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” →

Shochu Reviews

Grape Shochu Highball Review: Somewhere Between A Cocktail And A Soda

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Known for its versatility and wide range of ingredients, shochu is one of Japan’s most interesting drinks. Some of the base ingredients include sweet potato, barley, buckwheat and brown sugar. But there are many more to choose from, which adds to the appeal of shochu.

Certain types of shochu are mixed with other drinks to create new flavours. This is the case for chuhai, which means ‘shochu highball’ in English. Having recently tasted a grape flavoured shochu highball, the experience was different to other types of sake that I’ve tried. Continue reading “Grape Shochu Highball Review: Somewhere Between A Cocktail And A Soda” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Nakajima Shiroku Yuzushu Review: Perfect For Sake Drinkers With A Sweet Tooth

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nakajima shiroku yuzushu

In my efforts to learn more about Japanese culture, I’ve been trying a range of different drinks native to the Land of the Rising Sun. What I’ve come to love about sake is how complex it is. There are as many contradictions as there are questions about it. With so many different varieties, it’s interesting to taste sake based on the flavours and where it was made in Japan.

Dessert sake is an intriguing subset. Considered sweeter than other forms of sake, there are many bottles to try. Nakajima Shiroku Yuzushu is a dessert sake I tasted recently. Read on to find out what my thoughts are. Continue reading “Nakajima Shiroku Yuzushu Review: Perfect For Sake Drinkers With A Sweet Tooth” →

Pop Culture and Japan

What is A Kika Sai Mentality?

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Talking about mental health is important. Whether you’re feeling down or suffer from a mental health disorder like anxiety, talk about it openly with someone you trust. Every culture has their own way of addressing mental health, and Japan has many kinds of wellness concepts. Ikigai, wabi sabi and kintsugi are some of the most well-known examples.

A Japanese concept that I like to apply towards my own mental health is kika sai. Far from being some revolutionary new form of mindfulness, it’s just something I’ve made up. But I think the principles can be applied to all forms of mental health positivity. Continue reading “What is A Kika Sai Mentality?” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Kanako Urai

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Throughout Japan’s history, there has been many women who have gone against tradition. Some of the most famous names include the likes of Nakano Takeko, Empress Jingu and Tomoe Gozen. These warriors have laid the groundwork for modern Japanese women to leave their mark on the world.

A woman who has followed in their footsteps is Kanako Urai. Better known by her wrestling names, Kana and Asuka, Urai is one of the most gifted athletes on the planet. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Kanako Urai” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

Nizawa Atago No Sakura Junmai Daiginjo Review: As Memorable As A Cherry Blossom In Spring

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sakura sake

In the realm of sake, junmai daiginjo is a major talking point among nihonshu drinkers. Considered to be a high premium grade, junmai daiginjo sake has its fair share of admirers. I’m of the opinion that all sake is worth drinking. Each blend has its own unique flavour and no two bottles are ever the same.

But crossing into junmai daiginjo territory is always fun, and that’s exactly what I did with a bottle of Nizawa atago no sakura. Taking influence from the Japanese cherry blossom, this sake is certainly memorable. Continue reading “Nizawa Atago No Sakura Junmai Daiginjo Review: As Memorable As A Cherry Blossom In Spring” →