Wagyu beef shabu shabu and fugu(moved)

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FAQ: What am I eating here in Japan?

It's been close to two years living in Japan. As a student studying full time and active in various activities throughout the week but with limited funds, what do I eat? The answer in Japan, is variety. Let me introduce a sample of what I eat on a day to day basis.

I 'd eaten all my meat at the time I took this photo, but with a couple hundred grams of chicken or pork and the above ingredients, I can whip up a stew for 2.5 meals (for every two servings advertised, I usually finish it in one). The whole process from preparation to serving takes about 20 minutes; very reasonable I think for a hot nutritious and economic meal in winter.

On the left is what is called a retort pouch or a sealed plastic pouch containing ready made sauce. It's not just sauce though, with vegetables and meat and all sorts of other things combined. The packaging says this one pack feeds 2-3 people, but I eat one packet per meal along with rice. Total preparation and cooking time, less than 5 minutes, total cost, around $2AUD.

There are many varieties of retort pouch meals, which often require you to buy and prepare one to three ingredients, to which you add the contents of the pouch, stir and serve. It's all very easy, quick, healthy, and economic. I eat anywhere from one to five of these meals each week.

My classic Japanese style breakfast. There are some days when I get lazy and just go for cereal and milk, but where I can, I make a bowl of miso soup, eat a container of natto beans, include some fish usually the particular flavour of canned mackerel pictured (there are many flavours but this is the only one I really like), Japanese seaweed (tbh Korean seaweed tastes better), along with rice. Japanese breakfast is so easy to make and so healthy, and so cheap! All up one meal would cost me aruond $2AUD.

Another impressive range of retort pouch meals. Unlike the previous showcase, these come ready to eat with no preparation required. Generally they taste better heated, but for example in the middle of the heat of summer I eat them without heating them, and they taste fine. There is an almost infinite variety of these premade ready to eat meals. The great part, is that they can be as cheap as less than a dollar a serve.

This is also another great meal option - good old Western style spaghetti. I learned a neat little trick from one of the cooking shows here to save time, and to optimise the texture of the spaghetti. It's to soak the pasta in water for over two hours (three in winter) before cooking. You can soak it up to 24 hours. If you strain the water and store it in the fridge, it can keep for a week. Surely you'd feel like eating pasta at least once a week.

There are three major advantages of preparing it like this. One, you need a fraction of the water required to boil non-presoaked pasta, because it's already soft so it easily fits even into a mug-sized pot. Two, once the water starts boiling, it only takes one minute to cook. Rather, you don't want to keep it in for more than a minute, for the third major advantage, which is that the pasta cooks al dente all the way through. This is because the water particles have already permeated right into the core of the pasta strand, and all they need is to be heated up by the boiling water, causing the spaghetti strand to cook evenly from outside to inside, thus maintaining maximal springiness. This is super tasty, and pasta + sauce is even cheaper than rice + toppings. But I still love my rice.

You were probably wondering, "where's the instant noodle?" Yep, here it is. But as you can see from the photo, I only ever keep a maximum of two in stock. Because I know they're not a healthy meal option, and it's just too easy to prepare better alternatives to cup noodles. Having said that though, I love Japanese cup noodles. There are so many more interesting flavours than Australia, and for so much cheaper. I bought both of these for less than a buck apiece.

Next, a look at what my cooking apparatuses are like. Top right is a hot water boiler, which I use for heating up the retort pouches, boiling eggs and boiling water for the miso soup and cup noodles, as well as cooking my spaghetti when I'm too lazy to whip out a pot. To left is my trusty rice cooker. It can cook up to three cups at a time, one cup per meal, perfect size. Very space and energy efficient.

On the bottom is my fridge. You may notice I don't own a freezer. I haven't used one for almost a year now, and I've had no problems. It means I have to make a couple more trips to the supermarket, but for the cost saved on electricity on an appliance I can live without, I am more than willing to make the sacrifice. This bar fridge has been more than sufficient to keep the ingredients I need to keep the ingredients I need to make all my meals for a week.

You may also notice that there is no microwave. Most Japanese people place it above their fridge, and stack their rice cooker on top of the microwave. I would too, if I had one. But the microwave, I have also not owned for the past year. And I managed to survive - quite comfortably too. Living in an already cramped dormitory room, I'm glad there was no microwave to further reduce my moving and breathing space.

To top it all off, this is a sneak backstage view of my "stash" for when I'm feeling peckish. As much as I try to be healthy, I still have a sweet tooth to satiate, particularly after a meal. You'll notice, however, that I keep a variety of snacks, ranging from chocolates to sweets to biscuits, and keeping both sweet and savoury (and sour) in store. I like to maintain some variety, even in my in-between mealtimes :)

Hope you found this segment on food culture in Japan as a bachelor insightful. Until next time :)

Okinawa 2014

Our family went on a four day four night trip to Okinawa. My sister who is studying in Australia came to Japan this week for her summer holidays. Right now is off peak travel season, in the middle of the university and school semester, and with workers still working. Last year during the summer holidays, my dad and I went on a road trip together. The trip duration was similar, but the price is a completely different story. The price that the four of us paid in total was not more than how much my dad and I paid in total on our trip last year. In short, our trip this time round was half price. 

Many people said that it's not a good idea to go to Okinawa during winter because it's too cold to go to the beach. But I think there are many good reasons to go to Okinawa in winter. Firstly, if I'm going to be anywhere in Japan during this chilly season, unless we're going to the snow I'd rather be somewhere above zero degrees. Secondly, the sun is not so intense so it's much more pleasant sightseeing outdoors, and it's comfortable inside a car even without turning on the air con.

Below is a map of where we stayed each nigh over the four nights. 

The purple pin is our first night (the airport is the purple patch in the bottom left corner), the green pin is where we stayed the second night, the red pin is where we stayed the third night, and the final night we stayed at a hotel not far from the purple pin.

Activities wise, we didn't do as much this time around compared to the previous time. The males and the females in our family had quite different priorities on this trip. It meant quite frequent occurrences of conflicts of interests in our travel plan. Having already been once, my dad and I compromised on our initial plan to meet the pace and interests of all the family members. 

Day 1: Arrival, dinner

We arrived fairly late the first day, the sun having just set, so we didn't go around much. The highlight of the day was dinner. We ate at a place a friend from church recommended, called Sangmi.

Maybe it was because we weren't used to the instructions given by the GPS, but we had a really hard time finding the location. We were listening to the GPS, but for some reason we just couldn't locate the restaurant. In our hunger everyone's impatience was mounting, and we were this close to giving up and settling for dinner at one of the tens of restaurants we passed on the way in order to eat at this one. However, my mum and my sister were keen on checking out this recommended place, so thanks to them, in the end we found it. 

You'll notice from the photo that the shop interior and exterior is very bright compared to the surroundings. Even though we didn't notice the shop name written on the corner of the building front, as soon as we approached it, I had a feeling it was this shop, because of the aura of warmth it emanated. There was nothing in the vicinity quite as bright as this shop.

The food was presented with fine taste, and also tasted excellent. It was not quite traditional Japanese food, and definitely not customary Western food. I don't know how to classify it, but it was delicious, and healthy, with class but of a modest kind, if you can imagine that.

There was also a guestbook. Or should I say, there were five, beginning from the shop opening 12 years ago. All the people who left comments seemed highly satisfied with their experience. What's more, most were first timers. Talk about a great first impression. Each member of our family also left a comment. See if you can find it the next time you drop by :)

Day 2: Bridge drive, Okinawa Peace Park, Outlet shopping

Buffet breakfast on the first day. There was actually a lot more variety than this, but after taking this first photo, I was more interested in eating than taking photos.

We went on a spectacular bridge drive across Kouri bridge, and we took a panorama shot from the car halfway across, but I think the photo is still in my dad's camera so you'll have to wait till I can get it from him.

Panorama shot taken at the lookout at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. My dad and I came here on our last trip to Okinawa also, but it was far too hot to wander around outside. This time round, we were able to enjoy the breathtaking views looking out to the sea. It's hard to imagine it was once teeming with American warships.

Rows of tombstones engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in the war, both American and Japanese alike. Almost all of the tombstones are engraved with Japanese names.

Day 3: Manzamou Promontory, Hiji Falls

Buffet breakfast on the second day. Very different variety to the first day, and very tasty.

Delicious lunch with various famous foods from Okinawa, including Okinawa soba noodle, Okinawa pork, sea grapes, and fish.

We had made no plans for dinner, and had no idea where we could find a good restaurant. Totally as a chance encounter, we came across the restaurant Ishinagu. We couldn't have found a better place to have dinner that night. You will soon understand why when you see the array of cuisine.

The total price of the meal was less than what we'd pay for an average dinner at an Izakaya, yet the food volume and taste was amazing. Highly recommended if you ever drop by this area.

Day 4: Churaumi Aquarium, first sakura of the year 

Buffet breakfast on the third day. By this time we were starting to get sick of eating buffet breakfasts.

Main stop of the day, Churaumi Aquarium. My dad and I already visited this place last year, but we didn't get to see everything, because it was so big. So together as a family, we dived into the deep sea experience once again. It was thoroughly worth our while. Here are a few snapshots of our time there.

Sea of Tropical Fish, feeding time

Petting pool

Whale shark feeding time. There are three whale sharks in this aquarium, and this is the only aquarium in the world that exhibits whale sharks. The centre attraction of Churaumi Aquarium.

We saw the first cherry blossoms (Sakura) for the year! It is unthinkable in Tokyo for the cherry blossoms to bloom so early. Generally they bloom around April, coinciding with the start of the new Japanese academic/working year. Only in Okinawa do cherry blossoms bloom so early. This was a special experience indeed.

Day 5: Back home

We flew back at noon. My sister still hadn't had enough of shopping (will she ever?) so that's how we killed the time waiting for our flight. At least she got up on time today.

My dad and I (and likely my mum too) enjoyed visiting the various sights and attractions of Okinawa. My sister, probably enjoyed the shopping more than anything. All in all, we made some great memories as a family in Okinawa.

Coming of Age Day 2015

In Japan, the second Monday of January each year is Coming of Age Day. The nation holds a formal ceremony commemorating those who turned 20 over the past year, to congratulate the transition from childhood to adulthood. The age 20 holds special significance in Japanese culture. Unlike most countries in the world, the official age of adulthood (and subsequently liberation from the need for parental consent) is 20.

Some pictures taken of the Coming of Age ceremony in Funabashi.

This event is more of a formality than a mark of actual change in life situation. The vast majority of Japanese people pursue tertiary studies after graduating from high school, and that takes place around the age of 18. That means that for the vast majority of participants at the Coming of Age ceremony are completing their second year of a four year university degree (six for medicine) - hardly a transition period. Due to such contradictions and subsequent social implications, there has been debate over whether to change the official age of adulthood to 18, like the rest of the world.

2015 church celebratory lunch gathering

In Japan, almost everyone returns home for the new year's holiday. Together with those whose home town is Tsukuba, or who didn't return home this year, we celebrated the dawning of the new year with home cooking and Osechi. Also a reminder to those back home, it is winter in Japan during new year's :) 

 The above photo is Osechi. There are many different varieties of osechi. This one is apparently French-inspired. In any case, it was delicious.

The pot in the top half of the picture is wild boar stew. I believe this stuff can't be found in stores. A relative of someone from church over in the Kansai region sent over some game that they caught. Pretty cool. And very tasty too.

The pot on the bottom half  is Zoni. It was very tasty too.

You can see deer meat being cooked in this photo. Deer meat also can't be bought. This particular deer was hunted, again by someone's relative from the Kansai region. Deer tasted very unique. It was very full-bodied and aromatic, even without using any sauce. Very different from pork, which is bland without any seasoning.

NISA open January 2014

The world's oldest population by age is taking drastic measures under the leadership of Prime Minister Abe to stimulate the economy, which is sinking under the weight of a national debt twice the size of its already massive GDP. This time, the initiative is called NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account). The selling point of this strategy, which is basically an investment account, is that all income gained from money invested into this account, up to 1 million yen per year, will be tax exempt for a five year period, every year, for five consecutive years beginning 2014.

This strategy directly seek to tap into liquidising the closely guarded savings of one of the world's best savers. According to the Japan times,

Japanese households held ¥1.645 quadrillion in financial assets as of the end of 2013, according to data from the Bank of Japan. Fifty-three percent of that, or ¥874 trillion, was in cash and bank deposits, while 9.4 percent was in stocks and 4.8 percent in investment trusts.

The aim is to encourage a large number of people to put forward a little bit of cash back into the economy.

Although all revenue gained from the stocks themselves are tax free, the price paid in getting your share of the stocks pie is not. You still have to pay the brokerage fees. This is where the investment companies and banks spring to action.

All the finance companies are competing for customers. They need to offer an incentive to prospective new account holders to open an account with them. The best offer I've come across so far, is to have the entire sum of brokerage fee, refunded back to you. This is where it caught my attention.

I was on the slow end in terms of jumping on the bandwagon, but before the year ended, I managed to get on board (yes even non-Japanese residing in Japan qualify). I opened an account with Aeon Bank, owned by Aeon group. Aeon returns the entire sum of brokerage fees paid, in the form of points that can be used as cash at any of their stores, which I frequent anyway.

From a consumer's point of view, I reckon NISA is a great initiative. From the government's point of view, the more stagnant money is liquidated, the better for Japan as a whole. So I thought I'd spread the word.

One disclaimer. Returns are not guaranteed. This is an investment, after all, and all investments carry risks, so do so being prepared to lose it all. However, very few things in life come with no uncertainties, and to me, this is a great way to increase my capital with controlled risk.

Winter Illuminations in Tsukuba

We've truly entered winter here in Tsukuba. Not only the grass, but even the air seems to have developed frost. Even when I'm breathing through my nose, the air steams up.

Another sign that winter has come in Japan, is the appearance of illuminations. Here are some shots of Tsukuba centre at night.

National Aikido Convention

Today at the Japan Martial Arts Stadium, the 2014 National Aikido Convention was held. I went with four other members from the Tsukuba University Aikido Club. Being a first year, I was involved backstage in directing the flow of people. 

Here are some pictures from the day :)

The sign says "54th National Student Aikido Convention".

Below is two senpai's from Tsukuba university represent.

We received a bento and a bottle of tea as a sign of thanks for helping out on the day. I accidentally ate one onigiri before remembering to take a photo...

View from backstage

A demonstration by the current successor and guardian of the Aikido technique and son of the Aikido master.