Natural Combination

Complex, yet simple, like a daigenjyo.

Hakone No Shizuku " Hakone's Divine Droplets

I paid 940 yen for this little bottle of sake, which was being showcased over at this onsen near Gaora the other day. I remember another time I was in this area I sampled another sake, which tasted about the same. Hakone is not known for making sake at all, so with that aside the reason for posting this brand was because I was impressed with the overall taste and texture of this sake. If you do a little research on the name, you can come up with several
"shizuku" titles from different brewers. The reason I note this one is because, and as you may know, Hakone is an onsen town full of mineral hot springs and as such great water can be had, like in the case of sake produced in Iwate prefecture where most of the hot spring water is mineral rich, which lend some sake with an amber color when held up to light. This particular sake had a beautiful floral nose! I was impressed.

Edible Flowers

Okay, now to edible flowers, so which one…? It was easy for me to choose the chrysanthemum since its image is used as the Imperial Seal of Japan and of my blog.

The chrysanthemum is a brightly yellow globe shaped flower, which grows perennially and is considered a delicacy amongst food aficionados in Japan and abroad, but more so Japan because of the cultural and spiritual significance as it’s the seal of the imperial throne.

However, in other parts of the world, like China, where the chrysanthemum flower originated from, it’s white counter-part is regarded as symbolic of death and is used at funerals. In Europe it's a symbol of grief and misery. In the U.S.A, it's regarded a a cheerful flower. Nevertheless, with all of these different cultural vagaries this flower is held in the highest regard the world over.

Back in Japan, there’s also another much deeper and more symbolic and historic meaning than just being the symbol of the throne, its true origins can be found in homo erotic poems and homosexual haiku with the chrysanthemum being likened unto the male anus-- protruded.

At any rate, these weren’t the only reasons for choosing a flower to eat. For me, it was the overall visual appeal and season , which is autumn when this flower is available. Such a beautiful flower with its delicate yellow colored pedals; so nice to eat after being bathed in vinegar. A light rice wine in the afternoon with some nice autumnal scenes to go with your chrysanthemum flower is precious.

When purchasing these flowers make sure they are grown organically. Use a light vinegar so that you can taste the natural sweetness of the flower and sourness of the vinegar. The recipe is in Japanese.

Yamagata prefecture is known for growing some of the best garden variety in chrysanthemums.

Authentic Toyama Style Bouillabaisse!

Actually, bouillabaisse originated in France and is a well known culinary dish through-out all of Europe. Authentic bouillabaisse is actually a soup or combination of several dishes which contain anything from shellfish to garlic, and is awesome!

Toyama Prefecture in Japan is also known for making its own version of bouillabaisse, which is quite different from French style bouillabaisse. Japanese style is lighter in taste and less oily and the visual appeal of Japanese style is far better and more tantalizing than its French counter-part. I must've gone up for two more serves of this stuff. It was really tasty.

Ichiyorai いっちょらい

This notable sake which hails from Fukui Prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu is one of the most well-known rice wines from this part of the island. Just a few months ago I had attended a dinner which hosted local specialties from this region, so naturally I had to answer the call.

But, why blog about this sake? For one, Fukui prefecture is not known for producing world-class sake. Another reason is that Fukui has been producing sake for centuries, yet their sake has no unique and distinguishable characteristics. However, Ichiyorai daigenjyo does, but not only that, it's delightfully and surprisingly smooth and floral scented, as well.

I would rate this brand a strong seven for body with a medium dryness. Goes very well with light dishes like Echizen ramen and food from this prefecture.

Excellence

Another ideal physical attribute that I like for most in a Japanese woman; girth, and good bone density, vibrant smile, and spry.

What Japan Has Taught Me

Living here in Japan has taught me to take a friendly smile with a grain of salt and to never allow myself to be lulled into thinking that everything was okay and that people had my best interest at heart when in fact they were plotting my doom. I am better off with the devil that I already know than the angel I have never met!

People in Japan have no grasp of the realities of the real world. They generally tend to see things in black and white, many still retain that age old island mentality, where everything “WE” applies to everything and everybody “Japanese” and the world. I found this assertion to be truly annoying since many have no idea what their history is or where they come from for that matter. Sixty years of history after the Meiji Era for some reason is missing from their vernacular.

Not everything is what it appears or seems in this country. These experiences have taught me to never assume a person is a certain way because they are of a certain race. I have yet to find a Japanese person I have something in common with as I still have not found a drinking buddy who enjoys imbibing on sake and prose like I do. Sake is the epitome of liquid refinement in Japan, yet nobody seems to understand what it is. I have learned through this experience to let my false expectations go and focus on things that are more practical for my life—friendships aren’t required.

I do feel I am a better person today than I was yesterday though. I no longer place importance on people, but in myself and my own personal endeavors. Prior to coming to Japan, however, I had a tendency to be co-dependent thinking that following and emulating others was the best way to live when in fact it was the worst kind of way to live. I make my own moves now and as a result I am saving so much more money than I did before I came to Japan.

If there’s anything positive that I could take from my time in Japan is that I never take anything for granted. I value every precious moment in my life, especially when it comes to eating, drinking, and making love. I am more focused on the things that matter the most for me, and not what others think and because of this I can honestly say that I am a better person for it. Before I bit into a piece of sushi I say to myself “wow, I’m so lucky!” I am enjoying delicious sushi in Japan. I savor every sip of sake that comes across my lips and down my throat, I look more often into my lover’s eyes when I’m reaching into the heavens for God’s ankles and I cannot hold it any longer. It’s the simple things that I’ve come to love and appreciate the most.

Thank you Japan

Indoor Cypress Bath

One of the quintessential experiences one can have when visiting an onsen is sitting in a large outdoor Hinoki Bath at a temperature of 45 degrees centigrade. This is hot for most people so I don't recommend sitting in water this hot unless you are experienced like me.

I find this temperature to be the best for a few good reasons, one is that it's more therapeutic than just sitting in warm water, and less germs, and people stay fewer minutes.

This Weeks Beauty of Japan

Mochi Hada( skin like mochi), legs like pillars, naturally and wonderfully made Japanese woman.

Takashi Otaka's Ryu!

Ryu, is one of my favorite sake, which is brewed right here in Kanagawa, Prefecture. I know that most of my sake is from Niigata, and some others from West Japan, but this sake is truly worthy of mention which is because of its dryness--10plus!

I have never had such a deliciously dry tasting sake before, and yet it's from Kanagawa!? It's really hard to believe actually.