Sake Reviews

Katsuyama Ken Junmai Ginjo: An All-Rounder Sake Fit For A Samurai Lord

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Katsuyama Ken sake has a rich, dry flavour with woody and sweet undercurrents.

Since discovering the versatility of sake, I’ve been on a mission to broaden my knowledge of nihonshu and try as many different blends as possible. And this crusade has inspired me to collaborate with sake breweries and suppliers. That’s why I’m pleased to announce Yamato Magazine’s first nihonshu collaboration with Ueno Gourmet, a premium sake supplier based in Germany.

In exchange for an honest review, Ueno Gourmet kindly sent over a bottle of Katsuyama Ken Junmai Ginjo to try. Continue reading “Katsuyama Ken Junmai Ginjo: An All-Rounder Sake Fit For A Samurai Lord” →

Japanese Cuisine

Wafu Adzuki Spaghetti With Homemade Sake Sauce Recipe

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Japanese cooking is defined by precise techniques and an attention to detail with varied ingredients. The versatile nature of Japanese food means there is plenty of opportunity for experimentation and fusion. This has led to the birth of a cooking discipline called wafu, which means ‘Japanese style.’

At its core, wafu is about bringing western food and Japanese preparation techniques together for fusion meals such as wafu pasta. I decided to combine the heartiness of Italian cooking with the elegance of Japanese ingredients by making healthy wafu pasta in a sweet tomato sake sauce served with adzuki beans and roasted nori (seaweed). Continue reading “Wafu Adzuki Spaghetti With Homemade Sake Sauce Recipe” →

Japanese Cuisine

Umenishiki Yamakawa Umeshu Review: A Delightful Introductory Plume Wine

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Umenishiki umeshu is a smooth and memorabe plum wine.

Japan boasts an eclectic alcohol industry, featuring all kinds of interesting beverages, like honkaku shochu and daiginjo sake. Japanese plum wine/umeshu is another unique drink that has gained popularity in western countries, and I’ve been eager to get my hands on a bottle. I’ve managed to do just that by trying a bottle of umeshu crafted by the Umenishiki Yamakawa brewery. Continue reading “Umenishiki Yamakawa Umeshu Review: A Delightful Introductory Plume Wine” →

Japanese Cuisine

Osaka Local Is Manchester’s Answer To Cheap And Cheerful Japanese Food

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Osaka Local is based in Manchester and does some great Japanese food.

Street food is one of my biggest loves of the culinary world, especially when it’s of the Japanese variety. It’s even better when you can find great Japanese street food in your local area, which is what happened when I ate at Osaka Local in Manchester.

Osaka Local are regulars of GRUB, a street food initiative that brings together vendors and traders in Manchester and helps them reach a wider audience through festivals and pop up events. On this occasion, the team were cooking at Stretford Food Hall. Continue reading “Osaka Local Is Manchester’s Answer To Cheap And Cheerful Japanese Food” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Miho Imada

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Women Warriors is a series that shines a light on Japanese women who have broken down barriers by following their passion or through sheer force of will. From ancient battle masters like Nakano Takeko, to modern day fighters like Kanako Urai, there are so many Japanese women who deserve to be recognised.

Miho Imada deserves to be on the list as well for her contribution to the world of sake and her journey to becoming one of Japan’s most successful toji (master brewers). Continue reading “Women Warriors: Miho Imada” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Yamato Shizuku Junmai Yamahai Review: A Drink For All Seasons

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Junmai Shizuku Yamato is a unique type of sake brewed in the Yamahai style.

The beauty of Japanese sake is that there are so many different types, ranging from light and fruity daiginjo, to savoury honjozo. A unique type of nihonshu I enjoyed tasting recently was Yamato Shizuku Yamahai.

Crafted by the Akita Seishu brewery, the Yamato Shizuku is a special type of sake for me because it marks the first time I’ve tried nihonshu crafted in the yamahai style. Continue reading “Yamato Shizuku Junmai Yamahai Review: A Drink For All Seasons” →

Poetry

Aspergillus Oryzae

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I remember having a conversation with a mate of mine about koji

And he asked me why I found mould so exciting

He was of the opinion that if it grew in damp attics

Then it had no business being around food and drink

After swallowing the urge to punch the ignorance out of him

I realised that he had a valid point

How do you make mould sound exciting?

Imagine finding a secret ingredient that had existed for centuries

But you were one of only a handful of people who knew what it was

An ingredient so versatile that it changed the profile of anything it was added to

Magic at your fingertips

White, black and yellow gold

The crown jewel in the craftsmanship of nihonshu

The key to unlocking a smooth shochu

The kick that makes a potent awamori

When koji-kin rains

It carries the hopes and dreams of tojis

Breaking their backs for the act of creation

I explained all of this to my mate

And he said I need to get out more

So, we went for Japanese food

And he tried sake for the first time

I’d call that a victory

Pop Culture and Japan

5 Powerful Japanese Concepts For Creating A Positive Mental Health Routine

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When developing a positive mental health routine for yourself, it’s worth looking to other cultures for inspiration. Japan has various philosophies that can help to make life brighter and more enjoyable. Whether it’s learning to appreciate small pleasures or choosing to be kinder to yourself, here are five Japanese concepts that promote positive mental health. Continue reading “5 Powerful Japanese Concepts For Creating A Positive Mental Health Routine” →

Japanese Cuisine

Hitachino Nest Dai Dai Review: Sweet And Sour In Perfect Harmony

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The Hitachino Nest brand is known for producing some excellent Japanese craft beers. Created by the Kiuchi brewery, Hitachino Nest was built on the philosophy of importing western hops and perfecting them in the Japanese brewing style. And as a result, some top-quality tipple has been created.

One of my favourite Hitachino Nest beers is Dai Dai, a fruity IPA that’s both refreshing and palate-cleansing. Continue reading “Hitachino Nest Dai Dai Review: Sweet And Sour In Perfect Harmony” →