Mental health is
a cherry blossom
swirling in the wind
precious, delicate
rising and falling with seasons
blooming in times of brightness
waning in the absence of light
beautiful to behold
when left to grow free
a spectacle to unite
friends and family
too long from your side
let the petals run through your fingers
and know that you are one of many
who will bloom in the darkest of circumstances
the blackest of nights
and live on in the face of adversity
The Second World War was one of the most tumultuous times in all of human history, and there are still people alive today who remember living in fear and uncertainty. Much has been done to bring reparations to groups who were persecuted during WW2, but it can be easy to forget that there were those alive during the period who didn’t agree with the harsh treatment of Jews and other marginalised people. One man who believed in fighting against persecution was Japanese government official Chiune Sugihara. Continue reading “Remembering The Bravery Of Chiune Sugihara”
When it comes to Japanese whisky, Suntory is the undisputed king of consistency. Over the years, the brewing giant has created countless blends that have delighted consumers around the world. Western drinkers can’t seem to get enough of Suntory’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. All of their whiskies are brewed with care, and one of the most impressive variants is the Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve whisky. Continue reading “Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Whisky Review: Herbal Freshness For The Win!”
Women Warriors is an ongoing series that celebrates the lives of inspirational Japanese women throughout history. And while historical figures like Empress Jingū laid the groundwork for what can be accomplished, it’s worth looking into fictional characters as well to appreciate how Japanese women are represented in popular culture.
Mariko Yashida is a great example of a badass female warrior who broke away from traditional Japanese societal norms. A love interest of Wolverine, Mariko is by no means a damsel in distress. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Mariko Yashida”
It’s no secret that podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of content. Not only can they be accessed from anywhere, but they also provide a quick source of information for listeners who want to learn about new topics. That’s exactly what’s happened for me by listening to the Sake On Air podcast, a show that explores the wonderfully complex world of sake and the people who are passionate about it. Continue reading “Improve Your Knowledge Of Sake By Listening To The Fascinating Sake On Air Podcast”
What’s better than eating delicious Japanese food at a restaurant? Eating tasty Japanese food at an affordable price! This was the case when I visited Japanese street food venue Oishi-Q in Manchester. Welcoming and relaxed, Oishi-Q offers a menu that runs the gamut from Japanese classic small plates like Agadashi Tofu, to larger, more filling plates like Unagi Don grilled eel with boiled egg and asparagus. Continue reading “Oishi-Q Review: Cheap, Cheerful And Consistent Japanese Food”
I’ll never forget the day I walked into a Japanese restaurant
And saw people fighting over a bottle of nihonshu
It was carnage
Middle-aged women tossed cutlery at each other
While young bloods tussled around on the floor
Kicking, biting and squirming to get a taste
One diner even used her pearl necklace as a garotte
And when she’d stepped over the competition
She tried to lift the bottle until the veins popped in her head
(I don’t think she read the label)
Is there such a thing as sake in the stone?
I’m not sure
But it didn’t stop other contenders from trying
Each person crawled through the war zone
Determined to prove their worthiness
But the bottle refused to budge
In the wake of such overwhelming chaos
Where was I?
I was enjoying a sip of cold futsushu
Some drinks don’t have to be premium
Some drinks are worthy enough
In recent years, Japanese culture has found its way into the mainstream western comic industry through Marvel and DC. Marvel has done an excellent job of presenting the nuances of the Japanese way of life in characters such as Silver Samurai and Sunfire. And much of this influence is attributed to the work of Chris Claremont and Frank Miller in the 1980s, with their revamp of Wolverine into a failed samurai looking to reclaim his honour.
Wolverine’s connection to Japan is essential to understanding who he is, and his appreciation for the country has manifested through the women he’s loved. One of Logan’s greatest loves was Itsu, a character who shaped a significant portion of his life.
Continue reading “The Pursuit Of Peace: The Story Of Wolverine And Itsu”
Japanese history is filled with stories of legendary figures like Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Sengo Muramasa who helped to shape the time periods they lived in. For every tale of a man who dictated the future of Japan, there are just as many inspirational stories about Japanese women shocking the system. Women Warriors examines the life of these brave souls who went against tradition.
One of the most interesting stories of a woman changing the status quo involves the legendary Empress Jingū, A semi-mythological figure, Empress Jingū’s life is a topic of much debate. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Empress Jingū”
Japanese drink making is revered for its attention to craftsmanship and detail. With each year, more and more western consumers are becoming interested in sampling the elegance of Japan’s finest beverages. Japanese whisky is an excellent example of the western world’s craving for unique flavours.
Brands like Suntory and Nikka have been able to capitalise on this opportunity by introducing a range of whiskies to the UK, Europe and America. As a newbie to the world of Japanese whisky, I’ve begun to explore different blends and one that has stood out is Suntory’s Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend. Continue reading “Hibiki Japanese Harmony Review: A Fireball Of Flavour With Subtle Notes Of Sweetness”
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