Hyper Japan 2012 ā€“ The UKā€™s biggest J-Culture Event

| 27th February 2012

My husband and I lined up with hundreds of others at Brompton Hall in Earls
Court for the Hyper Japan Event 2012. Once inside, there was a great range of Japanese food to try, my husband took part in the Eat-Japan Sake Awards Top Brewery Taste-Off and I was pleased to see so many Japanese imports on display that are now being distributed in the UK such as the beautiful Doki ceramics and pottery. Other highlights included performances from the famous Japanese singer Natsuko Aso and a live demonstration by former World and Olympic Judo champion Maki Tsukada. We also watched a few Japanese food demonstrations in the Taste Discovery Zone and I noticed Choya promoting their Umeshu – a sweet Japanese liquor made from the ume fruit (similar to a plum). This particular drink is a real favourite with females in Japan and I wouldnā€™t be surprised if it becomes just as popular with the Brits.

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Tokyo Style

| 8th January 2012

The latest look in Tokyo is borrowed from the British. Checked prints, tweed and herringbone wool jackets, duffle coats, hunting caps, traditional trench coats and brogues are everywhere. English heritage mixed with Tokyo street style is the trend for winter.Ā  If you’re in the UK then check out Boden’s tweed blazers and the tweed skirts and gilets at Joules. Philip Morris & Son has the best online website for quality English country wear…I’m off to the shops…

tweed

A man Iā€™d like to meetā€¦

| 5th January 2012

Iā€™m talking about Professor Donald Keene. Born in 1922 in New York City, Professor Keene is a Japanologist who taught Japanese Literature at Columbia University for over fifty years. After the 2011 March 11 disaster he decided to apply for Japanese citizenship and to live out the remainder of his days in Japan. Already well known and revered in Japan, his move has earned him even greater respect. He’s certainly someone I’d like to meet.

2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

| 14th December 2011

I’d like to extend my sympathy to all those in Japan who are struggling because of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. I think the whole world has been impressed by the courage and unity displayed by these people throughout this ordeal. I have spoken to friends who live in Sendai within the Tōhoku Region and they remain positive despite the devastation that surrounds them. I’ve also spoken to friends living on the outskirts of Tokyo and while they’re concerned about the obvious negative environmental and economic impacts on Japan, they also appear optimistic.