English translation:

There is a river… There is a road…

Always

  * This is our Nenga jo for this year… You can read more about the Nenga Jo at the link below: Nenga Jo 

We already had everything listed.

My Y always wanted to buy Lobsters, but they are very hard to find in Japanese supermarkets.

We were both surprised to see these [...]]]> On the morning of December 24th,  just like everyone else,  we went shopping to prepare our Christmas dinner.

We already had everything listed.

My Y always wanted to buy Lobsters, but they are very hard to find in Japanese supermarkets.

We were both surprised to see these lobsters.

Still fresh and moving all the way from Canada

So, we happily bought two lobsters and brought them home.

I put them in our bathtub so they could move around.

Meet my pets for a day - Lob and Ster

We went to our Christmas mass, and after returning home.  We started cooking.   When we boiled the water for the Lob and Ster.  I started to think,  what a pity for them to be cooked in the hot pot.   I took my pets for a day – and handed them to Y.   I left the kitchen cause I did not want to see them in the hot water.  Y put them in, and after I walked back to the kitchen – they were already boiling in the water, and all red.  I cried a tear for Lob and Ster.

Thinking back,  everything we eat – Fish, Crabs, Shrimps, Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Chicken have the same fate as Lob and Ster.   Then, I felt much better.

 My “pets for a day” were so delicious !!!   Thank you Lob and Ster !

Merry Christmas !

This year, we decided to buy a plain cake and decorate it.

So we bought the fresh strawberries and whip cream.

It was so much fun making this together with my Y.  He decided to beat the whip cream with the hand beater and refused to use the [...]]]>

Decorated the cake by ourselves.

This year, we decided to buy a plain cake and decorate it.

So we bought the fresh strawberries and whip cream.

It was so much fun making this together with my Y.  He decided to beat the whip cream with the hand beater and refused to use the electric mixer.  The texture of the whipped cream turned out so much better.   Then, I cut the cake and put the strawberries in the mid-section.  Then, we covered the whole cake with the snow-like cream and topped it with these sweet Japanese strawberries.

But since we really are not professional bakers –  our decoration is very amateur but one thing is for sure –  we really had so much fun decorating it together this Christmas day.   Much more –  it was delicious and had so much strawberries in and out

Wish I could share this with my family in the Philippines, specially my mom, who loves strawberries very much.

Christmas Cake 2010 

More about the Christmas Cake tradition in Japan

I do not remember if ever we were told to clean our school.

As a teacher here in Japan, one of the delightful surprises was seeing the Japanese children clean their school.

Each child has his own rag, [...]]]> Back home when I was a child, I went to school but I never cleaned my school.

I do not remember if ever we were told to clean our school.

As a teacher here in Japan, one of the delightful surprises was seeing the Japanese children clean their school.

Each child has his own rag, and mini broom and dust pan.

Most Japanese Elementary schools and Junior High Schools have a time to clean.

The schedule is usually, after lunch, they have 30 minutes to play outside.

Then at about 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 , that is cleaning time.

When the “cleaning music” starts to play –  they children and teachers put on their caps, get their cleaning gears and go to their groups.

It is so nice to see these children get their rags, brooms and dust pans – go out the corridors – and start cleaning.

I will let the photos explain for themselves –  it is such a heart-warming feeling – to see all of them do things together for their school.

Soji no jikan –  is cleaning time.

Grade 1 Girl on her knees - most kids wipe the floors this way.

More Grade One students in action

Some Grade 6 girls

Grade 3 boys in their assigned area

My Grade 5 students

My Grade 6 boys and girls scrubbing the floors

Every child has a cleaning group per week.  They also have a leader – they start cleaning upon instructions of the teacher and/or the leader.   Each child is assigned to a place, sometimes inside their classroom, sometimes, outside the classrooms or even around the school grounds – including the auditorium, the playground, and more.

The students and teachers clean everyday.

After 15 minutes, the chime rings – and this  time ,  the members of the group fall in a straight line, then the leader will ask them their feedback or observations for that day.  For example –  One would say ” cleaning was fun, but today some kids were talking”  or ” Someone did not do his best today, someone played around…”    Then the leader would say ” Next time, let us do much better.”   Then they all bow, and say – “thank you” to each other for their work.

Then they walk back to their classrooms.  Each classroom has a big sink with usually 3 or more faucets.  There they wash their rags, and hang them in the assigned area, usually under their seats – or at the rope in the corridor.

I love to watch the children clean and communicate after cleaning.

Recently,  I also have started doing my share like wiping the tables, but I enjoy using the long broom to wipe away the cobwebs on the ceilings and corners of the walls.    

I hope many countries will also have cleaning time because I believe that this definitely build the child’s character in a positive way.

As a teacher in school, we have first hand experience of this during the regular drills they have in school.

When the alarm goes off, it would say –  ”Fire”   or “Earthquake”….

Everyone would stop what they are doing.

Fire?  Earthquake?   And depending [...]]]> The discipline of the Japanese starts at an early age.

As a teacher in school, we have first hand experience of this during the regular drills they have in school.

When the alarm goes off, it would say –  ”Fire”   or “Earthquake”….

Everyone would stop what they are doing.

Fire?  Earthquake?   And depending on the intensity of the earthquake,  the action taken varies.

During an earthquake, the children would automatically go under their desks and stay as silent as possible.

When it is a stronger earthquake or a fire –  everyone puts on his or her cap, everyone goes out of the school and proceed to the open space outside the school, which is usually the playground.   They put on their protective cushion if needed.

Am still amazed with how these children respond, and how they listen to their superiors.

One of the Principals told me –  they remember – ”Okashimo”

O for Osanai , Ka for Kakenai, Sh for Shaberenai , Mo – for Modoranai

In English- that would be -

No Pushing, No Running, No talking, and No going back

Each school has it’s own way of letting the kids remember…. in one of the school’s I go to -it’s –  Okashimo !

Here are some photos of the drill we had last Sept. 9th.

September 9 or 9.9  in Japanese- reads and sounds as  ”Kyu-Kyu” , the word for Emergency.

However, there are other surprise drills during the school year.

They put on their protective cushion over their heads and walk outside

Everyone gathered around the Open Space in front of our school, teachers stand behind

Here, the teacher in charge of the drill speaks to the children.

These drills are so effective.

It is always best to be prepared, but I do pray that we would never have to experience another earthquake anymore.

Praying for the safety of all the children and everyone in school all year round.

In school, teachers and children have lockers or boxes for shoes at the main entrance.

We put our shoes in and change to our “uwabaki” or “indoor- shoes.”

In that way, we are wearing “clean-shoes” in school.

I remember that we could not eat it, because it had a strong smell, and also because it was so “slimmy”.

Natto [...]]]> When I came to Japan the first time, our “counterparts” at the exchange student program, blind-folded us and fed us this  food that had a strong smell and taste I can never forget.

I remember that we could not eat it, because it had a strong smell, and also because it was so “slimmy”.

Natto is a very popular food in Japan.  Many people usually have this for breakfast.

It is also sometimes served in schools for lunch.  It is also very reasonably priced, everyone can buy it.  

Natto is fermented soybeans.

We call it the Super Food – because it is the purest, richest source of protein and probiotics.

Natto and the soybean miso paste have been the source of nutrition for lots of Japanese for hundreds of years.

One pack of Natto

3 packs are wrapped together most of the time

One pack (first photo- above) has about 40-50 gms. of Natto, and this is usually good for one bowl of rice.

The natto is taken out from the package, and is mixed with the karashi (mustard) and soy sauce that comes with each package.

In a bowl, we mix the natto, the mustard, and the soy sauce until it becomes “gooey” and  ”sticky.”

We can put onion leeks, or any condiment that will add flavoring.

Recently, there are several types of flavors that come with Natto.

Natto ready for a cup of rice, the more you mix it, the more fiber forms and the stickier it becomes, thus more health benefits .

Am learning to acquire the taste and to love Natto - but my face here says - I have to eat this !

If you search the net, you will know why I have to eat this “slimmy-gooey- smelly” super food.

Studies have shown that Natto is good for the heart, and for lowering blood pressure.   It is health enhancing, and these claims are proven by many medical researchers.

I won’t dwell on the medicinal values because I will let you read and do the research…

Nattokinase links are here as follows:

Medical benefits on Wiki-pedia

Nattokinase.com

Smart Publications

Springboard

And for me, I will continue “my challenge” to eat Natto – for my health.   Wish me luck and good health !  Arigato !

Natto sold at the Supermarket

New flavors of Natto on the shelves

Don’t forget to post a comment – so I will know who is gonna be the next healthy person…  

Many of us know Mont Blanc as the “White Mountain” that lies near Italy and France.  It is the highest mountain in the Alps,

in Western Europe.

Y has not seen this highest mountain, therefore, he can’t be in love with it .  

Being a sweet tooth like [...]]]> My husband, Y, loves Mont Blanc.

Many of us know Mont Blanc as the “White Mountain” that lies near Italy and France.  It is the highest mountain in the Alps,

in Western Europe.

Y has not seen this highest mountain, therefore, he can’t be in love with it .  

Being a sweet tooth like me, this is what he loves…

Mont Blanc

This  is  a French dessert of puréed, sweetened chestnuts usually topped with whipped cream – and on top of this whipped cream is a chestnut.   Resembling  a snow-capped mountain, the dessert got its name – you can see the photo at this link from Wiki-pedia after your read my blog, okay?     ( Traditional photo of the  Mont Blanc.  — Special thanks to Suguri F for the photo.)

This dessert is popular in France, Italy, China,  and Japan.

Here in Japan, chestnut substitutes are usually, purple yam, squash, and pumpkin – depending on the availability and the season.

Recently, lots of Mont Blancs do not have the white cap of whipped cream nor the “one-point- chestnut.”

Recently, they look like this...

But, regardless of  how they look, a Mont Blanc always looks so delicious and is always a welcome treat for both young and “not so young”.  

Would love to hear your comments –  please do not forget to post them, okay?  Take care my friends…

This is an article taken from Friday, a weekly magazine that offers a broad range of features, primarily based on lifestyle and social issues, relevant to United Arab Emirates  (UAE) , expatriates and nationals.

My friend,  Tia Kansara, is featured here.

Kushiage.

Shrimps and Beef ball with cheese

What is Kushiage?

“Kushi” is the Japanese word for skewers.

“Age”  means “to fry.”

White fish and the other one is a Japanese Lotus root

Kushiage can be made with chicken, beef,  pork,  seafood, [...]]]> Let me introduce to you another food we love in Japan.

Kushiage.

Shrimps and Beef ball with cheese

What is Kushiage?

“Kushi” is the Japanese word for skewers.

“Age”  means “to fry.”

White fish and the other one is a Japanese Lotus root

Kushiage can be made with chicken, beef,  pork,  seafood,  and the vegetables in season.

Scallop and Eggplant

The ingredients are skewered on the bamboo “kushi”.  

Just before frying,  they are dipped in egg,  flour,  and very fine bread crumbs called “panko”.

Last night, we went to a Kushiage Specialty restaurant.

Enjoying the creativity and food design

After we were  seated,  we ordered the “Omakase-course”.   “Makase” literally means- “it is up to you”.   So, when you order that course, the Kushiage master decides what to serve you.

Kushiage is deep fried.

At the place we went to, the Kushiage were served in pairs.

The Kushiage combination depended a lot on the creativeness, and imagination of the  master.  When he sees that you are almost done, he starts to fry the other pair, then his assistant will bring the pairs to your plate. (usually with a net like the ones in the photos)

Escargot shell , this other one - tomato and cheese

Chilled Veggie sticks appetizers, partly seen is the individual sauce plate with a choice of sauces.

We really enjoyed our Kushiage Omakase course.

Pork and Onion Leeks and Okra with Cheese

Asparagus with cheese and Oh, I can't remember this

You can order rice and miso soup, too.

Very Japanese - Tofu presentation (with wasabi)

The master  only stops frying when the guests say “Stop!”.

Lastly, the Japanese dessert was a most welcome “closing”.

I had Anmitsu

More notes:

Kushiage is popular in Osaka.  They have many Kushiage restaurants, sometimes you stand up while eating, sometimes, you  sit down.

Most places, the kushiage are fried and the customers dip them in a common sauce pot  on each table.

Look for a Kushiage place soon.

You can enjoy it –  Standing?  Or seated at the Specialty place?

Wherever it may be, am sure that you will be satisfied with this deep fried hot kushiage.

“Oishikatta !”

Link to Anmitsu.

A Futon is basically a flat mattress stuffed with cotton, wool , synthetic fiber or a combination of  these.

It is the Japanese “bed” .  It  is usually spread out on the tatami mat or floor.

In the past, people bought a Futon-set at a “Futon-ya”, or Futon store.   [...]]]> Most Japanese sleep on Futons.

A Futon is basically a flat mattress stuffed with cotton, wool , synthetic fiber or a combination of  these.

It is the Japanese “bed” .  It  is usually spread out on the tatami mat or floor.

In the past, people bought a Futon-set at a “Futon-ya”, or Futon store.   But nowadays, they are sold at department stores , and even at home-centers.

A set would compose of a Futon mattress or the “Shikibuton”  - (“Shiki” taken from the verb “to lay down or spread.”  ”Buton” from the word Futon because it is linked.)     There is also the “Kakebuton” or the Comforter.   (“Kake” is part of the verb that means “to cover”).  Then, to complete the set – we have  the “makura” or pillow.

Here is how we fix our room before sleeping:

As seen in the photo, we have the “Oshiire” to keep the futons during the day time so that we can use the tatami room.

On sunny days, the Futons (specially the Shikibutons) are aired and put out in the sun before storing them. This helps the futon stay dry and protects them from those pesky futon mites.

In this photo,  I am  holding my “futon tataki” , this is what I use to beat the futon to remove the dust.

After they are aired and put out in the sun, the futons are stored in the “Oshiire.”

The futon is part of every housewife’s chore

Making them before bedtime, putting them out in the sun, and keeping them, these we do everyday.

Hope you found this interesting.

Sleeping on the Futon feels great specially if they were out in the sun.

 Thanks for reading.

Hiyashi means, “cool” or “chilled”…  Chuka is taken from the word that means  ”Chinese”.

Literally, this may mean… Cool Chinese Noodles…  :)

This is made with cold ramen noodles, and topped with cucumber, ham, strips of sweet egg, tomatoes [...]]]> Hiyashi Chuka, is a very common summer dish.

Hiyashi means, “cool” or “chilled”…  Chuka is taken from the word that means  ”Chinese”.

Literally, this may mean… Cool Chinese Noodles…  :)

This is made with cold ramen noodles, and topped with cucumber, ham, strips of sweet egg, tomatoes and other delicious ingredients you wish to add.

This one in the photo, is a typical homemade Hiyashi chuka.

Usually many people use the  standard soy sauce based dressing .

There are also some people who  prefer the sesame seed dressing.

I do prefer the original soy sauce based dressing.  Have you tried this?  You should now that it is summer time, okay?

You can watch Francis the dog, make some Hiyashi Chuka at the video below.  Just click on the video.

Click here to view the embedded video.