Event

Hyakunin Eshiten (Japan Eshi World) I recently went to Hyakunin Eshiten at Solaria Stage in Tenjin. This event displays a large collection of Japanese contemporary illustrators. The word, Eshi, originally meant an Ukiyoe painter, but now describes his contemporary fellow artist. Japan Eshi World has been held annually since 2011.   I was so impressed by the superior quality of the works and the surprising variety that I didn’t get tired of looking at them at all. The organizers use this venue to spread information on artists not just within Japan but also to overseas customers. You can also find works by non Japanese Eshi. Since the books of illustrations sold at this event also have English introductions and descriptions,

In Japan, Setsubun takes place on February 3rd annually. It literally means the time of seasonal transitions, and this transitional day falls on the day before the beginning of each of the four seasons. In particular, Risshun (the beginning of spring) is considered significant because it is the beginning of the entire year as well. Thus, Japanese people historically celebrated the day by getting rid of Oni (demons) and inviting Fuku (good luck). In practice, people throw beans (likened to Oni) outside the house while chanting “Oniwa Soto, Fukuwa Uchi “ (Demons, go away, good luck, come inside). Some follow a tradition of eating as many beans as their age.   I wanted to introduce some Setsubun events in our

When you put the words “Japan” and “nature” together the first image that comes to mind may be the picturesque landscapes of sakura that the country is so well-known for. What you may not know is that due to Fukuoka’s location, it’s among the first places in Japan to bloom and there are plenty of amazing places to take in a relaxing day of hanami.

Whether you are you looking for something to eat, the latest fashion, or to watch the newest blockbuster movie, Canal City has you covered for all that and more.

Osechi Ryori The most traditional New Year’s traditional food is called Osechi Ryori. I help my family cook Osechi Ryori every year. It typically includes Nimono (stewed/boiled vegetables or meat), Sunomono (vinegared dish), Kuromame (sweet black beans), Kazunoko (preserved herring roe), Kamaboko (fish cakes), and Tatsukuri (cooked small dried sardines). Japanese people traditionally pray for good harvest and many children with Kazunoko and a healthy and long life with Kuromame. Most Japanese families used to cook Osechi Ryori from scratch, but not everyone does today as it really takes a lot of time. Many families now purchase Osechi Ryori in department stores or online. Ozoni (Soup with vegetables, meats and usually Mochi) We also eat Ozoni in the New Year.