natalie77

[natalie77]

Japan's practice of obligation chocolate

Although Valentine's day is the day sharing full of love and joy with beloved one,  there are many women who feel stressed and under pressure to think of the day in Japan. Unlike western countries, Valentine's day is the event for only women to send chocolate or gifts. Men are supposed to give sweets or gifts back a month later on White day.  Japanese women are not only expected to give chocolate to their beloved one, but also coworkers. This is the custom of Japanese Valentine's day called giri choco literally, obligation chocolate to give chocolate to coworkers to show their thanks for support over the past year. However, nowadays, this practice of giri choco has become just annual event at some workplaces. This tradition forces many women to prepare chocolate for their male coworkers, and it is very difficult to break the cycle. Time and cost for preparing chocolate make women to feel annoyed in most cases. 

To save women from this inconvenient practice, there was the movement to break this bad cycle.In last year, the famous chocolate confectionery GODIVA advertised to stop this custom and make Valentine day full of joy with their beloved one. Also, Japanese famous chocolate Black thunder stopped line-up with their obligation chocolate in this year. It would have encouraged many women to truly enjoy on Valentine's day.  

[natalie77]

Limited Edition Strawberry sweets

Starting on January 15, known as “the strawberry day”, confectioneries, cafe and convenience stores started to release their best strawberry sweets, In this year, especially people have enjoyed new strawberry sweets launched by lawson. Donuts, swiss roll cake, even sandwich and bread, all variety of beloved deserts were turned into tasty strawberry sweets.

Swiss roll cake is known as one of its prominent sweets at lawson. Adding the original version, their strawberry swiss roll cake gave a huge impact among fans. amaou strawberry, the top selling strawberry brand across Japan, is surrounded the flavorful strawberry jam and fresh milky cream. It is excellent match with the outside of the fluffy strawberry chiffon cake.

When it comes to the most popular bread in Japan, it would be “Melon pan”.The regular version is the fluffy inside covered with the sweet crisp cookie dough. This simple and traditional taste has been loved young through old ages almost for a century. Beyond the traditional taste, lawson released brand new melon pan. The rich and creamy strawberry whipped cream and full-bodied pulp strawberry cream are surrounded by the fluffy strawberry aroma pastry and sweet strawberry crisp cookie dough.Putting it in toaster for a few minutes,  toasted strawberry aroma with the melted mellow strawberry cream will knock off your socks!

Also, other strawberry flavored goodies started to line up as colorful selection at supermarkets and convenience stores. 

Koeda stands the taste of time over 30 years. As the name of koeda, meaning of twigs, this little adorable treat has attracted all generations over time.  Adding the standard chocolate version, the strawberry flavor is now on sale. Used amaou strawberries, fresh and sweet fragrance will tantalize your taste buds. Each box comes with 11 separate bags, so you can share and enjoy its full-bodied strawberry taste with your coworkers or friends.

Don’t worry that If you could not happen to be in Japan during this strawberry season. Meiji confectionary releases this long-time seller strawberry chocolate all the time though a year. With a single bite, sour and sweet strawberry taste spreads throughout your mouth. The taste of rich and creamy strawberry filling will you definitely crave for more!

strawberry sweets are now on sale. Do not forget to check on these limited time offer sweets!

[natalie77]

The culture of "IDOL" in Japan.

It is still fresh in our minds that the biggest Kpop boys group "BTS" marked NO.1 on the billboard 200 album chart with the song "IDOL" last year. 

The culture of "IDOL" has developed deeply connected with music history in Korea as well as Japan. Being Kpop IDOL, over a  thousand of girls and boys train to dance, sing and other skills every day, but the small amount of them actually can achieve their debut. All the way for their debut as Kpop idol is tough, strict and competitive and even very few of them will succeed after their  debut.

On the other hand, compared to Kpop idol, the meaning of IDOL is very different itself in Japan.

The most famous Jpop idol would be AKB48. They showed up music scene in 2006 and completely changed the style of Jpop idols. Like Kpop idols, Jpop idols use to have the period of strict trainees, and they make their debut with full skills of singing, dancing as well as star aura.  

However, AKB48 have built their own style that fans make originally girls to idols. Over 400 girls have made their debut as 48 group members with almost no experience of singing and dancing. They were same as originally girls we see outside. At the same time of their debut, they start practicing. Fans pick their favorite girl to support and they enjoy their girl to be "idol". This style gets standard among Jpop idols.

The most unique thing is meet and great called, "Akusyukai". Buying a CD, fans get a ticket to attend the event. A ticket can replace for 10 seconds to shake hands and small conversations with the girl they chose. It means buying more CDs, they will get more seconds to have conversations. For 48 members, it is important how many their fans attend Akusyukai and come to their booth. Making long lines of fans is usually considered as equal with their popularity, and it will make other chances like showing up in media.

The biggest annual event is AKB48 election. Over 300 AKB members run for this election, and fans vote and chose the first place out of 300 girls. Same as Akusyukai, buying a CD and given a right of one vote. Fans usually buy lots of CDs for the girl they picked in order to boost their rank, so having a number of supportive fans is key to succeed their career of idol.

The girls chosen as the first place usually draw media attention and known as a star in entertainment world. We see girls chosen Top 20 on TV, magazine, radio and other media as well. Rather than skill of dancing and singing, the popularity is more important for their success. Rising the popularity, 48 members produce themselves like making Youtube channel. Making difference with other members and establishing their own style and character are another key for success.

Surviving and recognizing out of a large amount of girls are not easy. Instead of having a friendship, the members are more likely rival of one other. Currently, making a big uproar, A serious incident occurred NGT48. Maho Yamaguchi appealed that she was attacked by two boys at the entrance of her house. She mentioned that other NGT48 members told them her home as well as the time she gets back and gave the pressure for them to attack her. This incident is still argued and under the solution.  Sadly, this kind of incident occur and many of them are not announced in public. A cross distance between fans and girls lead to this kind of serious incident.

While Kpop idols have rising their popularity over the world, Jpop idols has developed and established its own style as a part of new Japanese culture. Instead of skills and looks, their attitude, personality and other efforts to produce themselves are step for being recognized idol. It comes new age for ordinary girls to be paid attention in entertainment world.

[natalie77]

The coming of age day

Today, the second Monday of January,It is the coming of age day in Japan. It honors every young Japanese person who has reached age of 20 at any point during the year. At the age of 20, they officially become an adult and can enjoy a greater scale of freedom like drinking alcohol and smoking. Also, they are considered to take responsibilities of pension plan and other duties as a citizen. 

Coming of age ceremony known as "Seijin shiki" takes place in each city to celebrate those who have turned 20. Mostly, local governments host this ceremony for new adults, so new adults go back to their hometown to attend this special ceremony with their family and friends.

 Reuniting old friends is also a great part of this ceremony. They enjoy catching up with their old friends and update on how things are going each other.

Women are supposed to wear fancy kimono called “furisode” for the ceremony. They usually select their furisode a year ahead of the coming of age ceremony. The rental of furisode usually cost around 300,000 yen (around 3,000 US dollars). Surprisingly, some people even spend about 1,000,000 yen (around 10,000 US dollars). Also, they make a reservation of a beauty salon for 6 months in advance, and on the day, they wake up early and go to the beauty salon to have their hair, makeup and furisode set up.  This would be the only chance for most women to wear the furisode in their life, so every new adult women is very excited to dress up.

For men, a few people wear Japanese traditional dress, but most people attend to the ceremony to wear formal suit. We know that in any day and age, women spend money and their time to care about how they look, especially for this kind of big public ceremony.

 Lots of young Japanese women received a warm welcome to their adulthood today across Japan.

[natalie77]

The exclusive planetarium cafe at Haneda international airport

We are all agreed that a long layover at airports makes us feel exhausted. Considering of the point, the amaizing relaxing spot was open a few years ago at Haneda international airport. To save you from fatigue, the exclusive cafe&bar has come up with an unique theme of "planetarium ".  While you enjoy planetarium, you can have a cup of coffee to make you feel refreshed. In addition, twinkle of star will completey make you feel relaxed and excited. 

Business hours : cafe time at 11:00〜17:00

                         bar time at 17:30〜23:00

admission fee :  adult 520yen (around 5 US dollars)

                        ＋ at least one drink 

                      child 310yen (around 3 US dollar)

                        ＋at least one drink

floor/area :  5 floor/ Tokyo Pop Town

If you happen to be in Haneda international airport for transit, "Planetarium starry cafe" will turn your boring airport layover into exciting:)

[natalie77]

Our special new year cuisine "Ozoni"

Like people celebrate thanksgiving with turkey in the U.S., Japanese people celebrate new year with a special cuisine, called "Ozoni".  It is a traditional dish only eaten in new year at home, but there is a bar at Tokyo where you can eat this special new year cuisine anytime through a year. 

 Ozoni is Japanese traditional New year's soup, eaten to pray for going everything well for the year. The main ingredient of Ozoni is rice cakes which are often eaten for festivities as a symbol of longevity and good health. Ozoni is developed deeply connected with each region, so depending on the area, you will see very different type of forms.  For example, areas which are near the sea, there is extensive use of seafood. On the other hand, for mountain areas, they tend to use more edible wild plants. Also, depending on the region, soup is made from different seasoning like miso, soy sauce, salt, sugar and chicken soup. 

"Zoniyatorii" (雑煮屋鳥居) is the cozy bar where it serves ozoni anytime through a year. In each month, they serve two different type of ozoni from regions. In this month, they picked ozoni from Shimane prefecture and Hokkaido! Shimane version is rice cakes with clams, taro, carrots and radishes topped on and mitsuba and seaweed. The soup is broth from konbu and katsuo.

(here, it is how Shimane version looks like generally)

On the other hand, Hokkaido version is white miso-based soup containing rice cakes, salmon roe, salted salmon, radishes and carrot topped on mitauba and negi.

(also, here it is how hokkaido version looks like generally)

Although new year’s celebration is over, trying to our traditional cuisine is still a worth experience. Make sure to add ozoni for your plan to have delicious trip in Japan.

[natalie77]

Hatsumode at a shrine

Shrines are the places of worship and paying respect to the Gods. Although people visit shrines at any times, New Year day is the particular day for Japanese people to visit a shrine, given the first prayer of the year called "Hatsumode".

Starting midnight of New Year Eve, many shrines overflow with people on the most festive mood continued the first a few days of the year, especially for a few days, giving a boost to this one of the most important traditions, it is set up with lots of food stands and Japanese festival games lining the pathway to the shrine.

On the other hand, avoiding all the crowds, some people visit a shrine on later January. so if you visit Japan during January, it is still the best time to make your first wish of the new year at a shrine:) Here are tips how to pray at shrines!!

Before you reach the main hall to pray, you have to wash your hand in order to purify your mind and body.

・Fill up this grand spoon called hishaku with water and wash your left hand, and then your right hand.

・Cup some water in your left hand and rinse your mouth out. Wash your left hand one more time.

・Fill up hishaku with water and pour the water all the way down the handle.

Throw some coin into the offering box

The right before you pray for a good fortune, trow some coin into the offering box. How much you trow into is pretty much up to you, but 5 yen coin symbolize your wishes to have good relationships among people and have good opportunitines on jobs, so many people trow 5 yen coin or include 5 yen coin on their offering.

How to pray at main hall

・ Bow twice

・Clap twice

・Give the first prayer of the new year

(Making a wish for the year, showing the gratitude to the past year or New Year Resolution whatever you pray for)

・Bow once again

Draw a fortune paper called Omikugi

Omikuji could be the most exciting thing at Hatsumode! It is a fortune paper, a scale from a great blessing(大吉) to a great curse (大凶 telling your fortune for the year.

If people draw a fortune paper predicting bad luck, they tie it onto a shrine tree so that they can protect from coming true.

It is a fun way to try your luck:)

Hatsumode is our important new year celebration. Visiting a shrine and do hatsumode would be a rewarding exprerience for you!

[natalie77]

Japanese new year's greeting cards.

We cannot wait to check out mailbox on January 1. Can you guess why? Yes, It is a big exciting annual event called "Nengajo"in the early morning.

There is a Japanese custome of sending New year's greeting cards known as "Nengajo".

It is the greeting card to wish people all the best for new year as well as showing your gratitude towards people who gave you support through a year.

There are some rules to send out Nengajo!

Who to write? - friends, family members, relatives, coworkers and business partners.

Although you are expected to send nengajo to pretty much everyone whose had something to do with you during a year, there is a exception.

You cannot send nengajo to anyone whose family member has had a death during the year.

Also, if you received nengajo from somebody who you had not sent to, following the nengajo rule, you should respond by writing it back to the person. Even though you got nengajo from somebody who you do not care for, it is considered as a social duty to send back.

What to write? - there is a set phrase to begin.

"あけましておめでとうございます"。

It means same as Happy New Year.

Here are also other common set phrases people include the messages.

"去年はお世話になりました" - Thank you for your support through a past year.

"今年もよろしくお願いします"- it is close meaning as I am looking forward to working with you in this year,too.

Where to buy? - nengajo is available at stationary stores, convenience stores and post offices.

There are two versions sold at those stores. One is pre-designed cards and the another one is self-decoration ones. The pre-designed cards are mostly used the decoration of Japanese zodiac associated with the year. On the other hand, many people decorates with family photos on self-decoration cards.

When to send? - nengajo should be arrived on January 1.

People usually post on nengajo by December 25 so that it is arrived on time. Post offices start accepting nengajo from December 15 and keeps them for deliver on New year's day.

The interesting thing is that each nenga card is printed on a lottery number. At the bottom of the right side on the back, you will find a six digit lottery number! The lottery winners are announced on January 20 throughout newspaper, TV and Japan Post website,so make sure not to throw away nengajo!

Sending nengajo, you will definitely make your friends smile:) Have a great experience of our traditional New year's celebration with nengajo!

[natalie77]

It is the best season for Onsen

Getting out of stress in daily rountine and feeling relaxed and refreshed. This is the one reason why we go on trip!! Japan has a fantastic spot makes you feel completely refreshed and gives you a unique experience!

Japan is known as the great amount of natural hot springs called " Onsen", especially winter is the season of Onsen. Onsen is related to volcanic activity. Onsen water is geothermally heated under ground by magma and flow the surface. As a volcanic activity country, onsen water is anywhere in Japan, so given the clear state, either the source of onsen water must be at least 25℃ or must contain one of the 19 specific chemical elements such as hydrogen ion and meet standard line. Depending on the chemical elements, smell, color and therapeutic effects are different.

Lots of onsen are along with ryokan (inns) in local areas , but there are some onsen you can go for a day trip in major citis too!

Keio Takaosan Onsen is new onsen resort opened in Tokyo.

It is simple alkaline hot spring. The onsen color is slightly white. Helping with tired muscles, joint pain, stiff shoulder are known as major therapeutic effects.

Not only relaxation and therapeutic effects, but also the view makes you feel refreshed.

Now let's see the onsen etiquette

Undress before you go into Onsen. No swimming wear or underwear. Stark-naked is mandatory.

(If you feel uncomfortable about it, there are some private onsen provided in ryokan (Inns) )

Shower before taking bath

No mobile phones inside the onsen

Mainting clean spring water, hair should not be soaked in.

Knowing these four manners, you will enjoy onsen smoothly.

Winter is the best season of onsen!

Do not leave Japan without experience of it!

[natalie77]

The unmanned rental dress store at Tokyo!

Fancy dress with gorgeous vibe, that is what we got inspired from Disney Princess in our young ages. Even though we became adult and faced reality, somehow we still dream to wear the outstanding dress like Disney Princess .

It is not the wish or dream anymore!

The fantastic dress from unmanned rental dress store in Tokyo will turn into you just like "princess"!

Unmanned store, it would be still unfamiliar with us.

Back to 1990s, given a big impact, self check-out cashior was installed at a supermarket in the U.S. Almost 30 years have passed since then, unmanned store made its debut in lots of countries. The new Japanese dress rental store , "The empty dressy" is the one mixed of both self-check out and unmanned store system.

In empty dressy, you can select your best dress without any shop clearks. When we try on daily outfits at stores, we can grab clothes to fitting room without any special attention of them. but, dress stores are different. we are caught its eyes of shop clearks, and it sometimes bothers our shopping. The unmanned dress store "empty dressey" was built to enhance the costumers experience by no shop clearks.

(this is the one I rented)

Now, lets see how the system works out! First, you have to add "empty dressy" as your line friend(LINE is the message app just like whats up or messenger) and then, you have to send your photo ID for security. After they check photo ID of you, they will let you know the entrance password. Preventing any problems, there are some security cameras inside.

With online payment, renting one fancy dress for 6 nights for 7 days just only cost 3000 yen (around 30 US dollars).

No cleark means no labor cost. it made its low rental fee possible!!!

Selected feminine kawaii style of brand dresses such as grace continental, Jill Stuart.

Empty dressy saves our dream to dress like princess.The outstanding look, definitely you will be in the spotlight!!

Here is another thing.. Technology has progressed, and now we are managed everything by computer to use our social security number, Photo ID and even social media. Our personal information can reach anybody in just one second on current technology.

As unmanned stores increase as, our personal information is released in public more and more.

How can we protect our privacy? Improved technology would cause us new problems we have not ever faced...

[natalie77]

Peace cranes in Hiroshima.

A paper crane is the symbol of peace. Anyone who reaches to make 1,000 paper cranes, it is belived that their wish comes true.

On August 6, 1945, During world war Ⅱ, it was a sweltering summer day, the world's first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima city.

(atomic bomb dome)

At that time, about 350,000 people lived in Hiroshima city. It is estimated that over 150,000 people had died from the bomb in the four-months following the explosion.

Also, it is belived around 80,000 Hiroshima people have suffered from the radiation exposure, even now there are certain amount of people still suffer radiation from the bomb.

Sadako Sasaki was one of those people who got health effect of the atomic bomb.

She was exposed radaition from the bomb at age of 2, later, when she was 12, she was diagonosed with leukemia and only 3 month to live. In spite of the chronic condition diagonosis, she did not give up to live.

She belived that folding 1,000 paper cranes, the health condition recovered like before.

9 months of the fight against disease, she rested in peace. This story spreaded out across Japan, some other countries and this monument was built with deepest condolence to pray for peace.

(the statue of Sadako holiding a gold crane)

even now, a great amount of 1,000 paper cranes are sent each year.

People will continue to visit Hiroshima to pray for peace.

[natalie77]

Get some comforting soup to warm up your body!

It is starting to feel more like winter every day. Warm drinks are the best way to warm up your cold hands and make you feel relaxed!

Instead of waiting a line to get hot coffee or tea, get some soups in a second!!

Here, how it looks like Japanese vending machines are. This neos vending machine is famous for a variety line up with top selling products among Japan.

There are two different labels around each price in every Japanese vending machines. The blue ones are cold drinks. The red ones are hot drinks which exactly what we want in cold days! In summer, they have almost only cold beverages and as it gets cold outside, warm beverages get increased its section!

This is another story of those vending machines. If you visit Japan, you will see vending machines everywhere even in countryside. People can easily own their vending machines for a few US hundred dollars each, so many people start it as their side business. Also, Japan is one of the most safest countries in the world. Nobody break those machines to get beverages!

Now, Let's take a look in popular soup from the vending machine!

It is the most well-known and best-selling corn potage can.

The sweet crunchy corn is accent on its creamy soup!

If you find this onion soup, you are actually lucky. It is no longer available in many places.

People miss the rich taste of stewed onion consommé soup.

There are variety warm drink line-up you can find in Japanese vending machines. Get some soup to warm up your body!

[natalie77]

Get some perfect snacks for your break time at seven eleven!

Good quality food seaved fast. That is all we ask for in our busy day! Our busy schedules do not let us have tea break in café. We are pressed for time, swamped with work, just too many things to do in a day! but, still we want to get some snack break to make us feel refreshed.

Seven eleven's "Hot dog" and "corn dog" make it possible!

This is a hot dog served at seven eleven. It is a hot selling product now! As soon as you take it to a cash counter, he or she will ask you whether you want to have it warm by microwave. Saying Yes, you will enjoy a succulent sausage with its crispy texture.

With just 138 yen(about dollar and 38 cents*US dollar ), for a few seconds, the tasty hot dog is ready to boost your energy for rest of your worktime.

It is a corn dog also served at seven eleven. There is a fried food warmer display between casher counters, and corn dogs are there to get. sometimes, they are out of display, but if you ask, they would probably make it for you for around 5 minutes.

A sausage is good accent on sweet taste of the corn batter. With one bite, the crisped side and the inside's fluffy texture will spread in your mouth. You will become addicted to its taste and texture!

They will put ketchup and mustard on side. It is just 108 yen(dollar and 8 cents *US dollar).

By the way, do you know how to say corn dog in Japanese? We call it "American dog"!! so if you ask to have a corn dog, they do not understand what you are getting.

The funny thing is Japanese people think that corn dog is called American dog in English speaking countries, and actually order a corn dog saying "American dog" .

Now, getting back on track, good quality food, served fast with low cost, seven's "hot dog" and "corn dog" make them all possible. Get them for snack time on your busy day!!

[natalie77]

"Kairo"helps you to stay warm outside in winter

The beautiful winter snowscapes and illuminations have been sweeping people off their feet.

On the other hand, it is chilly outside to view such a great scenery in many places around the world. Japan is no exception too. Keeping stay warm outside is crucial to enjoy the winter views!

This is called "Kairo". It is the way Japanese people stay warm outside in winter! It is used exothermic effect from combustion reaction of iron powder.

The left one is portable kairo. After you open the package, you need to shake to make it warmer, and then it keeps warm for about 13 hours.

About the right one, as soon as you open the package and take off the sheet, it gets warm itself.

Like the picture, put it in your inner wear. then you can stay warm all day long no matter where you are at.

It is also kairo for your shoes to help you to stay warm. It continues its warmth for about 5 hours. You can stay warm without wearing winter shoes.

The kairo's temperature is around 104 F- 40℃.

The nice thing is these kairo cost only a few cents each(considering of US cents). There is no reason not to take advantage of that!!!!

[natalie77]

The longtime big seller Japanese icecream

Vanilla icecream is perhaps the most beloved flavor in the world. People are fascinated with its simple taste over five hundreds of years. It is same here in Japan, the best seller icecream flavor is Vanilla, but the vanilla icecream we love could be something different from the one you have tried.

Choco Monaca Jumbo is the longtime big seller icecream in Japan. The middle layer is famous morinaga chocolate bar filling with rich vanilla icecream, sandwiched between two crisp wafers bring your mouth excellent harmony.

There is a secret recipe among fans with this Choco Monaca Jumbo. Putting this icecream in toaster for 40 seconds, and then you can enjoy crispy texture with sweet toasted smell. the melted rich vanilla icecream and crunchy chocolate bar are excellent match with the toasted wafers.

[natalie77]

Starbucks Japan- holiday season beverage

Starbucks Japan released holiday season beverage called "White Chocolate Snow" on November 22.

White Chocolate Snow is images of a sparkling snowscape on Christmas day. It is topped with whipped cream, marshmallow, white chololate sauce and silver chocolate pearls on rich taste of creamy milk.

marshmallow's fluffy texture like soft snow and sparkling snowflakes with silver chocolate pearls draw you to winter world.

*Hot White Chocolate Snow

Tall 480 yen/ Grande 520yen / Venti 560yen

*White Chocolate Snow frappechino

Tall 580 yen (Tall size only)

500 yen ＝ about 5 US dollars

limited quantity. Come first Serve first.

Get early taste of Christmas with White Chocolate snow:)

[natalie77]

The perfect shop for souvenirs

Are you looking for a souvenir shop with a wide variety of goods at resonable prices? If so, this article is for you!!

Daiso, Can do and Seria provide great quality of goods with 100 yen! those shops are called 100 yen shops where you can get daily necessities, food, stationery and cosmetic stuff.

I got these pretty accessories in Daiso! They all cost only 100 yen each, and I totally love them.

I also see the hair accessories printed with sakura and other flowers you can only see in Japan in 100 yen shops.

There are lots of tourists visiting those 100 yen shops, so many items are designed associated with Japanese culture.

Put the 100 yen shop to your travel list! You will find good souvenirs for sure:)