WAttention Malaysia vol 22

Malaysia Edition

Tokyo - Singapore - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

2017 Autumn Issue VOL.22 PP18029/03/2013 (033318)

Timeless Elegance for the Summer

Enjoy Tohoku’s autumn season with all five senses

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TRAVEL with

Canon 偕楽園｜茨城県

Kairak-en, Ibaraki Prefecture With a name that literally means ‘a garden to be enjoyed by everyone’, this is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Built in 1841, it is renowned for its three thousand plum trees. The entire area is found on a hill in Mito City and commands a breath-taking view of beautiful forests and its own bamboo grove.

Photographer: Asmady Bin Ahmad (Malaysia) Camera Model: Canon EOS M6 Lens Model: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

PERFORMANCE with Style

暦 Koyomi 9 September

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

Nochi no hina Matsuri 後の雛

text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇

Hina-matsuri, which falls on 3 March every year, is a traditional event on the calendar. On this day, a set of ornamental dolls is displayed in families with daughters to wish for the health and wellbeing of young girls.

In the past, people also celebrated “nochinohina-matsuri” on 9 September, exactly six month after 3 March. The day is also known as “choyo-no-sekku,” or “kiku-no-sekku” because people use chrysanthemum, a symbol of longevity, to decorate the house, wishing for a long life.

On this day, people take the dolls out of 4

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the storage to prevent them from getting moldy and eaten by bugs. In other words, it is a maintenance day for the dolls.

After bathing in the gentle sunlight and the dry air of autumn, the dolls are like new again. You may even catch a smile on their faces. Since long ago, Japanese have been taking the utmost care of the dolls as if there were spirits living in them. To convey the message that autumn is here to the dolls, people would decorate the house with chrysanthemum and burn incense for a week.

The event is an opportunity to not only

“nurture the mind and body through taking care of things” but also to pray for longevity and health. This tradition, however, is disappearing. It is difficult to find families that put out dolls in autumn today.

After celebrating “nochinohina-matsuri,” the dolls are wrapped in new papers, along with insect repellent incense and put away until the next spring.

Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on findings to apply them to modern lifestyles.

Currently teaches at Tama Art University.

VOL.22

SUMMER YUKATA & AUTUMN TOHOKU 04

In Harmony with the Seasons

06

Yukata Timeless Elegance for the Summer

12

18

Publisher

Shuji Ozawa FLP YOMIKO Malaysia Sdn Bhd 100.02.043, 129 Offices, Block J, Jaya One. No. 72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603-7932 3138 E-mail: yasui@flp-yomiko.com

Enjoy Tohoku’s Autumn Season

Editor in Chief

NHK World Japanese Food Vol.02

Photographer

Say Konnichiwa to Kumamoto

Kunio Yasui

Japan & Singapore Editorial Team Naoki Kiyota / Ayako Miyazaki Chew Yan Qiao / Lam Ying Wai Eric Voon / Yuka Suzuki / Kenji Ishida Hajime Watanabe

Partners

WAttention Co., Ltd, WAon Pte Ltd

Cover Photo

Yukata cloths from CHIKUSEN

Advertising inquiry in Malaysia

Aim Nat ................. Graphic Designer Ken Chin ................ Co-ordinator

Japan Representive

Tel: +81-3-6418-5701 Fax: +81-3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com

WAttention is a publication of FLP YOMIKO Malaysia Sdn Bhd. All articles published are in good faith and based on bonafide information available to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law.

The Publisher also accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the previous written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded, by any means. The opinions expressed in The Publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

Why “WAttention”?

WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more “Attention” to “WA（ 和 ）”; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself! 世 界 中 の 人々に「 和 」 （WA）に 注 目（Attention）してほしいという願 い を 込 め て WA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

This publication and the name are owned solely by FLP YOMIKO Malaysia Sdn Bhd, E09-Q9, 9 th Floor, Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, 18 Jalan Persiaran Baral, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Email: yasui@flp-advertising.com.

WAttention is published quarterly and distributed throughout Malaysia. Trademarks and copy rights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

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浴衣

Yu kata

ゆかた

Timeless Elegance for the Summer

The History of Yukata

The first example of a yukata appeared

After World War II, the Japanese lifestyle

around 1200 years ago and was called

became even more westernized, making the

Summer time means matsuri (festival)

yukatabira. People started to wear them

yukata attire less common.

time in Japan! And there is simply nothing

as bathrobes to soak up sweat and protect

Beside during summer festivals and

more fashionable to wear to a traditional

their skin from burns during steam baths.

firework displays, they are most commonly

Japanese festival than a yukata!

At the end of the Edo period (1603 – 1867),

worn in onsen (hot spring) towns. Ryokan,

This casual version of a kimono is lighter

the number of public bath houses increased

traditional Japanese hotels, provide these

in fabric (cotton or synthetic), and is the

significantly, and the common population

garments as standard robes for their

perfect practical garb for Japan’s hot and

spread yukata culture as both an after-bath

guests, and many even wear them as they

humid summers!

gown and as casual streetwear.

stroll through the streets.

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CHIKUSEN 竺仙

- Art Shaped by Tradition

If you are looking for a yukata that doubles as a piece of traditional art, Chikusen is the place to go. Dating back to 1842, the closing years of the Edo period, Chikusen took its first steps in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.

Kabuki: The Stepping Stone for Traditional Craftsmanship

Asakusa: New Cultural Mecca

Relation with Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

In Edo (present day Tokyo), people

Asakusa turned from a business to

Sen’nosuke (仙之助), Chikusen’s founder,

tended to spend a lot of money at

an entertainment district. Meanwhile,

ran a yukata shop specialized in dyeing

markets and theaters. To control and

department stores opened in Nihombashi

filigree patterns. With his deep interest

improve the entertainment business,

and this area developed into a business

in theatre and haiku (traditional Japanese

the Tokugawa shogunate decided to

district.

poetry), many in his circle of friends were

move the three biggest kabuki theaters

relationship with this department store,

kabuki (Japanese classical theatre) actors,

of Edo to Asakusa. Edo culture was

the then-president suggested moving

novelists and other types of artists. Since

characterized by kabuki, which was at

to Nihombashi. With yukata’s popularity

plain yukata were the norm, Sen’nosuke’s

that time considered to be a casual sort

at its peak, Chikusen had to deliver its

elaborate designs captured the attention

of entertainment, and whose actors

products to Mitsukoshi three times a

of kabuki actors, who started asking

were considered to be trendsetters. The

day. As it was only deliverable by hand

him to design their stage costumes. The

audience was impressed by the outfits

carts, the new location could save a lot

audience were impressed and the name

and wanted to adapt to the new fashion,

of time. Therefore, Chikusen relocated

Chikusen spread among the general public

therefore Chikusen’s yukata became

to Nihombashi shortly after World War II,

in no time. According to a book telling

popular among the general population.

and its headquarters have remained there.

Due

to

Chikusen’s

strong

Tokyo’s historical anecdotes, “Chikusen” is a combination of the owner’s name, and chinchikurin, the Japanese word for “short person.” He took “chiku” from chinchikurin and added “sen” from his name – giving birth to the name Chikusen.

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Key Dyeing Methods Nagaita Chugata ( 長板中形 )

Komon Chugata ( 小紋中形 )

Chusen ( 注染 )

During the Edo period, a special dyeing

Another dyeing method is komon

With the beginning of the Meiji period

te chnique for y uk at a was invente d

chugata, also called Edo komon, which is

(1868 – 1912), a new dyeing method

called nagaita chugata. First, a 12-meter

an original dyeing technique developed

called chusen was introduced, which

long piece of fabric is tightened on a

by Chikusen. The pattern is engraved on

enabled the produc tion of fabric in

6.5-meter long fir tree plank. Next, a

the stencil with a small, semicircle blade,

larger quantities. The patterns itself and

stencil of about 40 centimeters is placed

which produces an intricate pattern of

the procedure of applying them stayed

over the fabric and a special glue for

small dots or other detailed designs. This

the same, but the stencil length changed

resist printing (bosen nori in Japanese

technique is especially challenging, since

from 40 centimeters to 90 centimeters.

防 染 糊 ) is added to the parts which

adjusting the delicate pattern on both

The glue is applied on a 12-meter long

are not supposed to be dyed. To obtain

sides is very complicated. Looking at the

fabric, folded like a folding screen, and

an even result, the glue is separately

fabric from afar, it seems that there is

when this process is finished, it will be

applied the same way to both the front

no pattern at all, but as you take a closer

placed on the dyeing table. Afterwards

and back. The mos t dif f icult par t is

look at the simple yet detailed design, it

the dye is applied with watering cans.

adjusting the stencil on the back to

reveals its pure elegance. Since it was only

With this new process, a craftsman was

the print on the front evenly, in order

possible to dye two rolls of fabric per day,

able to produce more than 100 rolls

to achieve a flawless pattern without

many of Edo’s craftsmen were not able

of fabric per day and the production

fading the colors.

to produce nearly enough yukata for the

increased dramatically.

whole population of Tokyo.

Traditional Designs with a Modern Twist Chikusen’s trademark can be found in its historical patterns. Designers use stencils remaining from the Edo period and adapt and reform them to the current fashion trends. Compared to Japan’s western regions, the patterns of historic Edo are very simple and understandable for everyone. Simple designs such as dianthus, bamboo, sakura (cherry blossoms), hydrangea, waves and lilies are very common. Today, Chikusen is the only place that uses dyeing techniques from the Edo period.

Edo: Japan's Trendsetter Things which were popular in Edo spread throughout the rest of Japan, making the city the nation’s trendsetter in terms of all things cultural, including fashion. The “Edo-style” yukata with its dark indigo and bright white color combination were in high demand. According to a book written in late 19 th century introducing Edo’s famous products, yukata was one of the popular souvenir item and had significant value.

CHIKUSEN We talked to Fumio Ogawa, the director of Chikusen.

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Hours: 9am - 5pm Closed: Sat, Sun & national holidays (open Sat from Apr - Jul) Address: 2-3 Kofuna-cho, Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

German Kimono Enthusiast Taking Over Tokyo’s Fashion Scene From a small town in northern Germany to the massive metropolis of Tokyo, Anji SALZ, who calls herself a “kimono influencer,” told us about the latest trends in the kimono community.

Already owning several yukata back in Germany, received as gifts, she first wore a kimono in Kyoto and fell in love with the elegance. After moving to Japan in 2010, Anji dedicated her life to spreading the beauty of kimono as a casual garment. We met the designer of SALZ Tokyo on a sunny afternoon in Shinjuku to talk about her current projects, future plans and this year’s yukata trends.

What fascinates you about kimono and yukata?

“Usually kimono have been passed down through generations and it feels like wearing a piece of art. I love that you can style and combine kimono quite wildly, the same as Harajuku fashion. You can go bold with patterns and colors, and it is a lot of fun! Match stripes and dots, or combine flower patterns and geometrical patterns. I just love how your whole posture changes, as it makes you feel more feminine and graceful. I also have the feeling that it changes me as a person. When I am walking in my regular

Tell us about your mission.

clothes I tend to get stressed in crowds, but when I wear kimono or yukata I feel more

“At the moment, I call myself a “kimono

gentle and kind. It changes my movements and I can take one step back.”

influencer.” I want to show interesting ways of styling kimono and yukata, as well as

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration?

influencing and inspiring other people.

“First of all, I think of kimono as fashion. I have the feeling that many Japanese people don’t

Since kimono used to be standard attire, I

do that, as they feel intimidated by a lot of rules. I feel free and find inspiration in Harajuku

would love to bring back this tradition. In

fashion, kimono-wearing people around me, magazines or creative photo shoots. I like

my opinion, there is no special occasion

vintage clothes, especially clothes which tell a story. I also like to experiment and mix my

needed to wear these garments – whether

outfits with western accessories – wearing sneakers and funky tights, while turning up the kimono a little to show the design.”

Top

Yukata

it is going shopping, dinner with friends or a park visit.”

What are your current projects and your future plans?

“Currently I am learning wasai (traditional

Coordinations

by SALZ Tokyo

kimono sewing), which involves the whole construction of kimono. I have almost f inished my ne x t projec t , w hich is a kimono made of python optic fabric. The bottom part, the bottom of the sleeves and the collar are made with real leather, which is quite dif f icult to sew. In the future, I plan to work with different kinds of modern technology that are already being used in the fashion industry, but I want to be the first to use them for my kimono designs. Further, I would like to create more creative photoshoots, as

“This shade of green is my favorite color.

I love bold colors, and the contrast between the yukata and the white arrow-patterned obi (sash) pops right into the eye – perfect for the next fireworks festival!”

Watermelon yukata designed by SALZ Tokyo. “Watermelons give the ultimate summer vibes.

Lace tabi ( Japanese socks with split toe) cover up naked feet but are still breathable in the heat.”

well as ways of styling the models.”

“The blue color makes me feel refreshed even on hot summer days, and fish are a specific summer motif in the kimono world!

The checkered design is modern, yet transmits a retro atmosphere.”

Follow her adventures at salz-tok yo.com or by her username "salztokyo" on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

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Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Main building 4F kimono floor Shopping in a World of Class and Tradition Founded in 1673 under the name of Echigoya, Mitsukoshi was known for specializing in kimono fabrics. In 1904, it became Japan’s first department store. The building houses historic objects from throughout the centuries, and provides a unique and authentic Japanese shopping adventure in Tokyo’s Nihombashi area. Before summer approaches, Mitsukoshi opens its annual yukata display in preparation for the season’s festivities. This year's yukata theme is "flowers"; garments with fresh, tie-dyed floral prints in a variety of colors are on sale, including masterpieces from Chikusen and other renowned brands.

While the wide selection of yukata and accessories may feel overwhelming at first, don’t worry: Friendly, knowledgeable assistants are eager to lend a hand in selecting the perfect yukata just for you. From colors and patterns to accessory combinations, they provide expert professional advice, making the shopping experience smooth for those who have no familiarity with yukata and/or may not be sure what looks best on them.

If you are still unsure about your selection, do not hesitate to try on the yukata to see how it actually looks. The attentive staff knows exactly how to dress you based on your body type – and you will be amazed how quickly and gracefully they move! During the process, feel free to ask questions; they are more than happy to give you helpful tips. This surely is the most authentic way.

Hours: 10.30am - 7.30pm Address: 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku Access: 1-min walk from Mitsukoshi-mae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line)

Rent the Perfect Garment for Summer!

Rutile Traditional Yukata experience in Asakusa Rutile, a yukata rental store in Tokyo’s cultural center Asakusa, invites you to stroll through the narrow sidewalks of the area while wearing Japan’s traditional summer garment. After submitting an online reservation, you can discuss about the additional services available once at the store. In addition to selecting your favorite yukata from a wide range of designs, they also provide hair styling, makeup and photo shooting services for a small extra fee. The streets of Asakusa provide the perfect

Yukata Hanabi

setting for your traditional yukata experience.

Take off in Japan’s traditional summer garment

Enjoy firework festivals, discover hidden places, take a ride in a

Only 30 seconds away from Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya

rickshaw or taste the many

Station, start your yukata experience at Yukata Hanabi!

goodies sold at food stalls

Providing you with the best service, professional makeup

in the area. Rutile offers a

and hair artists will take care of your fresh summer look.

special discount of ¥500 in

You can rent the yukata of your choice for a total of three

addition to their reasonable

days, which will relieve you of having to worry about the

prices for those who upload

shop’s closing hours. It is also possible to purchase your

a photo to their private

favorite yukata for a reasonable price. Fully dressed, take

SNS accounts and mention

to the streets of Shibuya and make your way to the many

the store during their

firework and summer festivals around town! When you

experience.

like Yukata Hanabi’s Facebook page, you will be rewarded

Hours: 10am - 7pm Address: A One Building 5F, 1-33-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku Access: 3-min walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) URL: http://rutile.shop/index.html

with a ¥500 discount on your total fee.

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Hours: 10am - 6pm (Sat & Sun) Opened when firework festival falls on a weekday Address: Yushin Building 1F, 3-27-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Access: 30-second walk from Shibuya Station – New South Exit URL: www.yukatahanabi.com

Blessed with picturesque autumn foliage and abundant nature,

Enjoy Tohoku’s autumn season

with all five senses

Tohoku’s autumn is short and as autumn foliage comes to an end, the snow season follows immediately. During this short period of time, the drastic change of nature is stunningly beautiful. Golden rice ears hang their heads on the paddy ďŹ elds and

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mountains are coloured in vibrant reds and yellows. Grounds resemble carpets of yellow maple leaves and silvery shimmering salmon swim up the river to lay their eggs. Make your way to Tohoku during its most bountiful time, the harvest season!

Apple Kingdom Mount Iwaki, also known as “Tsugaru Fuji”, is found in Aomori, Honshu’s northernmost prefecture. Autumn is the best season to enjoy a variety of colours at Oirase Mountain Stream and Lake Towada, as well as the lush red apples growing in abundance at the foot of the mountain. Japanese apples are famous for being quite large and are exceptionally tasty and crunchy. The cultivation of apples in Aomori began at the start of the Meiji Restoration by unemployed samurai. In 1875, the region, which had not been used for apple cultivation before, received three apple saplings from the West. Samurai who had lost their social status exchanged their katana (single-edged swords) with pairs of shears and refined the technique of sentei (pruning). Hence, Aomori became Japan's best area for producing apples. The fruits survive harsh climate conditions such as heavy snow and drastic temperature differences between day and night offer a unique harmony between sweet and sour, giving them an especially rich flavour.

Hirosaki, the pioneer city for apple production, features about 50 shops which

An apple orchard in front of Mount Iwaki

View of Hakkoda Mountain Range from Towada’s water-lily pond

produce apple pies. “Apple Pie Maps” that show all the shops selling the delicacy are growing in popularity. On the map, you can also find your way to a special baking event to watch a giant apple pie with a threemetre diameter being made. Along with the production of apple juice and cider, this fruit plays an essential part in Aomori’s culture.

Hirosaki’s apple pies

After enjoying the picturesque scenes of autumn colours at Oirase Mountain Stream, Lake Towada and from the Hakkoda Ropeway, set off to Hirosaki and get a taste of Aomori’s local speciality!

Oirase Mountain Stream’s Choshi-Otaki Waterfall

Best Autumn Fruits to Enjoy Sample some of Tohoku’s best autumn fruits by taking a train that travels through a forest of autumn colours! Get off at Furukawa Station on the Tōhoku Shinkansen and transfer to the Rikū-East Line. This runs through Naruko, a hot spring village with more than 1,000 years of history. Naruko has a cluster of five hot springs—Naruko, East Naruko, Nakayamadaira, Kawatabi and Onikobe— and is home to Naruko Gorge, the Tohoku region’s most scenic of gorges. From NarukoOnsen Station, the train travels along the Araogawa River before climbing up a gentle slope toward Naruko Gorge, where colourful foliage decorates rocky cliffs in autumn. This is undoubtedly one of the best scenic train trips in Japan! (Foliage viewing season is from late October to early November) View of Naruko Gorge

Make your own parfait at Takahashi Fruit Land (Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture)

In Yamagata, you can enjoy pear picking (from mid-Sept until end of Oct)

Shinjō is the last station on the Rikū-East Line. After foliage viewing, why not take the shinkansen to Yamagata Prefecture for a feast of seasonal fruits? Known as “the Fruits Kingdom,” Yamagata is the number one producer of cherries and pears in Japan. Apples, grapes and many other juicy fruits are also grown here. Tourists can visit orchards and pick grapes (early September to late October) and pears (October) and even try their hand at making dried persimmons.

Tourist orchards can be found in Yamagata’s Kaminoyama and Tendo cities.

Murakami Get off at Kaminoyama-Onsen Station (JR Yamagata Shinkansen)

Workshop for dried persimmons (Takahashi Fruit Land)

MUST VISIT SPOT

Risshaku-ji The temple, also called Yama-dera, consists of 30 big and small halls. A moss-covered stone staircase starts from the foot of the mountain and goes all the way up to the majestic halls and temples on rough, stony cliffs. The heavenly landscape, coupled with red leaves, looks just like a painting on a Japanese wooden screen.

Autumn foliage at Yama-dera Temple 20-minute ride from Yamagata Station (JR Yamagata Shinkansen) to Yamadera Station (JR Senzan Line)

Ocean Flavours

Autumn is full of fun activities in Tohoku!

View of the Sea of Japan during autumn from Oga Peninsula

During autumn, locals are busy preserving food for the long, harsh winter ahead and visitors are welcome to have a taste during this culinary tradition. Tsuruoka City’s Yura, the biggest fishing port in Yamagata Prefecture, has developed many ways to preserve its great salmon catches. One of these methods is covering the fish in distillers’ grains and miso paste. Besides eating it raw and with sushi, you can also grill it with salt, marinate it in soy sauce or boil it in sweet Japanese sauce.

Various salmon dishes (grilled with salt, pickled in sake lees or smoked)

Fish market in Sakata

Japanese sandfish is also a common winter treat. The fish, also referred to as “God fish” on the Oga Peninsula, swims to Akita Prefecture for spawning in December. Salt-preserved Japanese sandfish is an important source of protein during winter. People in Akita grill it with salt, cook it in a hot pot and eat it with seaweed paper. This is a definite must-try when you visit Tohoku!

An experienced cook busy salting (Murakami, Niigata Prefecture)

Sailfin sandfish dish

Niigata’s Murakami City has enjoyed fame for its salmon cuisine since the Edo period (16031867). It is customary to hang salt-preserved salmon from the eaves of houses in early December. Gusts of cold winter wind dry off the moisture in the salted salmon, giving it a rich, sophisticated texture. The sight of thousands of salmon hanging from traditional Japanese houses in winter is as fascinating as it can get!

Salmon hanging from the eaves to expose them to the cold sea breeze (Murakami, Niigata Prefecture)

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Murakami One-hour ride from Niigata Station ( JR Jōetsu Shinkansen) to Murakami Station ( JR Uetsu Line)

When going to a Japanese supermarket, you may be surprised by the many different types of rice on sale. “Japonica rice” is wellknown for its stickiness and sweetness. The Tohoku region has long been a popular riceproducing area and is famous for its delicious, high-quality varieties.

Production of this unique rice is possible due to weather conditions. During winter, Tohoku’s prefectures are covered by tremendous snowfalls, and the ones along the coast (Niigata, Akita and Yamagata) are exposed to the harsh climatic conditions of the sea. When spring approaches, snowmelt water flows into the big rivers and irrigates the large, open paddy fields. Due to the foehn

phenomenon, in which dry wind blows down the mountains, the mid-day temperature is very high, but cools down substantially in the evening. The combination of these factors makes Tohoku ideal for rice production. Since a long time ago, the Shonai Plain in Sakata has been a primary storage area for rice. The Sankyo Soko warehouse built there in 1893 is still in use today.

As harvest season draws near in October, golden rice ears rustle in the wind and Japan’s most representative scenery spreads throughout the region. To round up your autumn trip to Tohoku, catch a glimpse of the charming views from the local train or shinkansen.

Rice ears of the Shonai Plain

Golden Rice Ears Japonica rice

North Tohoku’s unique scenery of rice plants

Polished “new rice”

For many Japanese, the region offers another special activity to look forward to — the tasting of “new rice”. In rice-producing areas, you can find diverse cuisine using these rounded grains of white gold. Akita is famous for kiritanpo, a dish in which freshly cooked rice is smashed, pressed around a skewer made of Akita cedar and grilled. It is a traditional meal served with a hotpot, which includes chicken and vegetables. Kiritanpo is sold throughout the year in local restaurants and souvenir shops but is especially enjoyable to eat during harvest season.

“Sankyo Soko” warehouse (Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture) is a two-hour ride from Niigata Station (JR Jōetsu Shinkansen) to Sakata Station (JR Uetsu Line). From there it is a short five-minute ride by car.

Niigata’s golden shimmering fields

Kiritanpo hotpot by the fireside

Rice Paddy Art The villagers of Aomori’s Inakadate village turn rice paddies into canvas and paint rice shoots into different colours every year. In 2017, they used seven colours and 13 strains of rice as well as various art and measuring techniques to create an impeccable, highly detailed design. Although other cities try to imitate their effort, Inakadate’s rice paddy art remains the best in quality and the finest in design.

Rice Paddy Art Exhibition 20-minute ride from Hirosaki Station (Konan Tetsudo Railway) to Tamboāto Station WAttention Malaysia |

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TOURWORLD Travel (M) Sdn.Bhd. E-mail : enquiry@gtt.com.my

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Vol.2

Say

Konnichiwa to

hile the kanji which makes up Kumamoto (熊 本) literally translates to Bear Base, the only bear you’re likely to encounter is their mascot Kumamon. Aside from the cute character, there’s plenty to discover in the area, including local gourmet treats.

Located on the island of Kyushu in southwest Japan, Kumamoto Prefecture is home to the largest active volcano in Japan,

Kumamoto

Mount Aso, and is mainly an agricultural region. The area boasts the greatest output of tomatoes and watermelons in Japan, and claims second place for eggplants.

The region’s capital goes by the same name and is renowned for its beautiful castle. Sadly, much of the city suffered damage after a strong earthquake in April 2016. The castle is currently under reconstruction but still looks stunning when lit up at night.

Tasty local cuisine to feed your cravings...

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great way to get to know Kumamoto is eating what the locals eat. Aside from the unique delicacy of basashi (馬 刺し, horse sashimi), a popular dish originating from the region is karashi renkon (辛子蓮根). It is made by stuffing lotus root with a mustard-miso paste and deep-frying it in a batter of wheat, broad bean flour, eggs and sometimes turmeric.

Legend has it that the flavorful dish was created for the sickly lord Tadatoshi Hosokawa, who ruled Kumamoto in the early 17th century; he initially refused to eat

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or the adventurous, there is even a store which offers hands-on experiences. The eye-catching dish is surprisingly simple to make, although third-generation owner Masaru Murakami kindly prepares the paste and batter in advance. He has also taken karashi renkon production to a new level by designing an automatic fryer. Launch your lotus root into the moat of oil and it’ll be gently guided along until it pops out six minutes later.

No food adventure would be truly complete without ending on a sweet note.

Found in specialty stores across Kumamoto

lotus root as a form of medicine but was eventually won over by the taste and texture of karashi renkon. According to another tale, the shape of the sliced lotus root with its nine holes resembled the family crest of the Hosokawa clan and commoners were forbidden from eating it until the collapse of the feudal system in 1869.

Crunchy and fiery, karashi renkon is now traditionally eaten as an otsumami (おつまみ), a small dish consumed with alcohol. But be warned – take small bites unless you enjoy a sharp shock to your nose from the mustard.

are ikinari dango. Literally “all-of-a-sudden dumplings”, they are a quick-to-make snack served to any unexpected guests at home.

Red bean paste and sweet potato are wrapped in batter and steamed to get chewy yet soft, sweet morsels.

It’s highly recommended that you pay Kumamoto an “ikinari” or “all-of-a-sudden” visit too. Although you may wish to do a little planning beforehand, as it will take some time – or several stomachs – to explore all of Kumamoto’s diverse and unique cuisine.

Text/Photos: Phoebe Amoroso

Check out the full article on the Japanese Food website.

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www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/food