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Sushi as a Fast Food

Now celebrated as the quintessential essence of Japan’s luxurious cuisine and often served on special occasions, sushi had much humbler beginnings during the Edo period (1603–1868). At that time, it was considered a type of fast food, sold at street stalls and enjoyed by busy people on the go.

Today, while sushi remains a symbol of fine dining, it is also enjoyed in simpler forms at home, such as “temaki sushi” (hand-rolled sushi). Preparing “temaki sushi” is easy and fun—you only need vinegared rice, sheets of “nori# (seaweed), and a variety of fresh toppings like fish, vegetables, or eggs. Each person can assemble their own rolls, making it a highly interactive and enjoyable meal to share with family and friends.

As shown in the photo, we often add side dishes to complement “temaki sushi”. This combination of Japanese and Western styles makes the meal feel unique and allows us to enjoy a variety of flavors in one sitting.

This article is intended for those interested in Japanese culture and is not meant to promote our products.

Let’s fold cranes for world peace!

Origami is a traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The word “origami” comes from two Japanese words: “ori” (folding) and “kami” (paper). It represents the art of transforming a simple sheet of paper into beautiful shapes and figures, such as cranes, flowers, and animals. Origami is a wonderful way to develop patience, focus, and a refined sense of aesthetics. Some designs are simple and perfect for beginners, while others are more intricate and challenging.

Origami has a long history, dating back over 1,000 years. Initially, it was used in religious ceremonies and as decorations for special occasions. Today, almost all children in Japan begin their origami journey by folding cranes, the most iconic origami figure. Its popularity is exemplified by Senbazuru, a group of 1,000 paper cranes strung together, which is believed to grant wishes. It is often created collaboratively to support someone facing hardships, such as illness or natural disasters, or to pray for peace. For example, it can be seen at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

You can learn how to make origami cranes on YouTube. Here’s a channel to help you get started!

This article is intended for those interested in Japanese culture and is not meant to promote our products.

The Origin of the World-famous Manga “Dragon Ball”

The passing of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, is among the saddest news this year.

It may surprise many to learn that Dragon Ball originated from a travelogue about a Chinese monk in the 7th century. He embarked on a journey to India to study Buddhism, bringing back countless teachings and scriptures. During his 17-year odyssey, he braved scorching deserts, crossed towering icy mountains, and navigated jungles teeming with wild beasts, poisonous snakes, and bandits.

His extraordinary adventures captured people’s hearts and have been retold for centuries. These stories evolved into a mythological novel depicting the journey, featuring one of the main characters, Son Goku, who helped the monk overcome numerous hardships. In the 20th century, it was dramatized for Japanese television and gained widespread popularity, inspiring Akira Toriyama to create Dragon Ball.

Although the monk does not appear in Dragon Ball and Son Goku is absent from the original travelogue, both share themes of overcoming challenges and incorporate Eastern mythical elements, such as dragons, subtly woven into the story. This connection may be one of the secrets behind Dragon Ball’s enduring popularity.

This article is intended for those interested in Japanese culture and is not meant to promote our products.