Book Reviews

Sixty-Nine Review: A Nostalgic Novel That Celebrates The Endless Possibilities Of Youth

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Ryu Murakami is one of Japan’s most famous authors. His work is often characterised by shocking violence and off the wall themes, as seen from hits like In the Miso Soup and Audition. But even the enfant terrible of contemporary Japanese literature doesn’t have to be defined by one type of genre. Murakami is just as capable of writing a story that’s relatable and deeply personal like Sixty-Nine. Continue reading “Sixty-Nine Review: A Nostalgic Novel That Celebrates The Endless Possibilities Of Youth” →

Book Reviews

The Complete Guide To Japanese Drinks Review: The Kind Of Book That Will Make You Fall In Love With Japanese Booze

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Japan has a long tradition of producing some of the most unique alcoholic drinks in the world. From fruity tasting nihonshu to eclectic shochu, Japanese sake has a rich, complex history that has never been told in full until now. The Complete Guide To Japanese Drinks, written by Stephen Lyman and Chris Bunting, is a comprehensive and engrossing text on Japanese alcohol.

Lyman takes readers on a journey through sake, shochu, awamori, umeshu and Japan’s interpretation of western drinks like whisky and gin. Compelling, informative and rich in detail, The Complete Guide To Japanese Drinks is a must-read book for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture. Continue reading “The Complete Guide To Japanese Drinks Review: The Kind Of Book That Will Make You Fall In Love With Japanese Booze” →

Chish And Fips Review: Umezushi Rises From The Ashes As A Japanese Chippy With Plenty Of Flavour
Japanese Cuisine

Chish And Fips Review: Umezushi Rises From The Ashes As A Japanese Chippy With Plenty Of Flavour

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The hospitality industry is extremely competitive, and restaurants are under constant pressure to deliver the best experiences they can for diners. Manchester sushi restaurant Umezushi earned a reputation for delivering a high-quality Japanese dining experience. When the restaurant closed its doors suddenly, it was a blow that was felt throughout the Japanese foodie community.

Fortunately, this was only temporary. Because the people behind Umezushi are back with a fresh take on an old British classic. Fish and chips. Or more accurately, Chish and Fips. Continue reading “Chish And Fips Review: Umezushi Rises From The Ashes As A Japanese Chippy With Plenty Of Flavour” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Achieving Milestones, Enjoying New Japanese Food And Broadening My Horizons At Doki Doki 2019

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Outside of Japan, there are many festivals that celebrate the Land of the Rising Sun. One of my favourites is the annual Doki Doki Festival that takes place in Manchester. I’ve been attending for a couple of years, and it’s been great to see the audience grow every time. Doki Doki 2019 proved to be even bigger than previous years, with the festival taking place over two days in November.

It stands out to me even more because it’s the first time that I delivered a public presentation and took part in live panels. Continue reading “Achieving Milestones, Enjoying New Japanese Food And Broadening My Horizons At Doki Doki 2019” →

Pop Culture and Japan

A Conversation With Akemi Solloway Tanaka

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When it comes to broadening our understanding of the world, there’s nothing better than talking and listening to people from different cultures. It makes us see life from an alternative perspective and opens our minds to another way of thinking. And when you meet someone who opens your mind to another culture, it’s worth sharing their story with others too.

That’s what I’d like to do for Japanese lecturer and author Akemi Solloway Tanaka. A consultant, women’s rights activist and all-around genuine person, Akemi is dedicated to opening up a dialogue about Japanese culture. Continue reading “A Conversation With Akemi Solloway Tanaka” →

Poetry

Great Wave

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When Hokusai painted his Great Wave off Kanagawa

I wonder if he was painting what depression would look like for future generations?

Because that’s what depression is: a wave with claws

It rears up without warning

A tsunami of anxiety that swirls in the depths

A living, breathing thing as fathomless as nature

It crashes over you without rhyme or reason

It washes away everything you’ve built

And leaves you drowning in the wreckage

It casts you adrift on tides of uncertainty

Alone, even when there’s life all around you

The wave will come again

But you can ride it out with the people who know you best

They’ll be waiting with their lifelines

To pull you free

To stop you from drowning

To help you breathe again

Pop Culture and Japan

A Brief History Of Japanese Bodysuits

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Japanese tattoos, also known as irezumi, is a distinctive art style that has developed over hundreds of years. Known for colourful mythology, monsters and nature motifs, irezumi is a beautiful expression of individualism. The ultimate expression of Japanese tattooing is the bodysuit, which covers the skin in a similar way to clothing. Continue reading “A Brief History Of Japanese Bodysuits” →

Japanese Cuisine

Runaway Brewery Gari Gose Review: Manchester Meets Japan With Spicy And Sour Notes

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Gari Gose review

There’s something special about tasting a beer brewed in your local area. It strengthens the connection you have to your hometown, which is exactly how I feel every time I taste a beer from Manchester. It’s even better when the beer has Japanese influences.

Runaway Brewery is one of Manchester’s biggest craft beer brewers and they have created a special Japanese concoction called Gari Gose. Done in collaboration with legendary local sushi restaurant Umezushi (which sadly closed its doors), Gari Gose combines northern hardiness with the complexity of Japanese ingredients. Continue reading “Runaway Brewery Gari Gose Review: Manchester Meets Japan With Spicy And Sour Notes” →

Japanese Cuisine · Japanese Whisky Reviews

Suntory Toki Review: A Timeless Japanese Whisky

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Japanese whisky features some of the most diverse flavours that I’ve ever tasted from alcohol. In fact, it’s the Japanese variety that has become my gateway into the whisky world. From the fiery punch of Hibiki Harmony, to the milder, sweeter taste of Akashi Tai White Oak Red, I’ve enjoyed making my way through several blends.

Another whisky I’ve been able to tick off my list recently is Suntory Toki. An interesting type of blended whisky, Toki has a mix of flavours that stand the test of time. Continue reading “Suntory Toki Review: A Timeless Japanese Whisky” →