Pop Culture and Japan

Could Mental Health First Aid Catch On In Japan?

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Mental health is perceived in different ways all over the world. In Japan, mental health has long held the association of being taboo. Yet people working themselves to death is commonplace, while younger generations are feeling more pressure to enter a lifetime of work.

However, in recent years, attitudes towards mental health in Japan have started to improve. More people are going to counselling services and openly recognising disorders like depression and PTSD as illnesses. As acceptance around mental health grows in Japan, a discipline that could be very beneficial in the future is mental health first aid (MHFA). Continue reading “Could Mental Health First Aid Catch On In Japan?” →

Pop Culture and Japan

An Open Call For Guest Writers In Yamato Magazine

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Since starting Yamato Magazine, one of the most rewarding aspects has been interacting with like-minded people. Blogging is an amazing way of connecting with others from all over the world. The interest in Japanese culture only seems to be growing. That’s why Yamato Magazine is open to collaborating with other writers who are passionate about Japan. Want to build your writing portfolio or have a niche Japanese topic to talk about? You’ve come to the right place! Continue reading “An Open Call For Guest Writers In Yamato Magazine” →

Send Noodz Would You Try A Pizza Topped With Ramen? (I Have And It’s Awesome)
Japanese Cuisine

Would You Try A Pizza Topped With Ramen? (I Have And It’s Awesome)

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There are few foods in the world that are as universally accepted as pizza. From the humble Margarita to the tried and tested Hawaiian, the annals of pizza history are as hallowed as the toppings. Some prefer classic variations, while others like their food to be more creative. But how would you feel about biting into a pizza that was topped with ramen noodles? Crazy? Epic? Or just downright delicious? Such a pizza does exist. Enter the Japanese inspired Send Noodz. Continue reading “Would You Try A Pizza Topped With Ramen? (I Have And It’s Awesome)” →

Erin Niimi Longhurst interview The Kokoro Files: Erin Niimi Longhurst
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Erin Niimi Longhurst

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An author, blogger and cook, Erin has built up a reputation for her Japan-centric content. I had the pleasure of chatting to her about the inspiration behind her lifestyle book, Japonisme. Read on to learn about how Erin’s relationship with her grandfather helped her create the book and why Japanese philosophy can be good for mental health. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Erin Niimi Longhurst” →

Shochu Reviews

Shiranami Kuro Shochu Review: Mild, Sweet And Memorable

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Shiranami kuro shochu review

Japanese culture has a unique identity, and that goes for Japanese sake as well. Ever since discovering shochu, I’ve been making my way through different blends. No shochu is ever the same as the last one. That comes down to the level of craftmanship from the people in the sake breweries who pour their heart and soul into the work.  

The most recent shochu I’ve tried is Shiranami kuro (black). From the first sip I knew it had a distinctive flavour that set it apart from other kinds of sake. Continue reading “Shiranami Kuro Shochu Review: Mild, Sweet And Memorable” →

Japanese Cuisine

Celebrating World Sake Day 2019

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There are certain days throughout the year that bring excitement. Birthdays, Christmas and holidays come to mind. And then there are more obscure events like World Sake Day. Held every year on the 1st October, World Sake day celebrates Japanese alcohol. Having developed a taste for sake in 2019, this is the first time I’m celebrating it. Continue reading “Celebrating World Sake Day 2019” →

Top Collection Bronze Samurai Figurine Review
Pop Culture and Japan

Top Collection Bronze Samurai Figurine Review

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Samurai have earned a reputation for being honourable and stoic warriors. They have come to represent the spirit of Japan. Portrayed across countless mediums, the image of the samurai has fascinated scholars, writers and fans of popular culture.

 I count myself among the people who are interested in the history of the samurai. And everything they represent has been captured beautifully by figurine manufacturer Top Collection. The company’s bronze samurai figurine is highly detailed and evocative. Continue reading “Top Collection Bronze Samurai Figurine Review” →

Oubaitori Life

Oubaitori Life: Wolverine

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Japanese culture has a reputation for being deeply spiritual and fluid. There’s plenty of inspiration to be found in concepts such as ikigai/the act of finding one’s purpose. There’s also the opportunity to find inspiration in the principle of oubaitori (oh-buy-toe-ree). This is the idea of not comparing yourself to someone else.

Everyone has their own unique traits, which is why Yamato Magazine is proud to feature a new series called Oubaitori Life. The segment will investigate the lives of fictional characters and see how Japanese concepts are applied to their stories. Let’s start things off with everyone’s favourite Canucklehead, Wolverine. Continue reading “Oubaitori Life: Wolverine” →

Shochu Reviews

Kannoko Barley Shochu Review: An Excellent Choice For Whisky Drinkers

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Japanese shochu is one of the most intriguing types of alcoholic drinks in the world. The range of ingredients and flavours make it both complex and memorable. Through discovering sake experts like Christopher Pellegrini and John Gauntner, I’ve been inspired to taste as many different types of shochu as possible.

Kannoko mugi (barley) shochu is one of the most interesting variations I’ve had recently. The name translates to ‘river protected by the gods’ and is associated with a stream in South Kagoshima. With a similar profile to western whisky, I found the Kannoko to be both familiar and new. Continue reading “Kannoko Barley Shochu Review: An Excellent Choice For Whisky Drinkers” →