Category: Blog
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Discover the Hidden Magic of Japanese Soba: Culture, Recipes & Traditions
What is Soba? Soba is a well-known dish in Japan, but because recipes that highlight its unique flavor are not widely available, it hasn’t gained as much popularity overseas as sushi or ramen. Soba is a wonderful noodle that deserves recognition around the world. A Delicious Revolution: Soba Recipe Book by Kirishina I joined the…
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Sweet Journey of An & Amazake
【Encounter】 When An was young, Amazake wasn’t her favorite. As a high school student without a clear direction, she thought maybe culinary school would be a good fit since she loved eating. Around the same time, a local lady invited her over for dinner and served a meal using ingredients from Tatsuno, her hometown in…
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Upcycling of Kimonos
For those interested in traditional Japanese kimonos, the history of these garments is incredibly rich, spanning several centuries. Let’s take a journey through time to explore the evolution of kimonos. History of Kimono During the Nara Period (710 AD – 794 AD), Japanese clothing was influenced by China and the Korean Peninsula. Men wore “hakama”…
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Exploring Artistic Passions in Rural Japan: A Closer Look at the Yurutto Tsunagaru Marche in Komagane City
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Yurutto Tsunagaru Marche in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture – a charming event that embodies the warmth of rural Japan. As an advocate for sharing the genuine hospitality and cultural richness of Japan with international visitors, this experience was truly enlightening. The Marche, held on the second floor…
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The Sweet Delight of Ripened Persimmons
Continuing with our story at Mr. Miyazawa’s house, we discovered a hidden treasure behind the Naito Chili Pepper hut. There, nestled in a warehouse-like stockpile of farm equipment, we found curtains made of straw hanging down. Little did we know, these curtains held a delicious secret. Mr. Miyazawa kindly shared with us that these curtains…
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A Culinary Journey in Komagane City: Exploring Naito Chili Pepper and Traditional Craftsmanship
Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the picturesque Komagane City in Nagano Prefecture. As we explored the vast expanse of fields, rice paddies, and mountains, we couldn’t help but be in awe of the sheer beauty of the landscape. But it wasn’t just the natural scenery that captivated us; it was the…
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The luxury of drinking tea picked in the morning: A Unique Experience in Komagane, Nagano, Japan
Have you ever had the opportunity to drink tea leaves processed directly from the tea-producing region? I recently had the opportunity to visit Komagane City in Nagano Prefecture, where some families grow their own tea trees. I had never seen or tasted fresh tea leaves before, so it was a completely new experience. One day,…
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Delicious Snack Tales – Full of Grandma’s Wisdom – Exploring Oyaki
I’m originally from the eastern region and now residing in the southern part of Nagano District in Japan. We characterize Nagano by towering mountains giving it the nickname, ‘Japan’s Roof’. The province is long from South to North with mountains with peaks above 3,000meters offering a unique culinary traditions. I recently discovered the variations of…
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Nature’s Remedy: Exploring the Health Benefits of Chinese Quince
In Japan, there exists a profound belief that consuming seasonal produce is as valuable as taking medicine. While this traditional perspective has somewhat diminished with the influence of Western medicine, Japan still cherishes its culinary heritage. Today, let’s delve into the traditional Japanese food culture, focusing on the medicinal properties of Chinese quince. Renowned for…
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Exploring the Beauty and Culture of Japan: for all my friends and family out there
Introduction Welcome to my blog, where I will take you on a virtual journey through the captivating beauty, rich culture, and unique traditions of Japan. My name is Yuka, a Japanese female who had the opportunity to live in the United States from age of around 19 to 23 years old. Now back in Nagano,…