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Japan Australia Japan Shop is Now Up and Running

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Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea or Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ) as it is known in Japan is a Japanese animated fantasy film released in 2008, written and directed by Japan’s master animator Hayao Miyazaki. The animated adventure centers on a goldfish princess named Ponyo who befriends a 5 year old human boy, Sosuke and wants to become a human girl. It is set against hand-drawn watercolour backdrops of sea and sky, and is a poetic adventure for all ages.

I love this movie for its cute characters, fantastic animation, great music soundtrack and warm heart-felt story.

The film has won numerous awards both in Japan and Internationally.

This is the Japanese Cinema Poster for the Movie

Tanabata Star Festival

Tanabata (七夕), which is also known as the “Star Festival” takes place every year on the 7th day of the 7th month. Originating from Chinese legend it celebrates the meeting of the two stars Altair and Vega. According to the legend, the Milky Way, a river of stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.

The celebration is held at night and colourful Tanabata festivals are held across Japan in early July and August. One of the biggest and most famous is the Tanabata Festivals of Hiratsuka near Tokyo in July and Sendai in August.

A popular Tanabata custom in Japan is to write wishes on a small piece of paper and hang them on a specially decorated bamboo tree in hope that the wish will come true. The bamboo tree is usually set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.

 

How to become an English Conversation Teacher

Easy to Cook Japanese Recipe Yaki-meshi (Japanese Style Fried Rice)

Yakimeshi or Japanese Style Fried Rice is a popular dish to cook at home in Japan. It is best to use left over rice or rice that you have made previously that has been frozen for this recipe to give it the best texture.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked left-over rice
• ½ cup fresh or frozen green peas, cooked & drained
• ½ cup fresh or frozen corn, cooked & drained
• 2 eggs
• vegetable oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 spring onion, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• a pinch of pepper

Method

1. Warm or defrost rice briefly in microwave.
2. Cook peas and corn separately and drain well.
3. Break eggs into a bowl and stir.
4. Heat a frying pan over a high heat, add a small amount of oil. Add egg mixture to pan, stirring constantly. Transfer scrambled egg onto a plate.
5. Add more oil to pan, add garlic, carrot and spring onion and stir for 1 minute with wooden spoon.
6. Add green peas and corn, then warmed rice stirring continuously. Add scrambled egg.
7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir-fry for a minute.

Note:

• If you want a spicy version add 1 Tbsp of curry powder
• For a Tokyo-style fried rice add soy sauce instead of salt
• Other ingredients you can add to the fried rice include chopped ham or bacon, cooked chicken thigh or roasted duck.

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

Japan’s Sense Roid Replicates Human Hug

Japanese inventors have pushed the boundaries of technology again with the ultimate companion for lonely singles, a wired torso-shaped device that you can hug and it will hug you back.

Called the Sense-Roid, it looks like a tailor’s mannequin with silicone skin and is packed with pressure sensors. It is connected to the jacket worn by the user and replicates the feeling of an embrace with the help of air compressors.

The illusion of a mutual hug is enhanced by artificial muscles and vibrating devices in the jacket. According to reports many people initially feel surprised and uncomfortable about the unusual experience, but gradually get accustomed to it.

Watch the video below for the unique Sense Roid

Once again, I can just say Only in Japan

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


Discover The Secrets Of Dating The Beautiful Women Of Japan

Mos Burger in Australia

Mos Burger is coming to Australia. After my last post about Lotteria’s Tower Cheese burger, which you can read here this is some good news for burger lovers in Australia. Mos Burger is a famous hamburger chain restaurant in Japan that pitches itself as a gourmet burger chain that is healthier than its rivals. Its burgers are made fresh and with Asian style tastes such as teriyaki and soy. The chain is well known in Japan for its Mos Rice Burger that uses a bun made of rice and the original Mos Burger. My favourite has to be the Spicy Mos Burger that comes with a really delicious sauce. Mos Burger has hardly changed its menu for Australia but has increased the burger sizes by 20 per cent along with its prices.

Mos Burger will begin its test run with a store in Brisbane and aims to establish stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and then in Perth, Adelaide and other cities and regional centers. The company is eying about 30 outlets in five years.

Success is heavily tipped and it could be the start of a Japanese chain restaurant invasion.

Original Mos Burger

Yakiniku Rice Burger

Mos Burger Japan Menu

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