center House, Fisher Pavilion Admission: Free

Presented by the Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association, SakuraCon is the oldest and most well-attended anime convention in the Pacific Northwest. The huge event has anime theaters, gaming, cosplay contest, cultural panels, dances, concerts, art contests, over 100,000 square feet of exhibits hall and more! See page 26 to learn more about Sakura-Con 2011.

This year, they will host exciting guests, including Sebastian Masuda from 6%DOKIDOKI!! Info: www.sakuracon.org *If you are under 18, please remember to bring your signed parent permission form with you to registration.

Hanami Week at Miyabi Restaurant Enjoy cherry blossom decorations and the hanami bento!

When: April 10-17 Where: Miyabi Sushi Restaurant, 16820 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila Miyabi Sushi on the Southcenter Parkway will hold Hanami Week during the second week of April. Hanami is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers by eating and drinking under cherry blossoms with your friends. The restaurant will be decorated with cherry blossoms and will feature a special hanami menu that will include hanami bento, blossom roll, takoyaki and a jumbo hanami cocktail. Celebrate the spring season with Hanami Week!

Nikkei Horizons Spring 2011 Classes Registration starts in mid March The spring quarter of Nikkei Horizons, a continuing education program of Nikkei Concerns, is coming up in April.

Registration begins on March 14. The organization offers many interesting classes such as cooking classes, yukata making and dressing classes, Hawaiian hula dancing and more! All classes and workshops require pre-registration.

Please see the schedule book at www.nikkeiconcerns.org or contact the Nikkei Horizons manager at (206) 726-6469.

Correction

In the January/February issue, the business hours shown in the Cafe Soleil advertisement were incorrect. We apologize for the error.

30 息吹 ibuki MARCH / APRIL 2011

Learn the game go, play with Japanese toys and participate in a tea ceremony demonstration, while you explore Seattle’s deep connections with Japan and celebrate the beauty of spring. The event is a feast for the senses. Delicious food, taiko drumming, Japanese artisan demonstrations, skateboard routines and artwork present both a modern and ancient view of this complex culture.

Spring Ikebana Demonstration See and enjoy the Japanese flower arrangements When: April 14, 6-7p Where: North Bellevue Community Center Room A, Bellevue Fee: Free

Megumi Schacher, a certified instructor of the modern Sogetsu School of ikebana, will give a free demonstration introducing the creative range of Sogetsu ikebana using flowers and native plant materials. Info: www.IkebanaByMegumi.com (425) 744-9751

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop Greeting cards with origami artwork When: March 26, 3-5pm Where: The Wing Luke Museum, Seattle Admission: Free with admission to the museum Local calligraphy artist Chiyo Sanada will give a workshop on Japanese calligraphy.

Learn the significance of the tools, the history of the characters and the traditions of this ancient art. Information: www.wingluke.org / www.chiyosanada.com

Emerald City Comicon Comic book and pop culture convention When: March 4-6 Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle Admission: $15-35

Emerald City Comicon, the Northwest’s premier comic book and pop culture convention, is an all-ages event with an anticipated 25,000 people in attendance.

Fans of comic books, animation, gaming, science fiction, fantasy and good ole American people-watching descend on the Washington State Convention Center for this annual extravaganza! Info: www. emeraldcitycomicon.com

News

th Visit our boo n 2011 at Sakura-co

Maeda-en Culinary Matcha Recipe Contest Results Announced!

Maeda-en, an Irvine-based Green Tea and Exotic Flavored Ice Cream company, revealed the winner of their “Maeda-en Matcha Recipe Contest.” The contest recipes featured the roll-out of their new product, Matcha Green Tea Powder-Culinary Quality. The Matcha (powdered green tea) contest drew 83 recipe submissions from major cities all across the United States. The Grand Prize went to Ms. Roxanne Chan for her unique recipe: Matcha Mixed Fruit Soup. Ms. Chan was awarded $500 and a Maeda-en Matcha Green Tea Powder Series Set in January. Two locals from Bothell and White Salmon, WA, were awarded prizes for their recipes, “Green Tea White Chocolate Cheesecake” and “Ticket to Tokyo Green Tea Almond Cheesecake.”

Congratulations!!

Matcha Mixed Fruit Soup by Roxanne Chan The Grand Ingredients (4 servings) Prize Recipe 1 cup white rice, cooked and cooled 1 can (11.5 ounces) apricot nectar 1 ripe banana, sliced 2 cups apple juice 2 Tbsp snipped mint 2 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp Maeda-en Matcha Green Tea Powder 1 Tbsp lime juice Garnish: shredded fuyu persimmon or use your favorite fruit such as papaya or mango Preparation : Blend all ingredients till smooth. Serve immediately or cover and chill before serving. Garnish each serving with persimmon.

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