For some people, finding joy at Christmas is difficult or painful. I lost my mother just before Christmas Day; as the days draw closer to her date of passing, thoughts of her demise fill my mind and heart.
The famous Land of the Rising Sun is known for so many things, it’s hard to even mention them all: culture, history, pop culture, manga, anime, cosplay, sights, architecture...the list could go on and on.
Foods like omurice, ton katsu and naporitan spaghetti are items you’ve likely seen on a menu if you’ve ever visited a casual dining restaurant in Japan.
Sugar gets a very bad reputation. Aside from causing tooth decay, sugar is blamed for obesity, chronic acne, type 2 diabetes, increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and mood disorders.
Mainland Japan’s food culture continues to migrate to Okinawa, and every year new Japanese chain restaurants pop up on the island. Even items that were unique to the mainland like “Ehoumaki,” a sushi roll eaten on the day of Setsubun, are now common on Okinawa.
Given that it’s made from sticky rice, just like the Japanese rice cake, and how similar the names are, it’s understandable to assume mochi and Okinawan muchi are the same.
The kitchen is chilly and dark as I start a pot of coffee. I find my warm socks and slippers and notice that it’s snowing out the window, the first real snow of the year!
To stroll the bustling maze of tiny stalls in Makishi Kosetsu Ichiba food market is to embrace Okinawa’s food culture. The combination of seafood, tropical fruit and fresh meat smells float in the air. The enthusiasm of local vendors hawking their wares adds spice to the experience.
Sushi, tempura, savory okonomiyaki – there are so many yummy Japanese foods you won’t want to miss during your stay. “Hashi” or chopsticks are an indispensable tool when you sample these local specialties.
I know we can all get stressed out every day. Swamped with emails, dealing with phone calls, juggling smart phones, tablets and facing endless responsibilities both at work and home can do that to a person.
