Picture of the Week Cherry Blossoms in Gifu, Japan

The cherry blossom or sakura is the unofficial national flower of Japan. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan with most blooming for just a few days in Spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees. These celebrations usually involve a lot of eating and drinking. Hanami parties take place during the day or at night. Many places have paper lanterns hung on the trees and street vendors selling all sorts of great festival food including yakisoba, takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

These pictures were taken at Kagamigahara Shiminkoen in Gifu, Japan

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

This is my entry for this weeks Show me Japan

Meat Monster in Japan

The Meat Monster has hit Japan. The Burger King franchise has just released its Meat Monster hamburger in Japan. The 4900kj hamburger costs about $10 and contains two beef patties, a chicken fillet, three bacon rashers, two slices of cheese and more, served on two white buns. Don't worry, it does contain some salad coming with lettuce and tomatoes and onions to balance it out.

The Meat Monster has been created just for Japan and will be available Only in Japan.

Read more about some of the lighter and more interesting stories about Japan at Only in Japan

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Music 4 Japan

Music 4 Japan is another great compilation put together by musicians and labels all across the globe to help support the survivors of the Japan March 11 Earthquake and Tsunami disaster.

The digital album contains 41 diverse tracks, including Indie Rock, Electronica, Beats, Hip-Hop, Grime and even a little Country.

100% profit from sales of the album will go to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Appeal.

Show your love and support for Japan by purchasing this download.

Visit Music 4 Japan to purchase your download at Music 4 Japan

You can also support the survivors of the Japan earthquake and tsunami by purchasing
 Songs for Japan and the Book 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake

2:46 Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake aka #Quakebook is a compilation of art, stories, and essays put together to raise money for Japan’s earthquake survivors. Contributors include many Japanese citizens, foreigners who have stayed in Japan and those who had to leave, and even include science fiction author, William Gibson and investigative journalist, Jake Adelstein.

It has just gone on sale with all revenue going to the Japan Red Cross to help those affected by the March 11 disaster. At this stage only a digital version of the book is available. I believe a printed version of the book will also be available at some stage.

You can pick up a copy now for $9.99 on Amazon.com

You can also support the Red Cross Japan Disaster Appeal

Songs for Japan

A compilation album called Songs for Japan has just been released to benefit the ongoing disaster relief efforts in the earthquake and tsunami hit areas of Japan. Following on from my earlier post the stars and songs that appear on the album have been released. Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beyonce, Madonna, The Kings of Leon and Katy Perry joined a list of already announced artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna and U2. All in all, 38 artists lent songs to the album. I have provided a detailed list below of the artists and songs. All acts appearing on Songs for Japan and their labels and music publishers have waived their royalties to ensure the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) receives as much support as possible. The JRCS will use the funds from the album to support its ongoing relief efforts and for eventual recovery assistance to the areas hardest hit by the disaster.

The album is available for purchase as either an Audio CD or MP3 Download. Proceeds from the sale of Songs for Japan will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.
















The track list for Songs for Japan as provided by Apple:

Easy to Cook Japanese Recipe Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-fry Noodles)

Yakisoba is a popular takeaway dish in Japan and is usually served with a fried egg on top and with some Japanese mayonnaise. It is a popular festival food and can be found all over Japan.

Serves 2

Yakisoba Sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• 2 Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp dashi
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey

Ingredients
• 300g yakisoba noodles
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 100g sliced pork fillet
• 2 cabbage leaves, cut into small pieces
• ½ carrot, sliced
• 2 shitake mushrooms
• 1 spring onion
• salt
• white pepper

Toppings (if desired)
• aonori (green-seaweed) flakes
• dried bonito flakes
• Japanese mayonnaise
• red pickled ginger

Method

1. Cook noodles and drain well.
2. Heat oil in pan and add garlic, sliced pork, cabbage, carrot, shitake mushrooms and spring onion, stirring all the while.
3. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
4. Make sauce by combining all the ingredients together.
5. Add noodles and sauce to pan, while still stirring.
6. Place the noodles onto individual plates and top with red pickled ginger, green nori or bonito flakes if so desired.

Note:
• You can buy already prepared yakisoba sauce at most Asian Supermarkets.
• Yakisoba is also great with a fried egg on top and with some Japanese mayonnaise.

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

Some other Great Japanese Recipes that you might enjoy:

Sukiyaki

Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet)

Gyudon (beef bowl)

Most Popular Blog Posts for March 2011

March 2011 was another great month for Japan Australia Blog. We have had some new followers and many new visitors to the Blog. We also appreciate the great support we have received from our many fans from around the world.

The following were the most popular blog posts for March 2011

Japan’s Traditional Kimono

Squinkies

Girls Generation in Japan

Japanese Bento

Green Tea Antioxidant Wonder

How to Learn Japanese

Travel to Japan