Soba and Udon noodles

What food do you imagine when you hear “fast food”?  You may think of hamburgers, hot dogs or French fries. Japanese people, of course, eat them as fast foods, but they are originally from other countries. In Japan, we have our own fast foods. Do you have any idea what they are? They are soba (buckwheat) noodles and udon noodles. Udon noodles are made of flour.

There are different ways to eat soba and udon noodles. One way is to eat cold, with a dipping sauce. Wasabi and finely chopped Welsh onions are often served as condiments. Another way is to eat warm. Usually, it is served in soup made of mixing broth with the rich dipping sauce, which is also used for cold noodles. Variation of toppings opens up many possibilities, for example, deep-fried tofu (soybean curd), deep fried tempura batter or egg York.

Then, why those noodles can be called “fast food”?  That is because there are many soba/udon noodles restaurants which serve those orders to us very quickly. Most of them stand in train stations or close to the stations. When we use train for traveling or business transportation, we use these restaurants for quick breakfast or lunch, using the short time of train change. The chefs of those restaurants serve an order within a minute, so we can have it within 5 minutes in most cases. I think this is truly the fast food!

A feature of those restaurants is to eat standing up. The restaurants do not have chairs and tables, but only counters. This is a reason why the system can shorten the serving and eating time.

By the way, there is a kind of etiquette when you eat those noodles. That is, you should slurp them up noisily. This should be regarded as bad manner or unfamiliar to foreign people, but in Japan, it is regarded as the authentic manner. Looking closely at soba/udon noodles, we can find various cultural differences.

Written by Yabuuchi

O-bon ceremony in Japan

Hello, I’m Tatsuya, one of the internship members of Focus Japan. In Japan, it is now the season of “Obon” or a Buddhism ceremony to pray for the ancestors of each family. I live in Kobe alone, but now, I am back in my hometown, Nara. I visited my grandparents’ grave with my family today.

Let me introduce the Obon ceremony. This ceremony is to pray for our family’s ancestors around July 15^th. However, today’s Obon ceremony is held in around July in some areas, an in August 15^th in some other areas. Why?

 That’s because, now, we use the solar calendar here, but we used to use the lunar calendar until about 140 years ago. (Of course, August 15^th in the solar calendar may not exactly be the equivalent of July 15^th in the lunar calendar, though.) That’s why Obon ceremony is held either in July or August. The areas follow the traditional lunar calendar hold the ceremony in July, and the others in August follow the solar calendar.

Well, what do we do on Obon? It, again, depends on region, but at my hometown, we have mainly two ceremonies. One is to offer prayers to our ancestors in front of my family’s Buddhist altar. It is believed the souls of our ancestors come back to this world on the Obon day, so we offer foods to welcome the souls. The other is to go to family’s grave and also offer flowers and prayers.

This is the temple which my ancestors are enshrined.

Although, I was totally indifferent in these events, I’ve got interested in them as I grew older. Throughout this internship, I have much opportunity to review our daily lives.

Japanese family crest

In Japan, most of houses have their own "Family crest". This is my house's. In ancient times in Japan, when some clans were very strong, some clans who move to local region created their own family name from their lands to distinguish the same clans in other areas. This is the origin of surname in Japan. Family crest was created as the symbol of house. Family crest usually shows the family name.

Alcove and scroll paintings

This is an alcove of a house. This is a section of Japanese room, functioning as an ornament. While almost all areas of Japanese room is filled with tatami mats, the alcove has a wooden floor and some scroll paintings. Many people enjoy the arts on the alcove. Though this is a typical Japanese traditional interior style, there are less and less houses without alcove.

Rice Paddy Field

Rainy season passed away. There are many paddy fields in Japan, and the rice is gradually growing! We usually plant the rice on the end of April or May. Rice gain much nutrition from paddy and rain, especially in rainy season. They are usually cut 
in September, and we can store the rice in whole year.

Japanese Summer Festival

Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival has started today. This festival has 770 years history in Kyushu. It is two-week-long festival! So you can see this festival yourself if you make your mind up to get the ticket to Japan right now! Haha!

 

Seven teams of 26 bearers each carry huge , one-ton floats called Yama and compete with a passion to be the fastest round the 5-km route in the festival.
So I should train hard!!

 

Written by Kihara

 

Hagi-ware’s color changing

Hagi-ware has a specific feature that other potteries don’t have. That is what is called “Hagi-ware’s color changing”. 

That means, if you continue using Hagi-ware, the color changes gradually. The reason is as follows; the clay used for Hgi-ware is not so fine and has low pyrometric cone equivalent that firing only once is not enough to make Hagi-ware stiff. Because of this fact, sometimes glaze is covered with the wares. 

With the use of glaze, the difference of shrinkage ratio between glaze and clay makes chaps when firing completes. Clay has some water absorbability and water get through from the chaps. When you pour alcohol or tea, the components bond to the ware. This gradual change makes Hagi-ware’s color change. This is called “Hagi-no-Nanabake (literally, the seven change of Hagi-ware)” in Japan. Although those color-changed ware comes in handy because they are pleasant, even some users in Japan misunderstand that the wares became filthy.

Before

After

Do you notice something like cracks?

When I met some craftsmen making Hagi-ware, many of them said “some users complain because they don’t know Hagi-ware’s color changing”. They also mentioned “although the color changing is the very feature of Hagi-ware, most of the users don’t know the fact”. What was worse, some of them even said “foreigners can’t tell this authenticity”.

Through these experiences, I decided to write the article about Hagi-ware’s color changing. I know that I can’t tell the authenticity by only these sentences and some photos, but after you read this article. I’d like you to ask something.

“Hagi-ware’s color changing”. Which do you think, the wares are mere filthy, or beautiful ?


Written by Yabuuchi

Hagi-ware #2

This time, I introduce how to make Hagi-ware.

Hagi-ware is a very delicate pottery. Because of the characteristics of clay and glaze, each Hagi-ware shows different finishing colors and tones even if they are fired in the same kiln. Hagi-ware craftsmen say that “it is very difficult to make the wares of same tone and pattern.” As you see the photos, even if the shape is identical, the patterns, which are made from combinations of clay and glaze, differ sometimes significantly.

Why these wares always show different patterns?  The reason is the difference of temperature when they are fired in the kiln. It depends where in a kiln to put unfired wares since the firing temperature differs in the kiln from a part to another and the temperature variation causes different chemical reactions.

These photos show some processes of Hagi-ware making. Using a potter’s wheel, craftsmen pay careful attention to leveling the bottom to stabilize the ware, to making regular and smooth at the edge for comfortable use, etc.

When they fire the wares, traditionally a type of kiln called “nobori-gama” (climbing kiln) is used. As you fire at the ground of the kiln, the fire goes up smoothly and effectively to the top part. But the temperature differs from a part to another, and this produces different tones and patterns in finished wares.

When you use a Hagi-ware, it should be interesting to remember its real uniqueness!

Written by Yabuuchi

Hagi-ware

Many kinds of potteries are produced in Japan. “Hagi-ware”, which is made at Hagi city, in the most west Prefecture in Honsyu, Yamaguchi, is one of them. We have introduced Arita-ware before. Although Arita- and Hagi-wares are classified in “pottery,” they are totally different in shape. But surprisingly, those two share the same origin.

Hagi-ware

 

Arita Porcelain

About 400 years ago when Japan was in a Warring states period, a war lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi tried to invade the Korean Peninsula. At last they were defeated, but they brought many craftsmen making high-quality Korean porcelains to Japan.

Those craftsmen settled in some places like Arita, Hagi, etc. and they continued making porcelains in the same way as they did in their homeland. Although the clays and materials have changed, their skills and techniques have been transferred to the present days in Japan. It is very interesting to know Japanese traditional potteries originally came from the Korean peninsula, isn’t it?

These are all Hagi-ware.

 As shown in photos, Hagi-ware is rather quiet or, in another word, subdued, while Arita-ware looks colorful. Some might think such subdued potteries are less popular. However, please remind that there has been a long history of tea ceremony in Japan, in which so-called “wabi-sabi” taste is highly appreciated. The sense of beauty in “wabi-sabi” simply fits in the subdued characteristics of Hagi-ware, and then it is one of the most beloved potteries when enjoying tea here in the past and now.

Written By Yabuuchi

May 5, is Boy's day!!

Today May 5, is Children's day in Japan.

It is a day to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.

Traditionally the day was called Tango no Sekku (Boy's day) . It was originally for boys but was changed to include both genders.

(March 3, is girl's day)

It is said that this tradition is coming from China.

On this day, families often fly carp streamer flags outside their homes and display Japanese traditional armor and helmet to represent strength and success.

How about your country?

Cherry trees

Every spring, cherry trees all over Japan come into bloom. For many Japanese, cherry blossom is synonym for “flower”. Cherry trees bloom usually from the end of March to the beginning of April, from the south region to the north.

There are many viewing spots of cherry blossoms in Japan. We can see every bloom status (such as 30 percent bloom, 70 percent bloom, full-bloom or scattering) in newspapers. Many people refer to the information so as to enjoy a party under cherry trees in full bloom.

Cherry blossom season in Japan coincides with the new semester. Taking pictures of newly enrolled students under cherry trees is a popular scene in many schools.

The period of full bloom is very short. As soon as you notice full-bloom, they begin to scatter. Petals are flown away by wind and most of them fall off when it rains.

Cherry blossoms scatter as soon as they bloom. Cherry trees look to be gorgeous, but on the other hand, they tell us the transience of a life. Japanese have been living since ancient times seeing a beauty in scattering cherry petals.

Japanese traditional crafts reflecting the needs from everyday use

What image would you have when you hear the word traditional crafts?

Traditional may give you some impression that relates to something expensive, significant, and has artistic value; it may also suggest that would not fit in daily use.

However, it is not necessarily so.

Aizu region, where I introduced in the last article, cultivates cotton, and the cotton is well-reputed as a material of traditional craft.

Cotton is not expensive and is so convenient in use that it has been used mainly for cloth. In fact, cotton in Aizu has been used for daily cloths and wears for working on a farm since the past.

As times change, Aizu cotton has been used for other applications besides cloths. For example, bags, business card holders, book covers, etc. Depending on the variation of its stripe-design, it is also used for curtains. For some, you may not be able to recognize that the material is cotton at a glance. Business card holders made of cotton should draw attention because they usually use materials like leather or some light metals.

With above examples, you will see that Aizu cotton is used not only for cloths but also for various products. Many of those new applications have been introduced based on the needs of users, and well accepted from time to time.

I bought a business card holder and a book cover. I have found they are quite comfortable in use and I have been getting fond of them gradually.

 Aizu cotton having been used for many years in tradition and well established as a brand, I believe it has high flexibility to fit in many new applications.

This should also be the case with other traditional crafts. Preservation of old style in old applications need to be kept, in the mean time, like Aizu cotton, I am sure that new applications reflecting people’s needs in the span of time should also give liveliness and freshness in tradition.


Written by Yabuuchi

Aizu-Hongo Porcelain ~To-Bo (craft atelier) Irori~ 2

This is a potter’s wheel, called “rokuro” in Japanese. 

Put clay on the wheel, rotate it till a fine cylindrical shape comes out. Using the pedal on the right, you can control the speed of its rotation. Mr. Baba handles the machine easily and smoothly, but it was much more difficult than I first imagined before I tried.

Soaking the hands in water, and subtly adjusting the power of both hands, you can change the shape of clay freely, flattening or straightening. Mr. Baba looks to be able to change the shape without difficulties, but he says “It took 3 months for me to master these skills”. Naturally, one-day experience for me is too short to master.

Mr. Baba makes each porcelain by hand. “The look of each porcelain varies by handmade,” he says. “Of course, I have the skill to make the same shape one after another by using a mould. But, it is not at all interesting, and for painting, either. When looking at a product, you can tell the difference of expression between handmade and molded ones.”

Porcelain making requires that you should concentrate all alone for hours and hours, in the mean time, you cannot make many at a time. What brings him joy?  “I’m very happy to see my customers come back asking for another piece of work. This makes me believe that my work is well accepted and used by them.” Mr. Baba so expresses his moment of joy.

“At first, when I just opened my own studio, I could not have confidence in my work because nobody came and bought. Eventually, I found out, however, that the most important thing is to pursue what I like in shape. Now, there is no hesitation or anxiety. I am happy that I can make a living, as well, out of it.”

Living in the era of mass production and mass consumption, handmade crafts refresh our senses. And for me, it was a precious time that I could sense the breathing of Japanese craftsmanship.

Written by Yabuuchi

Aizu-Hongo Porcelain ~To-Bo (craft atelier) Irori~ 1

Varieties of porcelain wares are made all around Japan. “Arita” porcelain, which we deal with, is just one of those many. This time, I would like to introduce you a story of “Aizu-Hongo” porcelain made in a region called, Aizu.

 Aizu is in the north-east of Japan, or called, Tohoku region. It is famous for heavy snow in winter. There is an area called “Hongo” in Aizu, an area famous for its original porcelain. There are about 20 pottery ateliers at present, and they produce original-designed/taste porcelain that is different from one another. Mr. Baba’s pottery called “Irori” is one of those twenty.

 Mr. Baba opened his own pottery studio four years ago. During his stay in Kyoto, he had been strongly inspired that he wanted to devote himself to producing something creative as his lifework. He, then, decided to take up the making of Hongo porcelain at his birthplace, Aizu.

 However, he noticed that it was impossible to start with scratch. So he had become an apprentice for a neighboring potter for about ten years before he opened his own pottery. Now, he produces about 40 kinds of porcelain. Most of them are tableware, such as cup, bowl, beer mug and so on.

I will tell you how to make those in the next article.

Written by Yabuuchi

Washi (Japanese traditional paper)

One of the materials commonly used for andon (floor lamp) and byobu (folding screen) is called “washi,” direct translation: “Japanese paper.”

Let us highlight the craft’s material this time.

In Japan, people distinguish two different kinds of paper: “washi”(Japanese paper) and “yoshi”(Western paper). Washi has been all handmade by washi craftsmen since the past till now; yoshi was first introduced from Europe about 130 years ago and has been manufacturing by machine. At that time before yoshi was introduced, there were much more washi craftsmen than now. Raw materials are also different. Washi uses hemp or ramie, whereas yoshi uses pulp.

Characteristics are also different. Washi’s fiber is much longer than that of yoshi, so that washi can be thinner with the same strength and has longer life. Due to this advantage, washi is widely used in the world as a material for restoration of cultural heritage, for banknotes, for crafts, etc. Recently, natural materials are getting more and more attention, and demand for interior designing is increasing. Washi receives higher reputation backed by these trends.

The process of making washi is, at first, mixing the raw material with water, then, filtering the material with net. This is a set of the process, and the rest is to repeat the set again and again. Gradually, the paper becomes thick and strong enough to a level that authentic washi requires.

Andon and byobu are such products that are made of washi as a material. I am sure you can feel the breath of craftsmanship from these items. Why do not you use them as an interior item in your house or room?

Craftsman called "Tategu-shi"

Last time, we introduced “hyogu-shi.” This time, we introduce another craftsman “tategu-shi,” a different kind of house fixtures craftsman.

 “Tategu-shi” is a craftsman who makes mobile partition “tategu,” mainly wooden doors installed inside of a house or at the house gate. Tategu-shi also produces “fusuma,” sliding wooden and paper door installed in a house, as introduced in our previous blog.

Originally, tategu was brought from ancient China as one of temple

architecture. As time went by, it became to be used as the partition of dwelling space. Tategu also has other purposes: soundproof, heat insulation and decoration.

Kihara Fusuma, Focus Japan’s parent workshop, mainly manufactures fusuma and byobu, Japanese folding screen. Fusuma is used rather for practical use in Japanese traditional houses, whereas byobu is for interior decoration.

 Here are some pictures of actual fusuma-making.

This picture shows adhering the wooden frame and paper with bond.

 This shows tightly-fixing the frame edge with nails.

As you can see, fusuma is also handmade furniture like byobu by those craftsmen.


Written by Yabuuchi