10月, 2021 | MUSUBI by BORDERLINK

Four Japanese Philosophies For You

Japan is rich with philosophical ideas that come from Zen Buddhist philosophy, aestheticism, and more. These philosophies help us find clarity and we can be more compassionate to ourselves and others. Here are four Japanese philosophies that you can start applying in your daily lives today!

茶道 – The Way of Tea

Known as sadō/chadō, tea ceremonies are understood as a spiritual practice in Japanese culture. The tea house creates a space where status should not matter. It is about sharing knowledge and connecting with fellow humans.

The four principles of ‘The Way of Tea’ are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. To many, the tea ceremony is a meditative process that can help align these principles by awakening the senses and uniting the mind and body.

華道 – The Way of Flowers

The way of flowers (kadō) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is also known as Ikebana, which can be loosely translated to ‘making flowers alive’. The followers and practitioners of Ikebana, are known as Kadouka. While it does not have a direct English translation, it can be understood as a flower arrangement artist, or someone who creates sculptures and shapes using flowers and plants.

Kadō is a meditative process to observe nature and to work with it to find its form. To many, the form of an Ikebana arrangement is found rather than planned. You find what is already there in nature and from within yourself. It is not uncommon for the practitioner to ask existential questions while sculpting their art piece.

簡素 – Kanso

Kanso is one of the seven principles of Zen philosophy. It can be translated as ‘simplicity’ or ‘plain’. This Japanese philosophy is about the elimination of clutter to achieve clarity. Although the teachings of Kanso are usually applied in one’s living space by making your interior more minimalistic, this aestheticism philosophy can also be about the design of an individual’s lifestyle. For instance, to declutter your friendship circle of people who don’t have your best interest or to declutter your schedule to achieve clarity in your daily life.

金継ぎ – Kinstugi

Kintsugi which translates to ‘golden joinery’ or ‘golden repair’, is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics. This philosophy teaches us about appreciating our flaws and seeing beauty in them. It also offers a different perspective to what is damaged and scarred. Instead of trying to conceal our scars, Kintsugi glorifies it with golden lacquer. It is symbolic of how we should respect and be proud of what we’ve gone through. Instead of hating our “damaged parts”, we should be proud of them, knowing that we can always put ourselves back together and be even more beautiful than ever.

There you have it! Four Japanese philosophies that you can start applying in your life today. Be sure to follow MUSUBI and check our other posts if you want more insights into Japanese culture and lifestyle!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

Top photo: Ryan Kwok on Unsplash

Over the past few years, the culture of South Korea has become more and more in demand throughout the rest of the world, including neighboring Japan. Many people get hooked on its dramas, music and even food. If you ever wanted a little taste of SK but in Japan, then this is the article for you!

For those looking for a little glimpse of Korean culture right in Tokyo, there’s a place that can grant your wish. It’s located on Tokyo’s west side right between the bustling areas of Takadanobaba and Shinjuku. The place is Shin Okubo Korean Town, located in the Okubo area. You can easily access it from Shin-Okubo Station, only few stops up from both Shibuya & Ikebukuro (and as mentioned, right next to Shinjuku).

Korean Town is the go-to place if you’re looking for merchandise related to K-Pop, K-Dramas, or just some tasty Korean food. You can also find various skincare products (another of the country’s famous exports) and you can might even bump into some aspiring Korean idols.

Korea Town offer wide variety of foods, from traditional delicacies, street foods, barbecue and many, many kinds of chicken. The latter is best paired with the mixture of Beer and Soju.

I would personally recommend KangHoDong Chicken 678, named after one of the Korea’s most famous comedians. A very cool place, they serve some good fried chicken in different flavors of your choice.

Definitely make sure to try yangnyeom chicken. It has a sweet and spicy flavor. Even if you are not a big fan of Korean food, give this place a try. You’re almost guaranteed to find something you’ll like.

Aside from the food, there’s plenty of shops featuring merchandise from K-Pop or other idols. If you like BTS, Twice, BlackPink and etc, Korean Town will be heaven for you.

As for skincare products, there are many brands you can only find in Shin Okubo (well, outside of South Korea itself that is!)

Whether you’re from South Korea and looking for a little taste of home or an avid fan of all things Korean, Shin Okubo Korean Town is one to add to your bucket list of places to visit. It makes for a good place to pair up when you’re also going to say, Kichijoji or another location in western Tokyo. Make sure to bring money, and go there with an empty stomach!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Ryan Kwok on Unsplash

Images previously cited by this article: ” Shin-Okubo Station ” by Eye-Fi, (CC BY-NC 2.0), no changes or alterations made.

Additional images previously cited in this article: 1 2 3

Top Image: Quang Anh Ha Nguyen on Pexels

When you think of Japanese food, chances are you think of two things: sushi and ramen. Worldwide, these two dishes are staples of any Japanese restaurant’s menu. But, it’s not always the real deal. These are often stuffed with extras and “fusion” elements that take away from the original nature of the dish. Also, most quality ramen in the West tends to be quite expensive. A friend in the UK told me they went for ramen with some friends. It cost him £8 ($10 US dollars) for the single bowl of standard noodles and soup. That’s ¥1, 200!

Japanese-style Ramen

The average price of ramen in Japan is ¥600- 800! Only £5 in English sterling and $8 in US dollars. And, it’s even cheaper and tastier than Cup Ramen!

While I’m not suggesting one move to Japan just to get cheaper ramen, a country’s food is the essence of its culture. The experience of eating at a ramen restaurant in Japan is unique. And, it’s one well worth having at some point in your life.

If you are a newcomer in Japan or are planning to come some day and enjoy the cuisine, here are some recommendations for ramen spots. These cover three different areas of Japan. Some of these are traditional-style that can only fit about 5 people on one row of stools. Others are more commercial/chain brands that you can find in your local shopping malls. The important thing that they all share though: they have Tonkotsu-style ramen. And Tonkotsu ramen tastes amazing!

Sapporo (Hokkaido)

Hokkaido is famous for its cold, snowy winters, hiking & other outdoor activities, and amazing food. From fish to meat and cheese, Hokkaido is a goldmine for good food and great eating spots.

The main city in Hokkaido is Sapporo. Located only one hour away from Chitose Airport by train, the city is bustling with culture, history, and a buzzing nightlife. And there’s delicious food shops at every corner.

It’s tucked away in Susukino, the party and night life district on the main street in central Sapporo. You may have heard of this one, as it is world-famous. It’s a place called Ramen Alley (元祖さっぽろラーメン横丁 > Ganso Ramen Yokocho to the locals).

If you come here, you have to try the Chicken broth ramen made at Mendokoro Toripan, a traditional bench style ramen restaurant. Like Tonkotsu ramen, they use a meat-based broth. Sometimes as the main broth, other times mixed with soy sauce or miso paste. Toppings include Char Siu Roasted Pork and Bamboo shoots. Simple, cheap and tasty, it’s a must if you’re in the city during the cold months of winter!

Tokyo (Kanto)

Tokyo is of course the most populous and bustling city in Japan. Not needing much of an introduction, Tokyo is famous for its sightseeing, shopping, historic landmarks and pop culture. It’s a must-visit whether you’re living in Japan or just visiting. It has something for everyone. And of course, there’s lots of nice places to eat.

Around Tokyo (and Japan), you’ll find a great chain brand of ramen restaurants called Ichiran, specializing in Tonkotsu ramen. The ramen is top notch, with a variety of flavors and their special spicy red sauce. But it’s the experience of eating here that makes it unique.

The restaurant offers a special seating option to have your own private booth, where you have your own personal server. You can create your own custom bowl, and even get a refill option. Plus, the ramen is delivered to you 15 seconds from when it’s crafted in the bowl to your table, so you can enjoy the freshest-possible ramen imaginable.

Kobe (Kansai)

Just around an hour by train from Osaka, Kobe is a beautiful port town and a melting pot of various cultures. Long ago ships from Europe, South America and Australia all convened here. Today, Kobe is one of Japan’s premier destinations.

There are some amazing sights and a wonderful mix of Japanese and Western styles. The city has traditional English houses, Edo/Victorian sail boats on the pier and even a giant Buddha statue that you can visit.

But at the heart of the town is the massive six-floor shopping mall, Kobe Harborland umie. This shopping mall is split between east and west wings with each floor offering a wide variety of shops, activity and play areas. And of course, plenty of food and drinks.

Last on our list for great ramen is a place on the second floor of the mall. and a place called SANJIN SANJIN Super Light. It offers some of the nicest, smoothest, and lightest Tonkotsu ramen in the area. Osaka is famous for it’s very rich and thick Tonkotsu ramen, but this store specializes in lighter soups. This makes it much more manageable if your stomach is too full after all the other amazing food you’ll be trying!

Conclusion

So, there we are, three recommendations for where you can try some of the best Tonkotsu ramen in Japan. We didn’t even get into Yokohama or Hakata (maybe next time!) As you settle into new life here, you’re wanting to try something new, or if the memories of Cup Noodles and Top Ramen from college still haunt you, these three spots are guaranteed to cure your ramen cravings. And they’ll help you experience even more of what Japan has to offer and experience the unique food culture of this country too.

いただきます！

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Quang Anh Ha Nguyen on Pexels

Additional Ramen photo provided by the author, used with permission

Previously used/cited images :

Picture of Western Style Chicken Ramen

Picture of at Mendokoro Toripan Ramen

Picture of Ichiran Ramen

Top photo: Koto by Kiyo licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Generic license (cc-by-SA-3.0). No changes or alterations were made. Web Archive Link

So you’ve been living in Tokyo for weeks, have developed a beer belly from too many nomihoudai nights with housemates and now you’re looking to get rid of it or at least reduce it. Gyms are expensive and joining a sporting club seems kind of daunting as you can barely read hiragana, let alone kanji. Don’t worry, a third option exists that should get you excited and on your bike, quite literally! “Tour de Arakawa” is now your new fitness routine.

Get Your Wheels

First, you’re going to need a bike – and not just any bike! You’re going to need a bicycle that will take you further than your local grocery store and train station. In other words, it has to be one of those without a basket on the front and a cargo rack at the back, like what the international students living in your share house are using (assuming you live or have lived in a share house, of course!)

Yes, we’ve all contemplated buying one of those mama chari at some stage while living here as they seem “practical”. Trust me though – you will eventually regret it. I did, and many others did too! Did you ever go to the supermarket in your home country using one of these bikes?

No, you didn’t, right? So, if you didn’t need it there, you won`t need it here either. Major supermarket chains are dotted throughout suburban Tokyo, especially near train stations. Walking there to do your weekly groceries is exercise in itself.

There are also many privately-owned “grandma and grandpa” fruit and veggies stalls likely to be just around your place, so please support your local community by buying some of your food from them. This is a nice way to introduce yourself to the locals and if you become a cheerful regular, you might be given discounts and the occasional freebies.

“But I really want one but can’t afford a Trek, Bianchi, or a Raleigh!” Fear not, I hear you loud and clear! I too have always wanted a top-of-the-range bicycle but never had the funds to afford one. Fortunately, these brands and many others similar can be bought at second-hand stores around town like Hard OFF, OFF House, and Garage OFF.

In suburbs like Nakano, Shimokitazawa or Sangenjaya there are many specialty shops that sell quality second-hand bikes for a reasonable price. Take your time choosing one and if possible, take a Japanese-speaking friend along with you to help with translation and registration. Don’t be shy to ask questions and if you can have a “quick test ride” before deciding on a purchase.

“I don’t like used bicycles, I have a tight budget and I`m not going to be here forever!” An understandable concern for many of us! No worries, Don Quijote to the rescue! By now you would’ve stumbled into the wonderful world of Don Quijote, a store that pretty much sells everything except kitchen sinks.

Cycling enthusiasts will probably never consider buying a bike here but that doesn’t mean they don’t have decent ones for weekend warriors like us. Trademarks like Giant, Hummer, and Specialized are commonly sold here with a price tag guaranteed to make us smile from ear to ear. There are also less-known brands available for sale that not only look good, but are comfortable to ride and also very durable, surely able to pass the test of time. So go ahead and pick one that matches your helmet and sunnies, then prepare to check out a side of Tokyo not seen by average tourists.

The Course (of course)

Now that you’ve chosen a horse, it`s time to join the not-so-world-famous Tour de Arakawa. A race which can attract dozens of cyclists throughout the year starting from dawn to dusk. You don’t need to be part of a team to participate in this event nor have super-human endurance abilities. Your favorite songs saved into your favorite music device and a full water bottle are highly recommended though!

The Arakawa river is extremely long, over 170 km stretching from central Saitama to Tokyo bay. Luckily, the cycling trail is only about 35 km long starting from the northern part of Tokyo, around Kita city all the way down to Koto city on the west bank and Urayasu on the opposite east bank.

There is a healthy debate between riders on which side of the river is more scenic and lively, but personally, I like both sides of the river and usually decide which route to take only upon arrival.

As a beginner, the ride will be a little bit challenging if you decide to take on the whole trail from start to finish. Although the majority of the course is flat, there are several uphill points and corners that requires the rider to drop to lower gears for the smallest amount of resistance. Not having a basket on the front and a cargo rack at the back will make pedaling easier. Not to mention it gives you an opportunity to look the part – as a fellow “cyclist” enjoying the views.

There are distance markers along the track to see your progress and there are also plenty of public toilets and drinking water fountains for those inevitable pit stops. Surprisingly, the “little boys’ rooms” are maintained regularly and much cleaner than others I`ve seen during my overseas travels, with plenty of good toilet paper. And the water from the fountains has yet to make me sick, so if you burn through your water bottle, refilling is always an option.

Spring and summer of course is the best time to join Tour de Arakawa. Those seasons have the best atmosphere, with club sports like soccer and baseball being played by adults and kids alike. Pack a bento box and a picnic rug in your backpack. Then join the many who uses the parks adjacent to the river to chill under the many shady trees.

The rare appearances of local fauna while sitting on the grass is an amazing sight too, that is if you like snakes and rabbits. If tanning in your underwear is your thing, you`re in luck as men of all shapes and sizes do the same along the river bank. Kite-flying fathers and sons, skateboarding teens and music bands practicing under the bridges are all pleasant distractions throughout the day.

During the summer festival season, regular events are held until after sunset, culminating in an awesome fireworks display worth sharing on social media or just with your family members who are missing you.

Yes, the Tour de Arakawa has it all! It`s free of charge, non-competitive and a great way to forget about your daily grind and late health insurance payments. The best part though is that whether you finish first or last, in the end you`ll feel like a winner – with really sore legs.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Koto by Kiyo licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Generic license (cc-by-SA-3.0). No changes or alterations were made. Web Archive Link

Additional photos provided by Shariff Hael, used with permission

Top photo: FranckinJapan on Pixabay

Nagoya isn’t talked about as often as cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. But it’s definitely not a destination to pass on. Japan’s “central city” boasts a wealth of interesting culture and locales to visit. Here are a couple of my favorites, plus some things you can do (and eat) there!

Nagoya Castle

First, let’s start with Nagoya Castle. This castle was constructed in 1612 by Ieyasu Tokugawa. While the original was destroyed in World War II, the reconstructed version has been around since 1957.

You will be able to enter and take a tour inside Nagoya Castle. The views both inside and outside are absolutely stunning. You can also learn more about the culture and history related to the castle. Grab your camera, smartphone, or anything else to bring along when you visit. This fine establishment is sure to make you say, “wow!”

Nagoya Port

Second, if you enjoy taking a nice walk with the relaxing sea breeze blowing into your hair, then Nagoya Port is for you. There is an aquarium, a big Ferris wheel, and a gorgeous seaside to take pictures of.

If you visit Nagoya Port on a sunny day, take a fine gander at the sea and boats as you take a nice stroll. On the other hand, if you visit at night, take a ride on the light-up Ferris wheel for a breathtaking night view from above. Nagoya Port is sure to leave your heart sailing peacefully.

Osu District

Third, there is Osu. In Osu, there is a wonderful shopping district that has both modern and traditional vibes. If you need souvenirs, visit Osu to bring home some pieces of Nagoya to share with friends and family.

For those who enjoy visiting religious sites, there is Osu Kannon Temple. You will get to see and observe traditional Japanese culture in action. If you visit on a special holy occasion, you can even watch various great Buddhist traditions take place. See here for more about experiencing the Osu district.

Also, the Food!

When talking about Nagoya with friends in Japan, you might hear about foods like ‘miso katsu’ or ‘hitsumabushi,’. These are extremely delicious foods to try, and Nagoya prides itself on having a strong tradition of cuisine. We’ve written about it before, in fact! One simply cannot pass up either of these two dishes when visiting Nagoya.

And there you have it! There are many other places in Nagoya to see and talk about, but let these three places mentioned serve as great starters. If you have been to Nagoya before, have you visited any of these three places? What would your three picks be if a friend ever asked you about your experience?

If you plan to visit in the future, do not forget to pack light, bring a camera, and money for everything Nagoya has to offer. Plus, while you’re in the area, consider taking a trip over to nearby Gifu as well!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: FranckinJapan on Pixabay

Top Image: Provided by Chris Estrada

You’re in Japan. After you land, see all the touristy sites on your wish list and get settled into your new apartment, what do you do next? Like many ALTs, you might be wondering this very thing as the “honeymoon” phase of life in Japan comes to a close and that “newness” factor wears off. Don’t fret, as I have 3 surefire tips to help banish away those post-honeymoon blues!

Get to Know Your Area!

Places like Tokyo are massive, and while you may not live “in the Ku’s” (the 23 Special Wards that make up the center of the former Tokyo City) or even in the prefecture (shout out to Kanagawa and Saitama) that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to spending hours on the train in order to have a little recreation.

Your area and its surroundings are a treasure trove of off the beaten path parks and shops that you can discover. Many of the smaller suburb cities that surround Tokyo have their own unique histories and stories just waiting to be discovered. If you’re unsure of where to start, your local town newspaper or website is a great place to begin. Otherwise, just pick a direction and start walking!

Pick Up a Hobby!

While this might seem like a no-brainer, finding something that interests you will help keep you motivated and adjust out of that honeymoon phase.

Whether your hobby is photography, camping, jogging, handcrafts, etc. there’s tons of places near you to accommodate your niche. For example, I’m into coffee. Japan has a rich and storied coffee culture, so finding places around my town that cater to that niche has been exciting and fulfilling. It also provides me with many subjects for my other passion; photography.

Hit the Books!

While not the most exciting part of life in Japan, here’s an essential one. Take some time out of your schedule to study Japanese! It’s a great way to help you get the most out of your experience here.

Tokyo (and Japan in general) is getting better about having English options for travelers. There are also a growing number of fluent English speakers (that’s why we’re here after all!) Still, many events and places operate strictly in Japanese. The more you’re able to learn the language, the more Japan opens up, and the more experiences you’ll have. So do yourself a favor and study! You’ll have plenty of motivation to put it to use on your next outing.

Though not an exhaustive list, hopefully this gives you the quick boost of motivation to get the most out of your new Japan life! There’s a whole lot of country to discover, why not start with what’s just outside your genkan?

Ready to start your new Life in Japan? Come on over as an ALT starting from April 2022! For more information, read all about being an ALT and see some of the opportunities!

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Provided by Chris Estrada

Top Photo: 8-Low Ural on Unsplash

Bacteria have a bad reputation and for good reason. The thought of eating a few billion a day in the interest of your own health is hard to digest. But not all bacteria are malicious. In fact, our bodies harbor an estimated 100 trillion “good” bacteria, many of which are found in our gut. Not only do we live in harmony with these beneficial bacteria, but they are actually essential to our survival. These microorganisms, called probiotics, surpass the number of human cells by a ratio of 10 to 1!

People were taking probiotics long before they became mainstream. The word probiotics derives from the Greek word “pro bios” – for life. Our belief in the beneficial properties of fermented milk beverages stretches back to Biblical times.

It is known that Pliny the Elder recommended such drinks for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in the first century AD. In the era of Genghis Khan, around the 12th century AD, fermented milk was prized as a fountain of strength and health. So much so that Mongol women literally doused their warriors with it to protect them during battles.

Have you been consuming enough probiotic-rich foods in your diet, then? Most likely not! With hectic lifestyles and busy calendars, people often don’t consume the recommended daily dose of probiotics. In most cases, you don’t need to buy expensive pills or supplements to consume more probiotics. In fact, in Japan, there are a number of probiotic foods and drinks that are enjoyable, nutritious, and easy to consume as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Natto

Japan is one of the countries with the highest life expectancy, and so many attribute this to Natto. Individuals who regularly eat Natto are said to have less bone loss and better liver function.

Natto contains the highly effective probiotic Bacillus subtilis, which has been shown to boost the immune system, support cardiovascular health and promote the digestion of vitamin K2. Don’t be scared off by its reputation- it’s well worth getting used to, and can be eaten in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor.

Miso

You know it, you love it. We sure do!

In Japan, Miso is known as ‘food for the soul’. A fermented soy and rice paste, miso is ubiquitous in Japanese cuisine. Chances are, if you’ve ever been to a Japanese eatery, you’ve tasted miso soup.

In addition, miso is also a main ingredient in Japanese medicine.
It is made by fermenting soybeans, barley or brown rice with koji. Koji is a fungus, and the fermentation process can take from a few days to a few years.

Miso soup is renowned worldwide and is a very simple to make. In a pot of water, simply stir up a tablespoon of miso with seaweed and other ingredients of your choice. You can also spread miso on cookies, use it in place of butter, or add it to marinades and stir-fries to enhance the flavor.

Yakult Drink

Yakult is a probiotic milk drink widely popular around Japan. A bottle of Yakult contains live beneficial bacteria that enter the intestines and improve digestion. It contains Yakult’s exclusive probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS). LcS was discovered in 1930 by Dr. Minoru Shirota, a Japanese scientist.

There are lots of very healthy probiotic foods that you can take in Japan. We’ve listed our top 3 here, but there are many more. Explore Japan and stay healthy!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: 8-Low Ural on Unsplash

Top Photo: Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Looking for an elevated experience for your taste buds? Your quest ends now! These five vegan hot spots are sure to leave you wanting more with their exceptional seasonal dishes. Whether you adhere to a vegan diet, are looking to eat healthier or just want to try something different, here are our Top 5 picks for getting a delicious vegan meal in Tokyo.

1) Superiority Burger

Who says Vegan burgers can’t be fun? This burger joint has been sizzling delicious burgers that live up to their name all the way from New York to Harajuku. Their classic Superiority burger is a must-try, but don’t miss out on their seasonal gelatos too!

For more information, find them on Instagram.

2) The Farm Café

If vegan burger joints aren’t your thing – don’t worry! We have a more cozy option with The Farm Café in Asakusa. Why not chill in this homey wooden interior for lunch or dinner after an exciting tour around Asakusa?

This café serves seasonal dishes such as hummus and vegan tempura that come in set meals or ala carte. But be careful! This place is so popular that you might need to make a reservation in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit in a large group.

For more information, find them on Instagram.

3) Sasaya Café

All ingredients from this café in Kinshicho are sourced from local organic and pesticide-free farms. This spacious and comfy café has an array of seasonal menus such as plant-based curry and desserts!

For more information, find their website here.

4) Olu Olu Cafe

A Hawaiian-themed café with a zesty atmosphere, Olu Olu Café is sure to pack a festive punch in their tofu-chicken and curry. It’s a healthy and delicious option for your adventurous soul if you ever venture around the Setagaya area.

For more information, find them on Facebook.

5) Hemp Cafe

You can’t get any more creative than this hot spot! This hub of comfort is known for its use of hemp-derived ingredients to create delightful dishes. It’s definitely a space of inspiration, so be sure to check it out for a meal or if you’re just looking for a place to get some work done with a cup of coffee.

For more information, find them on Instagram.

And there you have it, folks! Five amazing vegan restaurants that are sure to enhance your next dining experience. Be sure to let us know if you have tried any of these places before. If you’re interested to learn more about the exciting food culture in Tokyo, be sure to check out our other blog posts!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Top Photo: Chris Hackmann licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. No changes or modifications. Wikimedia Commons Link

MUSUBI celebrates its 1-year anniversary with a brief look at a beloved food that did not inspire its name. But it sure is tasty!

MUSUBI, The Bridge to Inner Japan (aka the blog which you are reading at this very moment) gets its name from the Japanese word musubi (結び) or “knot”. It also means “connecting” or “union”. There’s a lot more to the story, but you can read that here.

And as the past year has hopefully shown, we at MUSUBI are all about connecting (or bridging). We strive to connect you and those around the world to a different side of Japan. For over one year, we’ve done that through the voices of those living here.

But there is a very similar Japanese word, omusubi (お結び), a synonym for the more commonly-known onigiri (お握り) or “rice ball”. While omusubi is still used within Japan, the derived word “musubi” is perhaps better-known internationally. There’s a certain easy-to-make food that includes it. It’s an unusual case of cross-cultural forces creating a dish that is both Japanese and not. It is:

Spam Musubi

The exact origins of Spam Musubi are disputed, but most versions agree it evolved in the aftermath of World War II, as good-quality meat was scarce and the canned cooked pork become prominent wherever American troops were stationed. One way or another, it became integrated into local cooking, particularly in the Pacific (Hawaii and Guam both have their own takes on it).

Spam Musubi is simple and easy to make. A slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice (or sometimes sandwiched between them) and wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). There are some variations(incorporating mayonnaise, teriyaki or soy sauce) but the standard ingredients are always present.

Perhaps the wildest part of the Spam Musubi story is how it has “returned” to Japan. You can find it (in some form) in convenience stores. You can eat it with additions such as egg and tuna mayonnaise. Okinawa has their own spin on it that’s definitely worth a try.

And you can always try making it yourself!

In truth, MUSUBI didn’t get its name from Spam Musubi. But the food kind of sums up what MUSUBI is all about. Japanese culture spreads outward, and returns inward. And we love exploring the many ways it does so.

We at MUSUBI will continue our best to deliver interesting, quality articles about Japan to those everywhere. Whether you’re in Japan now or planning to come some day, we hope you’ll stay on this journey with us.

Thank you for reading MUSUBI for a year! Here’s to many more!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: Chris Hackmann licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. No changes or modifications. Wikimedia Commons Link