Pop Culture and Japan

The Way Of The Ronin: Yukio And Overcoming Disability

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There’s a great variety of Asian characters in comics, and one of the most underrated is Yukio. Best known for her connection with Wolverine, Yukio was born in Japan and operated as a thief and rōnin, a masterless samurai.

She worked as an assassin for the Yashida family, but was eventually crippled and became wheelchair bound. This didn’t stop her from living her life, which demonstrated how strong Yukio is. Most people will be familiar with the character because of 2013’s The Wolverine, where she was played by Rila Fukushima. Although the film did her justice, there’s far more depth to her. Continue reading “The Way Of The Ronin: Yukio And Overcoming Disability” →

The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Scorpion’s Kunai

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Ninjas are synonymous with Japan and they are traditionally depicted as stealthy warriors who can defeat their foes in a matter of seconds. This same level of mystique is attached to ninja weaponry such as shurikens and mariki-gusari. Another ninja weapon, the kunai, has developed a reputation in pop culture, due to it being wielded by the likes of Scorpion in Mortal Kombat.

The Otaku Armoury puts the spotlight on Japanese-inspired weaponry and Scorpion’s kunai is certainly a famous example. But how did Scorpion come to wield it and how does his fabled weapon compare to a real kunai? Continue reading “The Otaku Armoury: Scorpion’s Kunai” →

Japanese Cuisine

Is Sake Good For Vegans?

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One of the most interesting aspects of Japanese cuisine is sake. Often praised for its purity, sake can be enjoyed with a wide variety of food, which ranges from fish to meat. Made from koji mold, rice and water, sake is both complex and simple at the same time.

With the food and beverage industry becoming more conscious of healthier diets like gluten-free and vegan alternatives, products are being tailored to fit with evolving consumer tastes. And while sake is enjoyable, it begs the question as to whether it’s suitable for vegans. Continue reading “Is Sake Good For Vegans?” →

Japanese Fashion

5 Japanese Fashion Brands Worth Knowing About

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Japanese fashion features some of the most distinctive clothing styles in the world. From Lolita to kimono, Japanese fashion has been continually reinvented and updated to strike a balance between Eastern and Western influences. Western consumers have long been fascinated with Japanese clothing, leading to an increase in brands that are touting the fashion of the Land of the Rising Sun. Here are five Japanese fashion brands worth knowing about. Continue reading “5 Japanese Fashion Brands Worth Knowing About” →

Japanese Mythology

How The Role Of The Tengu Has Changed In Japanese Culture

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Japanese folklore is filled with spirits and mythical creatures, and one of the most well-known beings is the tengu. Tengu are an important part of Shinto and Buddhism and form part of the yokai. Originally seen as demons, the importance of tengu have changed over time. Many people wear tengu masks and the image has been woven into popular culture. Yamato Magazine is looking into the history of the tengu to see what they are and their significance to Japanese culture. Continue reading “How The Role Of The Tengu Has Changed In Japanese Culture” →

Japanese Cuisine

The Food At Manga Cowboy Is So Good You’ll Want To Try It Twice

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The popularity of Japanese food has led to many restaurants and brands adding their own twist to dishes like ramen and sushi. One of the best Japanese inspired restaurants I came across recently is Manga Cowboy. Located in Budapest, Manga Cowboy combines the heartiness of American cooking with the flavours of Japan. The result is a venue that is bursting with character and flavour. The food is so good you’ll want to eat there twice to get an appreciation for the varied menu. Continue reading “The Food At Manga Cowboy Is So Good You’ll Want To Try It Twice” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Did You Know That There’s A Secret Japanese Library In Budapest?

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One of the best parts of travelling is discovering hidden gems that add to the experience of your trip. Whenever I travel, I have a habit of trying to find Japanese related activities and I wasn’t disappointed when I went to Budapest. The city has a range of great Japanese restaurants but look a little harder and you may come across a secret Japanese library that’s off the beaten path. Continue reading “Did You Know That There’s A Secret Japanese Library In Budapest?” →

Book Reviews

Sake Confidential Review: A Phenomenal Guide For Novices And Experts Alike

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sake confidential review

When it comes to Japanese drinks, sake is perhaps the most recognised alcohol. As simple as it is complex, sake is a beverage of many contradictions, and I didn’t realise how truly interesting the subject was until I picked up John Gauntner’s Sake Confidental: A beyond-the-basics guide to understanding tasting, selection and enjoyment.

Known as the ‘Sake Guy,’ Gauntner is the world’s leading non-Japanese sake educator, and his book is an amazing guide to sake novices (like me), and experts alike. Filled with informative facts and witty anecdotes, this book should be read by anyone who has even a passing interest in Japan. Continue reading “Sake Confidential Review: A Phenomenal Guide For Novices And Experts Alike” →

Japanese Cuisine

Enjoy A Taste Of Japan At Bambuszliget In Budapest

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When I travel to new places, I like to investigate the Japanese food scene and see how it compares to other locales. On a recent trip to Budapest I came across a restaurant called Bambuszliget, which serves up traditional Japanese food and its own unique meals, such as a sake burger, a dish that contains grilled salmon, cheddar and squid ink noodles mashed into a bun and is accompanied by Japanese potato salad and wasabi mayo. Read on to discover my opinion of Bambuszliget. Continue reading “Enjoy A Taste Of Japan At Bambuszliget In Budapest” →

The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Kitana’s War Fans

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The Otaku Armoury is a series that profiles Japanese-inspired weapons from popular culture. A variety of Japanese armaments have been utilised in mainstream media, ranging from katanas to shuriken. One of Japan’s most versatile weapons is the war fan and perhaps the most famous character to wield one is Kitana from the Mortal Kombat series. Continue reading “The Otaku Armoury: Kitana’s War Fans” →