jstyle

BASIC JAPANESE EXPRESSIONS

Breakfast in Japan is called Asa-gohan, literally "morning rice", so it is no surprise that a traditional Japanese breakfast centres around steamed rice (gohan). It is always accompanied by miso soup (miso-shiru) and is served with seasonal side dishes. The Japanese display a great respect for their meals, which are low in animal fats and provide a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. This type of traditional breakfast is still popular and served in many hotels and ryokan throughout Japan. (J)

1 Nama-tamago = raw egg
生卵（なまたまご）
"Nama" means "raw", "tamago" means "egg". The way to eat this dish is to crack the raw egg into a bowl, add a hint of soy sauce and pour the mixture over a bowl of hot rice.

2 Yaki-nori = grilled seaweed.
焼き海苔（やきのり）
"Yaki" means "grilled" (as in yaki-tori, grilled chicken) and "nori" means "seaweed". Grilled, dried seaweed is commonly eaten with rice at breakfast with a hint of soy sauce.

3 O-hitashi = vegetables soaked in soup
お浸し（おひたし）
"O-hitashi" is derived from the verb "hitasu", which means "to soak". The boiled vegetables in this dish are served cold and soaked in a flavoured soup. The most popular vegetable is spinach with sesame seeds or dried bonito flakes on top.

4 Yaki-zakana = grilled fish
焼き魚（やきざかな）
As above, "yaki" is "grilled" and "zakana" is a derivation of "sakana" (fish). Salted salmon (shio-zake) and dried yellow tail (aji-no-himono) are the most popular fish varieties served.

5 Tsukemono = pickles
漬け物（つけもの）
"Tsuke" means "pickled" and "mono" means "thing". The "things" that are pickled are usually vegetables such as radish (daikon), eggplant (nasu), cucumber (kyuuri) and Japanese turnip (kabu).

6 Shoyu = soy sauce
醤油（しょうゆ）
"Shoyu" is the Japanese pronunciation of the kanji for the Chinese word "jiangyou", which means "liquid extracted from the soybean". Soy sauce complements the flavour of most traditional dishes.

7 Go-han = steamed rice
御飯（ごはん）
"Han" means "cooked rice". The prefix "go" is way of indicating respect in Japanese. Rice has traditionally held an exalted place in Japan because of its role as a staple food and the effort that goes into producing it.

8 Miso-shiru = miso soup
味噌汁（みそしる）
"Miso" is a soybean paste, "shiru" means soup. Miso-shiru is made with tofu, wakame seaweed, deep-fried tofu and other vegetables.

9 Hashi-oki = chopstick rest
箸置き（はしおき）
"Oki" is derived from the verb "oku", meaning, "to put". So "hashi-oki" means "a place to put chopsticks". Whenever you are not eating, place your chopsticks on the designated rest.

10 O-hashi = chopsticks
お箸（おはし）
"Hashi" is the word for "chopsticks" and a prefix is used to show respect, this time "o". Chopsticks are respected as an implement of nourishment and, in Japanese homes, each family member has his or her own pair. Wooden, disposable chopsticks are called "waribashi".

LIVING JSTYLE GETTING TIPSY IN JAPAN

Indulge in some sake-tasting

Sake (pronounced "sa-keh") is a traditional Japanese drink, commonly described in English as "rice wine". Soft, large-grain varieties of rice are used to brew sake and are grown using more time-intensive methods than those that produce table rice.
The taste of sake is determined by such factors as the origin of the water used in its production. Some varieties are made from water sourced from pristine Arctic icebergs, many others use natural water sources found throughout the mountains and rivers of Japan. In this way, sake is very regional in its production, much like wine. Sake generally has a higher alcohol content than wine (around 13 to 16 per cent), and is often regarded as a spirit.
It is generally marketed in one of four varieties − rich, flavourful, aged, or light and smooth − and because it can be served hot, chilled or at room temperature, there is a sake to suit any occasion.
Sake can also be used in cooking as a preparation or seasoning. Unlike some fine wines, sake might not keep indefinitely, so it is important to note the expiry date. It should be stored in a dry, cool place.
Japanese people have been brewing and enjoying sake for more than 2000 years. Why not indulge yourself in some authentic cultural heritage? And don't forget to say, "Kampai"! (Japanese for "Cheers!") before enjoying this unique and tasty drink.(J)

LIVING JSTYLE TEA

If you said "green tea" to a Japanese person, the first thing they would probably think of would be sencha, that perennially popular drink found all over the nation. Sencha is created when the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed, dried and gently roasted. It is Japan's own version of the green teas produced in other Asian nations.
Generic terms for green tea, such as ryokucha, ocha or even nihoncha (Japanese tea) usually all refer to sencha. Green tea has a high content of health-giving catechins and antioxidants and even has antibacterial properties. Countless scientific studies have highlighted the health benefits of this beverage.
In Australia, sencha is widely available, as is genmai-cha, a tea known for having little bubbles of brown rice and a refreshing taste. Some specialty stores serve kukicha, which is made from tea stalks. A tea made from twigs and stalks may sound odd, but it is very popular with Japanese women for its light taste and fresh aroma.
The world-famous Japanese tea ceremony is performed using matcha powdered tea which, although still from the Camellia sinensis plant, undergoes different processing to become matcha. (J)

Text by raku-cha Web: www.raku.com.au

LIVING JSTYLE SWEETS

Kintarou's unique face appears at any point where the candy is cut
Photos courtesy of Kintarou-ame Honten

A result of Edo-period candy craftsmanship, Kintarou ame ("Golden Boy candy") is a timeless treat that has been enjoyed for many generations. Differing from conventional sweets, Kintarou ame is made by professionally layering different-coloured pieces of candy so that, wherever you slice the sweet, Kintarou's face appears inside.
The candy starts as a 50-kilogram slab that is 70 centimetres long and 35 centimetres in diameter. It is then stretched and hardened to make up to 500 smaller tube-like sticks, each 250 centimetres in length and 2 centimetres in diameter. The slight variations in facial expression according to where the candy is cut also give the candy originality and charm. According to Japanese folkloric tradition, it is said that Kintarou was a child with superhuman strength who was raised in the mountains among animals. It is also customary to decorate the room of a newborn baby boy with Kintarou dolls on Children's Day (May 5) so the child will grow up equally brave and strong. As for the candy, it is most often sold at festivals throughout the country.(J)

Candy "layers" that make up the face are machine-stretched and compressed while still warm

LIVING JSTYLE TRENDS

The world-first H001 features an LCD that supports 3D viewing

Always leaders in innovation as well as functionality, Japanese mobile phones have now reached a new stage of evolution.
Major Japanese electronics manufacturer Hitachi has developed a world-first mobile phone featuring a 3.1 inch "full wide'' VGA LCD screen capable of displaying 3D video. Available from carrier "KDDI au'', Hitachi's H001 enables users to enjoy 3D images by pressing a dedicated button that, with one touch, changes the phone's display to 3D.
Usually when we look at a 3D object, our left and right eyes see from different angles and in different directions, creating the "parallax'' that results in the perception of depth.
The H001 uses new technology to generate different images for each eye, making it possible to see three-dimensional images with the naked eye.
With the H001, you can view photos, play games and watch digital TV broadcasts all in 3D. The 3D functionality works in both portrait and landscape positions, so you can adapt 3D viewing to suit the scene or application.
The device's LCD is designed to avoid changes in colour and contrast when viewed from different angles. The H001's 5-megapixel camera is also cutting edge, with specifications such as an auto focus feature which automatically detects people's faces, that put the mobile on a par with high performance digital cameras.
The mobile can also record up to 90 minutes of video. The H001 is packed with a range of other functions including a PC document-viewer, which enables users to edit files designed for a PC and send the edited files from their mobile as email attachments. (J)

A simulation of the 3D viewing experience

The H001's design exudes class

LIVING JSTYLE FASHION

Photos courtesy of Colors Hat Shop

Despite being practical barriers against both the sweltering summer heat and the bitter winter cold, hats have not traditionally enjoyed the ‘must-have’ status of other accessories like bags and shoes. However, with new and funkier designs hitting the catwalks − and local shops − hats have become popular with young, fashion-savvy men and women all over Japan. A seemingly endless wave of new styles − from caps and casket hats to berets and beanies − is brightening the streets. Perhaps the most sought-after and street-smart varieties to hit the shelves are panama hats and fedoras, available in a variety of materials and colours. They are an inexpensive way to express your unique style every day of the week. Trendy in all seasons, hats are set to become an essential fashion item that can revamp any outfit in an instant! (J)

Hats of any colour, shape and material can be the beginning of wonderful outfits

LIVING JSTYLE HEALTH

The Japanese have long been fans of onsen (hot springs) and the enormous health benefits arising from their therapeutic waters. For the average Australian, however, such bath-time bliss is more often considered a luxury than part of a daily routine, perhaps because onsen are less abundant in the land down under than in the land of the rising sun. Nevertheless, onsen are considered so beneficial that bath additives have now been created that bring their healing powers and mineral compounds into your very own home. Much more than just scented bath salts, these mineral additives consist of a tantalising cocktail of what you would find in some of Japan's most famed hot-spring waters, such as the well-known Hakone onsen. Scientists have visited these locations and, through advanced research, developed a recipe for relaxation that is very close to the real onsen experience. As well as being a popular in-house treat, these indulgent DIY onsen additives can also provide the perfect gift for anyone in need of a satisfying, and well-earned relaxation experience. (J)

Based on analysis tables of bath salts collected from hot springs throughout Japan, Tsumura company developed the "Japan's Meito" series
Photos courtesy of Tsumura Lifescience Co., Ltd.