Kaizen: The Japanese Method Of Transforming Habits One Small Step At A Time Review: Insightful And Resonant

22nd Feb 202022nd Feb 2020 yamatomagazine1 Comment

Kaizen by Sarah Harvey is an insightful and resonant self-help book.

In recent years, Japanese philosophy has had a profound effect on the West. Practices such as ikigai and yugen have become popular for developing a positive mental health routine. Yet one of the earliest Japanese practices to take off in the West happened to be an amalgamation of both cultures called kaizen.

A Japanese noun for ‘improvement,’ kaizen is all about making continuous change throughout life. In Kaizen: The Japanese Method Of Transforming Habits One Small Step at a Time, Sarah Harvey explores the practice in great detail. But rather than just being a typical self-help book, Harvey goes deeper by examining the history of kaizen and introducing psychological theory as well. Continue reading “Kaizen: The Japanese Method Of Transforming Habits One Small Step At A Time Review: Insightful And Resonant” →

Pop Culture and Japan

What Makes Doctor Light An Empowering Female Superhero?

21st Feb 202021st Feb 2020 yamatomagazine2 Comments

When thinking of real-life superheroes, it could be argued that you’d find them in the scientific and medical fields. Scientists have invented revolutionary products like the telephone and cured diseases such as smallpox. The ingenuity of science has been reflected in comics through the creation of characters who are experts in their fields of study. One of the most underrated science-based superheroes is Doctor Light. An astronomer and expert in light technology, Kimiyo Hoshi is a character who deserves more recognition. Continue reading “What Makes Doctor Light An Empowering Female Superhero?” →

Shochu Reviews

Ichiban Fuda Tokusen Shochu Review: An Auspicious Drinking Experience

18th Feb 202027th Feb 2020 yamatomagazine2 Comments

Ichiban Fuda shochu has distinct whisky-like qualities.

Shochu is arguably Japan’s best kept secret in the realm of alcohol. Using a plethora of interesting base ingredients, shochu has some of the most robust and memorable flavours to be found anywhere. And Ichiban Fuda Tokusen shochu features all the qualities that make Japan’s national spirit so damn drinkable. Continue reading “Ichiban Fuda Tokusen Shochu Review: An Auspicious Drinking Experience” →

Sake Reviews

Dassai 23 Review: A Glorious Junmai Daiginjo With A 23% Sex Appeal

7th Feb 20207th Feb 2020 yamatomagazine15 Comments

Dassai 23 is an elegant and ultra-premium junmai daiginjo sake.

There are certain sake breweries that acquire a reputation for having some of the best tasting nihonshu in the world. The Asahi brewery (not to be confused with the beer brand!) based in Yamaguchi, is known for making ultra-premium junmai daiginjo under the Dassai brand. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Dassai and finally got the chance to try their cream of the crop sake – Dassai 23. Continue reading “Dassai 23 Review: A Glorious Junmai Daiginjo With A 23% Sex Appeal” →

Poetry

Haiku 18

7th Feb 2020 yamatomagazine2 Comments

You were part of me
Cherished childhood memories
I mourn you deeply

Book Reviews · Japanese Cuisine

The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook Review: An Excellent Book To Have In Your Kitchen

2nd Feb 20202nd Feb 2020 yamatomagazine1 Comment

The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook has loads of amazing recipes for people who want to cook Japanese food at home.

Japanese cooking features some of the most enjoyable ingredients on the planet and an izakaya is one of the best places to enjoy traditional Japanese fare. Famous for a small-plate style of serving, izakayas are a wonderful place to share a meal with friends and family.

The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook, written by Wataru Yokota, takes the reader on a journey through 120 classic izakaya dishes that can be cooked from home. Continue reading “The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook Review: An Excellent Book To Have In Your Kitchen” →

Japanese Cuisine

Hitachino Nest White Pale Ale Review: A Grand Introductory Japanese Craft Beer

1st Feb 20201st Feb 2020 yamatomagazine5 Comments

Hitachino White Ale is one of the brand's most popular beers.

Japanese craft beer ranks among some of the best tipple that I’ve tasted and a brand I keep returning to is Hitachino Nest. Brewed by the venerable Kiuchi Brewery, the Hitachino Nest range features an eclectic mixture of flavours that make every drinking experience unique.

The Hitachino white ale is a solid beer that can be sipped with or without a meal. Continue reading “Hitachino Nest White Pale Ale Review: A Grand Introductory Japanese Craft Beer” →

Book Reviews

Geishas And The Floating World Review: A Fascinating Read That Separates Myth From Reality

1st Feb 2020 yamatomagazine4 Comments

Geisha And The Floating World review.

The geisha is one of the most famous images of Japanese culture. Elegant, mysterious and graceful, geisha have connotations with a romantic side of Japan that’s been perpetuated by myths and legends. The truth is a lot more complicated.

Stephen and Ethel Longstreet’s Geishas and The Floating World delves into the myths surrounding geisha and separate fact from fiction. The book charts the rise and fall of the infamous Yoshiwara districts that became a part of The Floating World and women’s roles within it. Continue reading “Geishas And The Floating World Review: A Fascinating Read That Separates Myth From Reality” →

Poetry