Chika

Gold Ehōmaki

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The price of an ehōmaki made with gold seaweed is 12,800 yen. With the current strong dollar, this converts to approximately 83 dollars, lessening its impact. However, when the exchange rate was 100 yen to the dollar, 12,800 yen would have been 128 dollars. The one with sea urchin on it was from 2019 and cost 15,800 yen, which was around 145 dollars at the then-current exchange rate. Despite the rising costs, I wonder why the price of this particular ehōmaki has decreased…

Trivia about Setsubun

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Setsubun (節分), usually celebrated on February 3rd, marks the day before the first day of spring according to the East Asian lunisolar calendar. However, due to the Earth’s orbital period of 365.2422 days, the date of Setsubun can shift. For instance, in 2021, as well as this year, Setsubun falls on February 2nd, a date that hadn’t occurred since 1984.

On Setsubun, it’s customary to perform mamemaki and enjoy ehōmaki. However, this year, the price of ehōmaki has surged by nearly 15% compared to last year. This increase is largely due to the price of rice, which has skyrocketed by 60% over the same period.

今年の節分は2月2日。節分は2月3日のことが多いが、そもそも節分とは立春の前日のこと。地球の公転の周期は365.2422日なので立春の日付けがずれる。2021年も2月2日が節分だった。その前は1984年まで遡る。

節分には豆まきをしたり恵方巻きを食べたりするのが習慣だが、今年の恵方巻きは去年と比べて15％近く値上がりしているそう。特にお米の値段が去年より6割も高くなっているそうだ。

Flowers with Bulbs

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Flowers with bulbs have recently gained popularity in Japan. Despite having bulbs, they bloom only once, with a lifespan of about two weeks. However, they last longer than cut flowers and are easier to care for. Unfortunately, their production period is currently limited, running only from mid-January to mid-February. In Toyama, which accounts for 70% of the production, sales have increased tenfold in the past five years.

最近日本で流行っているのが球根付きの花。球根が付いていても1回咲いたら終わりで、寿命は2週間ほどだが切り花より長く楽しめるし、手入れも簡単だそうだ。残念なことに今現在は生産の時期が限られていて1月中旬から2月中旬だけ。生産の7割を占める富山では売り上げが5年で10倍に。

Picky Eaters Meals

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If you’re reading this, you likely have a love for Japan and might already be familiar with the popular chain, Don Quixote. But have you heard of their unique “hen-ai-meshi,” or “meals for picky eaters”? These quirky dishes are designed to cater to someone’s tastes 120%, rather than aiming for a mediocre 75% for everyone. For instance, they offer just the roots of corn dogs, fried chicken skins only, or pasta overloaded with garlic. Now, that’s definitely catering to the picky eaters!

私の記事を読むほどの日本好きは多分、ドン・キホーテを知っているだろう。だったらドンキの偏愛めしは知っているだろうか。みんなの75点より、誰かの120点を目指すから偏愛なんだそうだ。例えばアメリカンドッグの根本だけとか、フライドチキンの皮だけ、ガーリックだらけのペペロンチーノなど。確かに偏愛めしだ。

Lucky Cats for Americans

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Lucky cats, known as “maneki-neko,” are cherished worldwide, from Japan to far-off lands. But did you know there’s a special version for Americans? These American lucky cats have striking blue eyes and sometimes wear scarves featuring the American flag. Instead of the traditional Japanese koban coins, they hold dollars. And their beckoning gesture? It’s uniquely American—rather than the classic Japanese “come here” motion, they beckon with an American “c’mon” gesture.

Hot Beverage Vending Machine

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Japan has a long history of innovation in vending machines, particularly in the beverage industry. Beverage vending machines were first introduced in Japan in 1957. However, they gained significant popularity in 1962 when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Vendo manufactured them for Tokyo Coca-Cola, resulting in 880 units being installed nationwide.

By 1973, the innovation of selling hot drinks through vending machines was introduced, revolutionizing the market with machines capable of switching from dispensing cold beverages in the summer to hot ones in the winter. This was further enhanced in 1977 when vending machines that could simultaneously offer both hot and cold drinks hit the market, offering unparalleled convenience to consumers. Since 2002, vending machines with cashless functions have been installed across the country.

成人式 – Seijin Shiki

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“Seijin no Hi” or “Coming of Age Day” is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday in January with a ceremony called “seijin-shiki.” Since April 1, 2022 the Japanese government has lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18. However, there are still certain rights and responsibilities you cannot assume until you turn 20. (See my 成人 post for details.) For many decades, the coming-of-age ceremony was traditionally held at age 20, and most areas continue this practice. Some regions have renamed the ceremony from “seijin-shiki” or “coming-of-age ceremony” to “hatachi no tsudoi” or “20-year-old gathering.”

ネオ瓦 – Neo Kawara

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There is a company in Gifu Prefecture that specializes in making traditional kawara, or roof tiles. Established in 1883, their kawara have been used in many temples and houses, including the famous Tōfuku-ji temple in Kyoto, which is listed as one of Japan’s national treasures. Unfortunately, the number of traditional Japanese houses has been decreasing, leading to a decline in the demand for kawara. To adapt, this company and many others like it have started creating charms, pots, plates, lanterns, and other items using the same traditional techniques of making kawara, ensuring that the tradition will carry on.

反毛 – Hanmō

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Hanmō has two distinct meanings:

  1. The traditional Japanese technique of transforming clothing back into raw yarn material.

  2. The fabric produced using this technique.

Skilled craftsmen can quickly identify and sort clothing by material through touch alone. If the fabric contains too much synthetic fiber, it cannot be repurposed through Hanmō. The fabrics are also sorted by color and then processed through a Hanmō machine to return them to their raw state.

Historically, these materials were labeled as “secondary used cheap material,” leading to a decline in the Hanmō technique’s popularity. However, today, such techniques are highly valued by environmentally conscious consumers worldwide. For instance, the American outdoor brand Columbia Sportswear utilizes Japan’s reused wool, made using the Hanmō technique.