Nori Japanese Seaweed

Nori or seaweed is a type of algae, traditionally cultivated in the harbours of Japan. Today nori is farmed, processed, toasted, packaged and sold in standard size sheets. Nori has a lot of health and nutritional value and is regarded as a "Super Food". Nori is packed full of much-needed vitamins and minerals, including some relatively rare trace elements. Nori is rich in iodine and iron and quite high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin (B2). Not only does it have all these nutritional riches, it is also a low-fat food!

Easy To Follow Steps To Create Over 108 Top Japanese Recipes!

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.
This picture is of a Shrine famous for its pure water. Most travellers to Gujo Hachiman stop by to taste its wonderful water.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Blossoms And Shadows

Blossoms And Shadows a novel by Lian Hearn, is a fascinating historical epic that follows one woman as she lives through the tumultuous years of Japan's 19th century cival war. This is the story of the birth of modern Japan as told by a young woman Tsuru who breaks every stereotype of the Japanese lady. This is a fascinating period of Japan's history with Japan in the mid 1860s in a grip of a revolution almost as tumultuous as the French Revelution 100 years earlier, yet we in the West know very little about it. This book lets readers feel they are there among the revolutionaries, guided by the engaging character of Tsuru.

The authors passion for all facets of the Land of the Rising Sun shines through in her description of the social customs and her honourable warrior characters.


The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet

Tokyo Vice

Travel Visa to Japan

You will need a valid passport and if your country has an agreement with Japan which includes most Western nations then you do not require a visa as you can obtain landing permission on arrival without a visa. This is usually good for a stay of up to 90 days, although certain European nationalities are permitted to stay for 180 days if they note a longer stay upon entry. In some cases you might also be asked to prove that you intend to return to your home country, which can be done via a return plane ticket. You are also required to complete an immigration card, which is usually handed out on the flight be landing and must be handed in at customs upon entry.

Japan hikes taxes on cigarettes to curb smoking

Japan has this month just imposed a record 40 percent tax hike on cigarettes in a bid to curb the nation's smoking rate which is the highest among major industrialized nations. In Japan approximately 36.6% of men smoke and 12.1% of women smoke. The price rise will increase the price of Japan's most popular brand, Mild Seven, by a third to 410 yen or USD$4.93 a pack.

Easy Japanese Cooking Recipe Hiyayakko Japanese Chilled Tofu

This month`s Easy Japanese Cooking recipe is Hiyayakko Japanese Chilled Tofu

Chilled tofu is called Hiyayakko in Japan and is the most popular tofu dish. All you need to do is place toppings on top of chilled tofu and it`s a great appetizer to serve during the warmer summer months.

Amusement in Japan

Karaoke

Karaoke (カラオケ) was invented in Japan and is the most popular form of entertainment for young Japanese. Most cities in Japan will have some kind of Karaoke Bar or Karaoke Box. The bigger cities will have karaoke boxes that occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends can rent a room to yourself for an hourly rate that often also includes all you can drink, with refills ordered through a phone on the wall. The major chains all have a good selection of English language songs along with the classic Japanese pop songs and enka.

Pachinko

Pachinko is a form of gambling that involves dropping little steel balls into a machine. Pachinko is extremely popular among middle aged Japanese men. Prizes are awarded depending on where the little steel balls land. Pachinko is worth giving a try just for the unusual experience alone, but be aware because most pachinko parlours are full of ear splitting noise and a toxic cloud of nicotine smoke.

Baseball

Baseball is hugely popular in Japan and is easily the most popular sport. Baseball was first introduced to Japan around 1870 by an American professor. Baseball is played in most if not all Junior High Schools and High Schools in Japan with the National High School baseball tournament the most watched sporting event on TV during the summer. Japan has its own professional baseball league known as Nippon Professional Baseball with several Japanese players such as Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui going on to become top players in Major League Baseball in the US.

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The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently