In shadow of spring
The dove spreads her compassion
peace after lockdown
Haiku 23
How To Start A Sake Brewery Outside Of Japan (Sake On Air Review)
In Japan, sakagura (sake breweries) carry a rich history of tradition that’s lasted for hundreds of years. It’s little wonder that tradition has inspired people outside of the country to embark on their own sake journeys and set up their own breweries.
There’s definitely a lot of romanticism to the idea. But what’s the reality of trying to set up your own brewery like? The Sake On Air podcast has the answers. Co-hosts Justin Potts, Marie Nagata, Chris Hughes and Sebastien Lemoine sat down to talk to the founders of two sake breweries to get their thoughts. Continue reading “How To Start A Sake Brewery Outside Of Japan (Sake On Air Review)”
Dassai 45 Sake Review: Nihonshu With The Best Qualities Of White Wine
Dassai sake, produced by the Asahi Brewery of Yamaguchi Prefecture, has earned a reputation for being one of the best types of nihonshu on the market. Falling into the premium junmai daiginjo grade, the Dassai range is characterised by a high rice polishing rate that unlocks fruity and floral flavours.
After tasting the sexy Dassai 23, I fell down the rabbit hole of wanting to discover the entire Dassai range and have got around to sampling Dassai 45. Continue reading “Dassai 45 Sake Review: Nihonshu With The Best Qualities Of White Wine”
Punching Depression In The Face: An Exploration Of Mental Health In One-Punch Man
In recent years, mental health has become an important debate that people are discussing all over the globe. Men and women are opening up about their experiences with conditions like anxiety, but despite this progress, there is still an ingrained stigma attached to mental health, with many choosing to suffer in silence.
Creative mediums such as TV and comics can drive the discussion about mental health and help to break down the stigma of talking about it in public. By seeing fictional characters go through relatable struggles, fans might feel inspired to share their experiences with others and make positive steps towards managing a disorder.
A franchise that does an excellent job of portraying mental health in pop culture is One-Punch Man. With a mixture of comic and celebrity culture themes, One-Punch Man follows the story of Saitama, the most powerful superhero in the world who is on a mission to find an opponent worth fighting.
But for all of Saitama’s strength, he has constantly battled with depression and it’s proven to be the only opponent he cannot defeat with one punch. Mental health is one of the most important themes of One Punch Man, so let’s explore it in greater depth. Continue reading “Punching Depression In The Face: An Exploration Of Mental Health In One-Punch Man”
Altered Carbon: Resleeved Review: Glorious Violence And Top-Notch Animation
Altered Carbon is one of the most original sci-fi series of recent memory. The idea that immortality has become a plaything through digital consciousness and swapping bodies/sleeves makes for a dark and fascinating tale. From books to a Netflix show, the series continues to expand into other mediums and the latest is an anime spin-off called Resleeved.
Set as a prequel to the Netflix series, Resleeved continues the exploits of the Last Envoy Takeshi Kovac and his search for meaning in a universe of corruption, crime and death. Continue reading “Altered Carbon: Resleeved Review: Glorious Violence And Top-Notch Animation”
Guest Post: Fighting Viruses And Ignorance
Kung flu, Chinese coronavirus, Chinese virus, and Wuhan virus. Those are just some of the derogatory nicknames people have applied to the COVID-19 virus. Even worse, this derision and bullying goes far beyond names for the virus.
People have physically and verbally attacked Asian people. The perpetrators thought that their victims had COVID-19, helped it spread, or came from places they associated with it. People have also insulted Asian countries. Such attacks during times of international crisis are not new, but there are ways to combat them. Continue reading “Guest Post: Fighting Viruses And Ignorance”
The Tokyo Travel Sketchbook Review: Capturing The Contradictory Nature Of Japan
From writers to artists, Japan has a history of inspiring creatives to bring a new dimension to their work. When Spanish artist Amaia Arrazola took up an art residency in Tokyo, she was inspired to create an entire art portfolio after spending a month in Japan’s capital. The Tokyo Travel Sketchbook: Kawaii Culture, Wabi Sabi Design, Female Samurais and Other Obsessions is the fruit of Arrazola’s labour. Continue reading “The Tokyo Travel Sketchbook Review: Capturing The Contradictory Nature Of Japan”
Dassai 39 Review: Elegance In A Glass
For sake connoisseurs, junmai daiginjo is considered the Holy Grail of nihonshu because of the high milling rice rate and floral flavours. So, when you try a bottle of Dassai produced by the Asahi brewery of Yamaguchi Prefecture, you know you’re in for a delightful drinking experience.
The Dassai brand specialises in junmai daiginjo sake that goes all the way to a sexy 23% polishing rate, making it one of the most popular sake brands in the world. And after cracking open a bottle of Dassai 39, my appreciation for the brand has intensified. Continue reading “Dassai 39 Review: Elegance In A Glass”
Appreciating The Beauty And Craftsmanship Of Jizai Okimono
Japan is known for having some of the most unique art in the world. Building on centuries of feudal culture, Japanese art has its own style. A famous example of Japanese art is jizai okimono, which translates to ‘move freely decorative object.’ Jizai okimono involves the crafting of articulated sculptures. Beginning in 17th century Japan, the art form is highly specialised and fascinating.
But what are the origins of this beautiful artform and how has it evolved in modern times? Continue reading “Appreciating The Beauty And Craftsmanship Of Jizai Okimono”
Haiku 22
Spring on the palate
nihonshu midori-ka
tastes of forever
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