You might have already heard of, or even have already tried crêpes in a restaurant or simply at a food stand at a fair, but did you know of the unique Japanese take on French crêpes? Today we’re going to talk about what makes Japanese crêpes so special and when they first appeared in Japan!
Continue reading “Japanese Crêpes: a Harajuku take on a French staple”Fugu: The fish you need a license to prepare
Fugu (フグ or 河豚) is a Japanese pufferfish very famous worldwide for being served as a dish in restaurants despite its poisonous properties that require chefs to have a license to cook it. But where did this tradition of eating fugu come from? And how does one learn how to handle such a fish? Let’s find out!
Continue reading “Fugu: The fish you need a license to prepare”The Battle of Sekigahara – 関ケ原の戦い
October 21, 1600… Fog covered the battlefied and tension ruled over the soldiers on both sides… The fate of the Japanese Empire was hanging in the balance as the country stood in need of a new leader to unite the people. Two major candidates emerged and were determined to take over. But one final battle was awaiting… The Battle of Sekigahara was perhaps one of, if not the most decisive battle in the history of Japan and sealed the country’s fate for the next 250 years. But what happened exactly? Who were these candidates and how did this single battle forge history as it did?
Continue reading “The Battle of Sekigahara – 関ケ原の戦い”Why does Japan drive on the left side of the road?
About 65% of the population drives on the right-hand side of the road, while the other 35% drives on the left side. And what’s more, around 90% of the total length of roads that exist on this Earth are used for right-hand traffic! So basically, most people drive on the right side of the road. Yet, Japan (along with countries such as the UK, Australia, Thailand, Suriname…) drives on the left-hand side of the road. Why is that? Let’s find out.
Continue reading “Why does Japan drive on the left side of the road?”5 Japanese New Year’s Traditions
Each country has its own unique way of celebrating the coming of the New Year. You might celebrate the New Year completely differently than I do: here in France we usually eat tons of not-so-healthy foods with friends and family and take a day off on January 1st. You might also be familiar with the famous Chinese New Year festivities and all its events.
But have you ever wondered what it’s like in Japan? Let’s find out!
Continue reading “5 Japanese New Year’s Traditions”