6 Sake Experts Worth Knowing About

31st Jul 201931st Jul 2019 yamatomagazine10 Comments

Sake is one of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture, running the gamut from social drinks like nihonshu,to versatile beverages like shochu. The world of sake is contradictory and complex, but there are experts out there who can guide you through the landscape of Japanese alcohol. They are the people who see sake as a calling and have dedicated themselves to bringing greater awareness to the industry. From a shochu professional to the world’s leading non-Japanese sake evangelist, here are six sake experts that you need to know about. Continue reading “6 Sake Experts Worth Knowing About” →

The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Sekiro’s Shinobi Prosthetic Arm

30th Jul 201930th Jul 2019 yamatomagazine4 Comments

The Otaku Armoury highlights Japanese weaponry that has been used throughout popular culture. Games like Mortal Kombat and Devil May Cry have incorporated singular weapons such as a katana, whereas games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice have offered multi-purpose tools. The game’s protagonist, Sekiro, wields a prosthetic arm that houses all kinds of traditional Japanese weaponry. Continue reading “The Otaku Armoury: Sekiro’s Shinobi Prosthetic Arm” →

Samurai Slasher: Volume 1 Review: A Darkly Entertaining Graphic Novel

29th Jul 20191st Aug 2019 yamatomagazine1 Comment

Samurai were known for their deadly skill in combat and over the years they have been reimagined in various forms of media. But few stories have reframed the legend of Japan’s greatest warriors quite like the Samurai Slasher graphic novel series. Created by Mike Garley, the Samurai Slasher comic is based on an idea for an ‘80s movie that never came into being. Pulpy, violent and darkly entertaining, Samurai Slasher: Volume 1 follows the birth of a terrifying new monster. Continue reading “Samurai Slasher: Volume 1 Review: A Darkly Entertaining Graphic Novel” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling Comes To The UK For The First Time And Puts On A Historic Show In Manchester

28th Jul 201928th Jul 2019 yamatomagazine3 Comments

Professional wrestling is an industry that thrives on the unexpected. Wrestlers dedicate their lives to putting on an experience that shocks and excites the audience. They put their bodies on the line and tell stories that connect with people on an emotional level.

Women’s wrestling has never been more popular, with companies like Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling stepping up to push boundaries and ignite the crowd. On 27^th July 2019, it was a historic night for Sendai because they brought the show to the UK for the first time. Held in Manchester, the Japanese organisation pulled out all the stops to ensure it would be a show that UK audiences would remember for years to come. Continue reading “Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling Comes To The UK For The First Time And Puts On A Historic Show In Manchester” →

Pop Culture and Japan

What Are The Differences Between Haruki And Ryu Murakami?

27th Jul 201927th Jul 2019 yamatomagazine12 Comments

Japan has a reputation for producing authors that bring their own unique style to the writing world. From Kazuo Ishiguro to Ohba Minako, there are various Japanese authors who’ve created important legacies. Two other Japanese authors who need to be mentioned are Haruki Murakami and Ryu Murakami.

There are many similarities between the two men. Both have achieved worldwide acclaim, with their novels becoming extremely popular among western audiences. Japan is a crucial theme in their work, with both authors using the country as a backdrop for political, economic and social themes. So, how do Haruki and Ryu differ from each other? Continue reading “What Are The Differences Between Haruki And Ryu Murakami?” →

Pop Culture and Japan

How To Incorporate Ikigai Into Your Positive Mental Health Routine

26th Jul 201926th Jul 2019 yamatomagazine14 Comments

When it comes to looking after yourself, mental health is just as important as physical health. Talking about mental health disorders like anxiety and depression has become easier, but there are many people who still choose to suffer in silence. Finding a way to manage mental health can be tricky, but concepts like ikigai are useful for helping to develop coping strategies.

A Japanese mentality, ikigai roughly translates to ‘a reason for being’ and is a concept based around a person following their passion and having a reason to get up in the morning. Continue reading “How To Incorporate Ikigai Into Your Positive Mental Health Routine” →

Japanese Cuisine · Japanese Whisky Reviews

Suntory Chita Single Grain Whisky Review: A Zesty Drink For A Younger Generation

25th Jul 201916th Nov 2019 yamatomagazine2 Comments

Suntory has established itself as one of the greatest producers of whisky on the planet. The brand has a versatile portfolio, which ranges from fiery beverages like Hibiki Japanese Harmony, to smoother drinks like the Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve. Sampling new styles from Suntory has become something of a hobby for me and the latest whisky that I’ve tried is the Suntory Chita single grain. Refreshing, smooth and potent, this whisky is ideal for sipping during summer. Continue reading “Suntory Chita Single Grain Whisky Review: A Zesty Drink For A Younger Generation” →

Japanese Cuisine · Sake Reviews

My First Ever Sake Review: Akashi-Tai Honjozo Tokubetsu

24th Jul 201916th Nov 2019 yamatomagazine10 Comments

Over the past few months I’ve found myself becoming increasingly fascinated with the world of sake. And thanks to the likes of the Sake On Air podcast and books like John Gauntner’s Sake Confidential, I’ve been motivated to go out and try nihonshu for myself. So, when I came across the Akashi-Tai honjozo tokubetsu, I was excited, intimidated and curious at all once. Continue reading “My First Ever Sake Review: Akashi-Tai Honjozo Tokubetsu” →

Japanese Fashion

Why Is Issey Miyake One Of The Greatest Fashion Designers Of All Time?

23rd Jul 201923rd Jul 2019 yamatomagazine4 Comments

There are many famous names in the fashion world, with the likes of Coco Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren all leaving a distinctive mark on the industry. A name that deserves to be held in the same esteem is Issey Miyake. Born in Japan, Miyake is known for his technology-based clothing that combines flexibility and comfort. Having come from humble beginnings, Miyake has looked to constantly innovate and redefine the fashion industry for the better. Continue reading “Why Is Issey Miyake One Of The Greatest Fashion Designers Of All Time?” →

Poetry