The Kokoro Files: Erika Haigh
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Erika Haigh

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Japan represents many things to many people. For some, it’s the history. For others, it’s the unique food and drink. For Erika Haigh, it’s a passion for sake and elevating the industry. Erika is the co-founder of Moto, an artisan sake bar that’s opened up in London.

Yamato Magazine recently caught up with Erika about the message behind Moto and how it differs from other Japanese hospitality spaces in the UK. From stocking rare sake, to functioning as a retail space, Erika reveals what’s in store for anyone who steps into Moto in future. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Erika Haigh” →

The Kokoro Files: Brian Ashcraft
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Brian Ashcraft

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The Kokoro Files shines a light on the connection that everyday people have with Japan. For some, the connection inspires them to write and that’s definitely the case for Brian Ashcraft. The author of several Japan related books, which includes Japanese Tattoos, Ashcraft is dedicated to his craft.

In this interview, Ashcraft describes what makes irezumi so beautiful and how he started his writing journey. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Brian Ashcraft” →

The Kokoro Files: Lily Greenwood
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Lily Greenwood

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Feeling a connection to a certain place can be magical. It helps to broaden our horizons and see things from another perspective. Many people forge a connection with Japan. But that doesn’t mean you have to visit a country to feel an emotional response. Lily Greenwood hasn’t travelled to Japan, but the culture has massively influenced her work as an artist.

In this edition of The Kokoro Files, I talk to Lily about how she got her start in the art world, how she’s been influenced by Japan and what it’s like to be an artist while looking after young children! Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Lily Greenwood” →

Japanese Cuisine

Mori 1984 Flying Pale Ale Review: A Solid, Everyman Kind Of Beer

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An aspect of Yamato Magazine that I’m keen to emphasise is collaboration. Whether helping to promote a new type of sake or interviewing a Japanese tea aficionado, Yamato Magazine is open to working with people who’re passionate about Japan. Recently, I’ve collaborated with Japanese craft brewer Mori 1984 around their beer. So, here’s an honest review of the brewery’s Flying Pale Ale. Continue reading “Mori 1984 Flying Pale Ale Review: A Solid, Everyman Kind Of Beer” →

Poetry

Lady Of The Snow

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Have you heard the story of the yuki-onna?

The maiden with the heart as cold as ice

They say she preys on the souls of lost travellers

Leads them astray and devours their lifeforce

Cold bitches the lot of them

Well, maybe not all

I remember hearing about a yuki-onna

That fell in love with a one-legged man

Looking for his little brother on the mountain

In the middle of a blizzard in the dead of winter

Stupid? Stubborn? Suicide?

All the above

But the one-legged man dragged himself through an icy hell

To find his kin trapped in a cave

Some say the yuki-onna guided him

Others say she followed to test his resolve

But these are just rumours, you understand

Ghost stories, really

But I like to think that even ghosts

Remember what it’s like to be human

Japanese Cuisine

Mori 1984 Nihon Kai IPA Review: A Damn Good Japanese Craft Beer

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Mori 1984 Nihon Kai IPA

From a creative perspective, collaboration is exciting. It’s the opportunity to branch out into different areas and showcase passion around a certain topic. That’s why I’m pleased to present Yamato Magazine’s first official collaboration with Japanese craft brewing company Mori 1984.

The company’s founder, David De La Torre, sent over a few samples to try in exchange for an honest review. First up is the unique Nihon Kai IPA. Continue reading “Mori 1984 Nihon Kai IPA Review: A Damn Good Japanese Craft Beer” →

Japanese Cuisine

Abashiri Prison Stout Review: The Kind Of Beer You’d Enjoy In Front Of An Open Fire

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In my mission to learn more about Japan, I’ve taken to trying different kind of Japanese alcohol. Whether it’s a nutty tasting nihonshu or smoky shochu, nothing is off limits. On the Japanese beer front, I’ve never really known anything beyond a bottle of universally accepted Kirin or Asahi. So, stepping outside of my comfort zone with a bottle of Abashiri Kangoku no Kuro (Prison Stout) was a delight. Continue reading “Abashiri Prison Stout Review: The Kind Of Beer You’d Enjoy In Front Of An Open Fire” →

Book Reviews

Japanese Tattoos Review: A Book Filled With Beautiful Irezumi

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As a fan of tattoos, one of my favourite pastimes is discovering new styles. Irezumi, the art of Japanese tattooing, has always been fascinating to me because of its connotations in Japan. Associated with criminality, irezumi is thought be both shocking and taboo. But outside of Japan, the distinctive style has captivated tattoo enthusiasts and that kind of contrast is intriguing.

Japanese Tattoos, written by Brian Ashcraft and Hori Benny, goes into detail about the history of irezumi and the motifs that make it one of the most beautiful tattoo styles in the world. Continue reading “Japanese Tattoos Review: A Book Filled With Beautiful Irezumi” →

Mori 1984 beer The Kokoro Files: David De La Torre
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: David De La Torre

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The Kokoro Files highlights the connections between everyday people and Japan. The Japanese alcohol industry has inspired people all over the world, and David De La Torre was determined to find his way into the industry at all costs.

David is the founder of Japanese craft beer, Mori 1984. With a range of unique flavours and an emphasis on soft water, Mori 1984 certainly stands out in the craft beer market. Yamato Magazine caught up with David about the story behind the beer and how a trip to Hiroshima gave him the inspiration to shape the brand. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: David De La Torre” →