Poetry

Soushinbori

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Soushinbori

When the needle is pressed to the canvas

Feel sakura bloom

Among torrents of wind and water

Linked with bokashi

Shin bashi-iro swirls

Shu iro fire rising out of shoulders

Follow the path of kitsune

Padding across the forearm

While kirin gallop towards the elbow

Look to Raijin and Fujin

Storming at the boarders of the spine

Waiting for Kintaro to climb from below

And meet Fudo Myoo at the top

Tamatori-Hime keeps her vigil from the thigh

Against the gaggle of yokai parading across the ribcage

Embrace the story of irezumi

And they will never fade

Japanese Cuisine · Japanese Whisky Reviews

Akashi Tai White Oak Red Review: Gloriously Sweet And Easy To Drink

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Akashi Tai White Oak Red review

Japanese whisky features a range of unique tastes that sets it apart from Scotch and Irish. Whether it’s the fiery punch of Hibiki Harmony or the more subdued flavour of Nikka Coffey Grain, Japan knows how to produce a damn good drink.

Some of the best alcoholic drinks are the ones that take you by surprise and challenge how you thought they were going to taste. This was the case when I had a glass of Akashi Tai White Oak Red. Continue reading “Akashi Tai White Oak Red Review: Gloriously Sweet And Easy To Drink” →

Book Reviews

Tokyo Vice Review: A Gripping Tale Of The Yakuza And Japan’s Criminal Underworld

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 There’s a romantic side to Japan that’s easy to get swept up in. It’s great to appreciate cherry blossoms, good food and samurai. But there’s also a dark side to the country. Human trafficking, prostitution and ruthless crime families and are all harsh realities that people deal with everyday in Japan.

Much of the corruption is attributed to the yakuza and the role they have in Japanese society. Tokyo Vice, written by Jake Adelstein, gives real insight into the world of the yakuza and Japan’s criminal underbelly. Provocative and gripping, Tokyo Vice is a worthy addition to any Japanophile’s book shelf. Continue reading “Tokyo Vice Review: A Gripping Tale Of The Yakuza And Japan’s Criminal Underworld” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Urakasumi Honjikomi Honjozo Review: Smooth And Memorable

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One of quickest ways to immerse yourself in a different culture is to try food and drink that you might never had had before. Trying sake has been my way of learning more about Japanese culture. The amount of craftsmanship that goes into making nihonshu is brilliant. From the fruitiest junmai ginjo, to the smoothest honjozo, the world of sake has a drink for everyone.

Drinking warm sake is an experience in itself. And a sake I’d recommend drinking warm is Urakasumi Honjikomi honjozo. With a punchy flavour and smooth profile, the Honjikomoni has even more depth when served hot. Continue reading “Urakasumi Honjikomi Honjozo Review: Smooth And Memorable” →

Poetry

Gokudo

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When you walk the ultimate path

You walk without restraint

Without regard for your fellow man

You trade in souls and silence

Crimson currency

Draped in the illusion of honour

You mark yourself with myth

Weave colour into the fabric of your skin

A wolf among sheep

Howling in the empty chamber of your heart

You put on your suit

That shines like snakeskin

You toast to tradition

And shake down the people in your way

You say it’s worth it

You say life goes on

But you won’t be remembered

You’ll be forgotten

A bad dream chased away by the morning

That is how your path ends

Pop Culture and Japan

The Forest Of Love Review: The Kind Of Movie That Wallows In Its Own Seediness

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Japanese films have a certain quality to them. They often have a larger than life feeling that sets them apart from traditional western films. This is certainly the case with Netflix’s The Forest Of Love, which is directed by Sion Sono. Loosely based on real life, The Forest of Love follows a violent man called Joe Murata, who spends his time getting off on every vice that comes his way. Twisted, gory and excessive, The Forest of Love is the kind of movie that luxuriates in its own seediness. Continue reading “The Forest Of Love Review: The Kind Of Movie That Wallows In Its Own Seediness” →

Poetry

Dragon Gate

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With the rush of water

Push back against the tide

Against currents

Against time itself

Sunlight is a golden trickster

Hiding the one truth path

Close your eyes

Keep swimming

Thrash with all your might

Show them strength

That moves mountains

An upstream battle

Waged for yourself alone

Until wings sprout from your back

Become a dragon

Become who you were always meant to be

Oubaitori Life

Oubaitori Life: Saitama

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Oubaitori Life is a series that celebrates the richness of Japanese philosophy. It follows the lives of different characters and how they would apply Japanese concepts to their daily routines. One-Punch Man’s Saitama has many reasons for forming a specific routine that works for him. Determined to fight an opponent that matches his strength, Saitama suffers from severe depression.

But through adhering to certain principles, Saitama can find ways to manage his depression and improve his mental health. Continue reading “Oubaitori Life: Saitama” →