Wadaiko Japanese Drumming

Wadaiko (和太鼓) is a term used to describe a traditional style of Japanese drumming or drums. The name comes from the Japanese words “Wa” meaning Japanese and “Taiko” meaning drum. They are often played at Japanese festivals and events and require tremendous skill and endurance.

The sound of the drums is very dynamic and thunderous and can be felt deep down in your soul. The drummers traditionally wear a “happi” festival jacket when performing.

Performance at Olinda Hanami Day

Wadaiko Drum

Here is a video of a Wadaiko performance at the recent Olinda Hanami Day

The Premium KURO Burger

Burger King Japan is just about to release the Premium KURO Burger (黒バーガー) to celebrate their 5th come back anniversary in Japan. The limited edition Premium KURO Burger will hit the Burger King menu on Friday, September 28th.

The burger features a Whopper sized paprika flavoured beef patty, and is topped with tomato, onion, lettuce and pickles. The sauce features mayonnaise and a special dark ketchup coloured and flavoured with garlic and squid ink (いかすみ). The burger’s buns are also blackened with the use of bamboo charcoals (たけすみ).

The burger will be priced at 450 yen (AUD$5.50) for just the burger, or 790 yen (AUD$9.60) for a medium size set (Mセット).

If you purchase a Premium KURO Burger medium size set (Mセット) with a Coca Cola Zero for 790 yen (AUD$9.60) or a Premium KURO Burger and drink set for 670 yen (AUD$8.20) you can refill your Coca Cola Zero for free.

Visit the Burger King Japan website for more details

Premium KURO Burger

Tsukimi Burger 2012

My last post was about Tsukimi (月見) or moon viewing and I left a little teaser at the end about how I usually celebrate Tsukimi. Well here it is! I love to celebrate Tsukimi with the Tsukimi Burger.

September in Japan usually brings with it Autumn or Aki (秋) with cooler weather, beautiful fall leaves and Autumn food and drinks. One of my favourite Autumn foods in Japan during this time is the Tsukimi burger. When this starts appearing on The McDonald's menu I know for sure that Autumn has arrived in Japan. The burger is only available for a limited time during the Autumn and will be on the menu again from the 18th of September.

Tsukimi - Moon Viewing

The Japanese custom of Tsukimi (月見), moon viewing is traditionally held in mid-September when the moon is at its best and most beautiful in Japan. This custom is celebrated throughout Japan and is believed to have originated in China and introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1192).

Japanese people usually celebrate Tsukimi by displaying autumn flowers and susuki (pampas grass) in a vase. They also offer dango (dumplings) and satoimo (taro potato) to the moon in an altar. People also enjoy looking at the moon and enjoying its beauty at this time of the year. With the clear autumn sky and crisp days and nights the moon appears especially beautiful.

Burger King Japan Hot Jamaica

Burger King Japan has launched a new 2012 summer campaign called Hot Jamaica. The reason behind the campaign is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence for Jamaica.

The campaign features two types of burgers on the menu, which are the Angry J Chicken Burger, and the Angry J Whopper.

The Angry J Chicken Burger features grilled chicken, lettuce,and tomato, and is topped in a spicy Jamaican jerk sauce.

The Angry J Whopper features a beef patty, cheese, lettuce and tomato with the spicy Jamaican jerk sauce.







Burger King Japan

2012 Olinda Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring is upon us in Australia with warmer temperatures and the beautiful spring flowers and blooming cherry blossom trees. In Japan, spring is the time for hanami or cherry blossom viewing. The sakura or cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower and every March in Japan, thousands of cherry blossom trees come to life as they cover Japan, signifying the start of the annual Hanami season.

The National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria pays homage to this ancient Japanese tradition with their own version of hanami, the Annual Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival with cherry blossom trees captivating the landscape. Enjoy the beauty of the blossoms along with the myriad of other plants such as azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons.

Tokyo Whiskey Bars

Seen all the main sights in Tokyo and want something new to experience. How about visiting one of Tokyo’s famous Whiskey Bars.

Scotland may be the home of Whiskey, but there is no better place on the planet to sample this liquid of the gods than Tokyo. Tokyo’s whiskey culture is at another level with dozens of small bars offering thousands of top quality whiskies. The Japanese have a broad taste in Scotch, American Bourbons and locally produced whiskey.

There are a multitude of bars in Tokyo. Some are tiny, dark basements others more stylish places with bow-tied experts mixing drinks.

The following are some of Tokyo’s highly recommend whiskey bars