Quick glance at Japanese and their eating culture

I love Japanese foods so much! 

My friends said my eyes always turn shining and sparkling with loves deeply engraved in my eyes when people talked about Japanese foods. I didn't realize it. But I feel so much better after eating a lot of sushi when I'm moody.

People said, nice foods are the cure for a bad mood. Indeed! Nice foods always work on me!
One of my wishes is - become a successful career woman that can afford to eat Japanese cuisine EVERYDAY in the future. *crazy girl you think?* *mugging* *wink wink*

Before moving on to Japanese foods, I'm gonna introduce a bit about Japanese and their eating culture.
It is always good to understand other's culture before commenting on something. Learn and live!

Japan is renowned as a land of courtesy and propriety ever since ancient times. Their people are humble and polite. When talk about how well-mannered is a Japanese, I must think of their bowing. Bowing is common among Japanese to show their respect towards people.

Here I found something interesting about bowing in Japan. 

Different angles of bowing bring out different meaning.

Retrieved from: http://www.tofugu.com/2010/07/12/bowing-in-japan-japanese-etiquette/

The nod-bow: 

A casual bow between close friends. Just a little nod of your head.

Greeting bow, Eshaku, 15 degrees: 

For people that you've met before but not so close.

Respect bow, Keirei, 30 degrees: 

Respectful bow. Showing respect to your boss or someone that is higher ranking than you.

Highest respect bow, Saikeirei, 45 degrees: 

Truly apologize to someone or to Emperor.

Kneeling bow, touch your head to the floor: 

We seldom see this kind of bow these days. Unless you're seeking for forgiveness after you did something really bad. Like, really horrible!

Some people even naturally apt to bow on the telephone in Japan! Learn how to bow is a must before a trip to Japan. Do as the Romans do.

Eating Manners & Culture

As I mentioned before, Japanese is polite and modest in common. They've created a series of table manners as guidance to appropriate behaviours during eating time.

Saying itadakimasu (I gratefully receive) before eating, and gochisosama deshita (Thank you for the meal) after finishing the meal are to appreciate the host for giving you such a delightful meal.

Few rules/taboos that you need to remember when having meal(s) with Japanese.

• No burping. However, you can make noise 'slurps' when eating noodle or drinking soup to express your satisfy and appreciation to the chef.
• Do not play around nor move plates or bowls around with your chopsticks. Like what Chinese people practice, Japanese people are not allowed to stick their chopsticks into rice and  pass food directly from your set of chopsticks to another's because these only happen during funerals.
• Use serving chopsticks or the opposite end of your chopsticks when eating from shared dishes. You don't want to taste each other's saliva, don't you? *having French kiss indirectly :p* 
• Quickly empty your glass and hold it towards the person when someone wants to serve you drink. Serve each other rather than only pouring beverage for yourself.
• Put your dishes back to the same position just like what you received initially.
• Use chopsticks to separate big pieces of food or give a small bite and then put it back to your plate.
• Only takes one bite to finish your sushi. Separating a piece sushi into two usually leads to destruction. 
• Japanese generally don't need to add wasabi into soya sauce because the sushi pieces may already contain it. (Or it will be eaten plain.) Use only small amount of wasabi if wanted so you won't offend the sushi chef. 

p/s I personally like to eat sushi in 2 bites. Big chance for me to get choke if I eat the whole sushi in one bite. Too big for me!

How tatami looks like.

Low table with a sunken floor. You can place your feet inside the space below the table.

Prevent numbness from kneeling too long on Tatami. This sunken floor design indeed a release for people especially for elderly.

Zashiki. Traditional seating on the tatami.

Sitting Styles

Women only.

Seiza.
 Formal way of sitting for both gender.

Men only.

Honored seat for most important guests - farthest from the entrance.
The host or the least important guests - usually sit next to the entrance.

Before ending my blog, share a photo of typical Japanese meal. 

Typical Japanese meal

I love sushi and sashimi!

How I wish this could be my birthday present! *drool*

Sashimi boat! *Imagine that I'm on the boat* =D

It's late night now. Going to sleep and dream of my lovely sushi!

Sushi addicts, join us here and share us your dining experiences at different Japanese restaurants!

Nights! <3

Wanna share what's your favourite? Place your comments at comment box. 

By lovely and pretty Jesyka, Yen Min (55499).

A deadly weapon, in a humble home...

When I was younger, I saw two long objects amongst the decoration in our living room. It had a long metal handle with pictures and illustrations engraved in it as it was partially covered by some sort of fabric. I asked my dad what they were. He just smiled at me and took those two wooden objects out. He held the handle and yanked on it, and out came out a sword. It was the most beautiful sword I’ve ever seen (in fact, it was the only real sword I’ve ever seen). And so, I became curious of this sword and researched on it a little more of its origin.

The Katana

Originated from Japan, these long swords were used by samurai (noble warriors who were appointed by the emperor) in practicing several martial arts such as battojutsu, iaido, kenjutsu, shinkendo, kendo, and aikido. The Katana is often paired with a smaller companion called the Daisho. Daisho’s are worn by samurai to show social power and the honour of the samurai who wields it.

(These are actually my parent's wedding present. Shh...don't tell 'em I took 'em out...)

XD

The Katana and the Daisho plays a specific role in combat. The Katana is mainly used for close-range combats throughout the whole battle as a long-range attack weapon due to its length. But if the Katana is lost during battle, the Daisho comes into play as a “closer”-range weapon.

Both swords are single-edged and the reason why is because the Katana (and the Daisho) are both used for offence and defence. While the single-edged area is used for attacking, the back edge is used to block and defend.

During the Post World War II (1945 – 53), most samurai and their clans slowly disbanded as swords were confiscated and destroyed, leaving the blacksmiths jobless. But in 1953, blacksmiths could make katana swords again, but with many restrictions such as:

Two long swords can be made each month by every blacksmith.

All swords MUST be registered by the Japanese Government.

The only people who could keep these marvellous relics were officers, soldiers, and people who are of high authority. Haha, when I was little I would always take the Daisho (because the Katana back then was way too heavy for me to carry) and pretend I was a samurai warrior. All went swell...

until I placed it back the wrong way and it got stuck...
Much spanking did I receive. Much tears were shed.

AAAaaaanyway, more stuff coming your way so stay tuned here on iheartjapan 

:D

Keep it real, people <3
Timothy James Mah - 57750

Everything, Japan.

I <3 Japan

Introduction

Japan, one of the most famous vacation spots in the world. From its beautiful scenery and historic landmarks to its wide variety of food and culture. Wow, it is certainly a place worth visiting! Wait, no money to get there? Well, not to worry. Nowadays, countries from all around the world had been influence by it because of the different culture and food that it has to offer. Therefore, you can now find many Japanese restaurants and cuisines everywhere.

Furthermore, if you are really interested about Japan then this is the place for you. In this blog you will know more about Japan and its lifestyles and food. However, we are not from Japan. Thus, we will show you how Japanese food and culture influence local Malaysian. We will also write a review of Japanese food and restaurants in Malaysia.

Hope you will enjoy reading this blog as we enjoy sharing it with you, our readers.