5月, 2023 | MUSUBI by BORDERLINK

Staying Healthy the Japanese Way!

When talking about staying healthy everyone knows that its one of the most important things we can do to live longer and avoid chronic pain. Being in Japan doesn’t change this fact and just because in a general sense Japanese food is healthier and better for you that there is no way that you can slip down the family mart chicken rabbit hole or submit to the potato chip gods indulging yourself at every opportunity. Drinking two or three monsters every single day can be a disaster for your health and especially your teeth.

Staying healthy is an important aspect of life, regardless of where you live. In Japan, there are several practices that are commonly followed to help individuals stay healthy and maintain a balanced lifestyle. From a well-balanced diet to regular physical activity and mindfulness practices, there are many habits that can help improve overall health and wellbeing.

In this article, we will explore some of the ways that you can stay healthy the Japanese way, and discuss how incorporating these practices into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your health and quality of life. However, there are certain habits and practices that are commonly followed in Japan that can help individuals stay healthy.

Eating a balanced diet

Traditional Japanese cuisine emphasizes a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including vegetables, seafood, tofu, and rice. These foods are typically low in saturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

In addition, Japanese meals often include smaller portions of meat, which can be a healthier option than larger portions of red meat. Try incorporating more of these foods into your diet and limiting your intake of processed foods, which tend to be high in calories and unhealthy fats.

Photo by クッキーくっきー

Practice portion control

In Japan, meals are typically served in smaller portions than in many Western countries. By practicing portion control, you can reduce your calorie intake and avoid overeating. One way to practice portion control is to use smaller plates and bowls, which can make it easier to control your serving size. You can also try eating more slowly and savoring each bite, which can help you feel fuller faster.

Stay active

Many Japanese people engage in physical activity regularly, whether it’s through martial arts, walking, or other forms of exercise. Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, maintain healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Try to find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. This could be anything from going for a walk or jog, practicing yoga, or taking up a martial art like karate or judo.

Photo by kscz58ynk

Prioritize sleep

Getting enough rest is crucial for overall health and well-being. In Japan, it’s common to take short naps during the day (called “inemuri”), which can help boost productivity and energy levels. Additionally, many Japanese people prioritize getting a full night’s sleep by going to bed early and avoiding late-night activities. To prioritize your sleep, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment that is conducive to restful sleep.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve mental health. In Japan, mindfulness practices are often incorporated into daily life through activities like tea ceremony, flower arranging, and calligraphy. To incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, consider setting aside a few minutes each day to practice meditation or deep breathing exercises. You could also try incorporating mindfulness into your daily activities, like focusing on your breath while washing dishes or practicing gratitude while taking a walk

Photo by takesora

In conclusion, staying healthy is important regardless of where you live. It seems like this is a no-brainer to most but it isn’t hard to slip into unhealthy habits when you are tired and don’t feel like cooking or going for that walk. It can be tempting to indulge in unhealthy foods and habits, that’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being no matter the physical location.

In Japan, there are several practices that can help individuals stay healthy, such as eating a balanced diet, practicing portion control, staying active, prioritizing sleep, and practicing mindfulness. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being, and set yourself on a path towards a healthier and happier life. Remember, making small, sustainable changes over time is key to achieving lasting results.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: beauty-box on PhotoAC

Additional images by クッキーくっきー , kscz58ynk and takesora

Top photo by 4ChaN on PhotoAC

Osaka is commonly referred to as “the kitchen of Japan” due to its diverse selection of tasty and unique food. The streets are often jam-packed with both large chain　restaurants and smaller individual businesses, all delivering flavors that are sure to satisfy a wide spectrum of palates. Ramen and udon shops, curry houses, Izakayas, foreign　restaurants, chic cafes, sweet shops, yakiniku stores and even universally loved conbinis— Osaka has so much to offer. If you are struggling to decide on what to try next, this article suggests some popular but outstanding food items that are unique to Osaka and Japan and　deserve at least one try.

Okonomiyaki

Photo by sugisaku

Okonomiyaki, sometimes called “Japanese pizza,” is one of the most famous dishes from Osaka. This Osakan soul food is essentially a savory pancake that is cooked from a　batter of flour, egg, shredded cabbage and various meats and seafoods of your choice. The major component of this dish that stands out is the toppings. The mixture of Japanese mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce (similar in taste to Worcestershire sauce), seaweed and bonito flakes delivers a satisfying punch to the savory pancake. Some variations of okonomiyaki include: monjayaki, modan-yaki, negiyaki and Hiroshima-yaki. Feel free to try these variants too!

Takoyaki

Photo by ぼんくら

Takoyaki is a classic snack food from Osaka that is made from wheat-based batter with a small octopus filling inside. This “octopus ball” snack contains toppings similar to the okonomiyaki and therefore tastes quite similar. The difference is that the inside of the takoyaki is usually more wet and the octopus delivers a chewy texture accompanied with a grilled seafood taste. You will be able to find takoyaki in most streets of Osaka and you will be drawn to the smell of cooked takoyakis whenever you pass by a shop.

Taiyaki

Photo by cheetah

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake with different types of filling inside—usually red bean paste, sweet potato paste, custard or chocolate. It really resembles an ice cream sandwich, except for the fact that both the filling and the cake is typically hot. These “cakes” are excellent when eaten alongside a cup of hot tea. There is something satisfying about the crunchy texture of the cake that is somewhat reminiscent of biting into a well-done hot waffle. The classic sweetened azuki bean taiyaki is highly recommended.

These three food items only begin to scratch the surface of what Osaka has to offer. The beauty of eating in Osaka is being able to experience the different interpretations of these food items from various restaurants and stores. This is especially true for smaller businesses; many of them like to add their own flair and ingredients to enhance and add personality to these classic foods.

Photo Credits:

Top photo by 4ChaN on PhotoAC

Additional photos by sugisaku , ぼんくら and cheetah

Top photo: craftbeermania on PhotoAC

In these post-spring cleaning times, we may have stumbled items around our homes that we no longer need or regretted buying in the first place. I personally have had stacks of clothing that are a bit too small and am in need to size up (thanks to Covid weight gain). I also have found an old Tamagotchi and have no idea why I bought it in the first place. An oil heater that I bought for the old apartment (7 years ago!) has been gathering dusts in the corner, a space that can be used for something else.

Throwing them away is just wasteful and in the case of big items like the oil heater, it may even costs money to throw them. So why not sell them and get some of the money back? You can simply do that on Mercari.

What is Mercari?

It’s the main Japanese online marketplace where you can buy and sell items domestically. It is equivalent to the famous eBay. As someone who used eBay frequently back in Australia, I have realised that eBay worked differently in Japan. Almost no one uses eBay here as a buy-and-sell platform; it’s used mainly by sellers who are looking to sell internationally. It took me 7 years after moving to Japan to finally dwell on the world of Mercari and it has been life changing.

What can you sell there?

Well, almost anything you can think of. As long as there is a buyer who wants to buy, you can sell whatever you can think of at the right price. It is easy and hassle free. The only difficulty is that it is all in Japanese hence why it took me all these years to try it. It can be a bit intimidating, especially to those who just moved to Japan.

Photo by catwhiskers

What do you need to get started?

Just your smartphone! Have the Mercari app and Google Translate app installed. Credit card and bank are not even needed (more on that later). The hardest part is registering to the Mercari account due to the language barrier. Take screenshots and use the Google Translate app, to go through the menu.

Listing the item for sell is easy and straightforward. Initially, you may need to use the Google Translate app to navigate through the menus, but you will remember it after that, just like how when you first learn to do everything else. Mercari has item categories that you will need to select (men’s clothing, toys, electronics, etc).

After selecting the condition of the item, there are spaces where you can enter the title and a brief description of the item. Very basic Japanese is all you need here. There are templates that you can find online. When setting up the prices, with a price that is less that 19,000 yen (I think), credit card is not needed. But for anything more than that, it is required for security check. Once the item is up, we just wait.

TIP1: Be sure to search similar items to gauge the value before setting the price. Some items like sneakers and fashion clothing may be worth more than what you initially paid for, so you don’t want to lose out on some potential profit.

TIP2: In Japan, some buyers may message first and ask, “If it’s ok to buy the item?” I found this really strange at first, but it is just a courtesy call as some Japanese sellers have these unwritten courtesy rules of purchasing. You can simply reply back the OK.

Sold the item! Now what?

This is the best part. Mercari has contracts with major convenience stores and delivery companies. You simply bring the item to the nearest convenience store and process it there. You don’t need to bring any money to do this; the shipping cost will automatically get deducted from your sale. Usually, courier companies will make a stop at the convenience store, twice a day.

The delivery person will determine the cost of the item, based on the size and weight. Big items (up to 160cm dimension) will max out at about 1700yen. You also don’t need to worry about the shipping address as both buyer’s and seller’s addresses are kept confidential. The Mercari app will provide a barcode, which the convenience store scan and have a delivery note printed out. You will have to place the delivery note on the item and then you are done. Once the item is received and evaluated by the buyer, you will get your Mercari credit in your account, minus the 10% fee and the shipping cost.

Photo by hana+choco

What to do with the Mercari credit?

You can buy other things on Mercari itself. As I’ve mentioned, when I needed to size up my clothing, I just searched similar cloth that are one size up and bought those that are in the same price range of the ones I sold for (some even costed lower!) I essentially sized up my clothing for free.

You can also use the credit to buy other goods and services at places that accept MerPay as their cashless payments. Convenience stores and supermarkets are starting to widely accept this. You can easily transfer the credit to your bank account. You will need to set up your bank details for this, which isn’t that hard to do. There is a process fee of 210yen each time you transfer money back to your bank account.

This is the gist of flow of the Mercari selling experience. There is no need for Japanese fluency, and as long as you are honest in the description and able to communicate politely, you will be able to enjoy it. make some cash and learn some Japanese too!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: beauty-box on PhotoAC

Additional photos by catwhiskers and hana+choco

Top photo: beauty-box on PhotoAC

Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and health benefits. It’s no wonder that it has become increasingly popular around the world. If you’re looking for healthy and tasty options to add to your cooking repertoire, Japanese cuisine offers a wealth of possibilities. From miso soup to grilled fish, there are plenty of dishes to choose from that are both delicious and nutritious.

Whether you’re a fan of seafood, tofu, or vegetables, there’s something for everyone in Japanese cuisine. In this article, I’ll explore some of the best healthy Japanese dishes so that you can easily prepare them at home, and provide some tips on how to make them both tasty and nutritious.

Miso Soup

Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often enjoyed as a comforting and warming dish. Miso paste, the main ingredient in the soup, is made from fermented soybeans and is known for its health benefits such as improving digestion and boosting immunity.

The addition of tofu, seaweed, and green onions make for a nutritious and filling meal. An easy way to make miso soup, is to start by bringing a pot of water and dashi (a stock made from dried bonito flakes) to a boil. Add in your desired amount of miso paste, add to taste, and stir until dissolved.

Next, add in cubed tofu, sliced green onions, or any other veggies you’d like such as mushrooms or seaweed. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes until the veggies are tender, and serve hot.

Edamame

Edamame are boiled soybeans served in their pods and are not only a delicious snack, but they’re also high in protein and fiber. They’re a popular appetizer in Japanese restaurants, bars, pubs and are often served with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Edamame is a great option for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet and a great way to have a fulfilling snack that doesn’t break the calorie bank. The easiest way to prepare edamame is to bring a pot of water to a boil and add in the edamame pods.

Boil for about 5-7 minutes until the beans inside are tender. Drain the water and sprinkle sea salt over the edamame. Serve the pods hot and enjoy by squeezing the beans out of the pods with your teeth. Using your teeth, the salt on the pods will distribute on to the beans no problem so don’t worry about having the salt be directly on the beans.

Sashimi

Sashimi is a raw fish dish is commonly made with tuna, salmon, or yellowtail and is thinly sliced and served with soy sauce and wasabi. Sashimi is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for heart health. It’s a great option for those looking for a low-carb and low-calorie meal.

Sashimi is often enjoyed in Japanese restaurants, but you can also make it at home if you have access to high-quality, sushi-grade fish. To prepare, start by washing and slicing the fish into thin pieces. Serve the fish slices on a plate with a small dish of soy sauce and wasabi on the side for dipping.

Grilled Fish

Grilling fish is a common cooking method in Japanese cuisine, and it’s a healthy option. Fish, as previously mentioned, is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. Grilling the fish with a simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic adds a delicious flavor to the dish.

To make grilled fish, start by marinating your fish in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a little bit of sugar for sweetness. First, let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the fish on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and lightly charred.

Seaweed

Seaweed is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is known for its nutritional benefits such as being high in iodine, calcium, and iron. Seaweed salad is typically made with a variety of seaweed types, such as wakame and hijiki, and is dressed with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. It’s a light and refreshing side dish that adds a healthy dose of minerals to your meal.

In order to make seaweed salad, start by soaking your desired amount of dried seaweed in cold water for about 10 minutes until it’s rehydrated. Drain the water and pat the seaweed dry. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a little bit of sugar.

Toss the seaweed with the dressing and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then viola your seaweed salad is complete and ready to serve.

Tofu

Tofu is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is a great source of plant-based protein. Sautéing tofu with a mix of veggies such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers makes for a colorful and nutritious meal. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying dish.

A simple way to make a tofu stir-fry is to start by pressing your tofu to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes and set aside. Heat up a large skillet over high heat and add in some oil. Add in your veggies such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and stirfry for a few minutes until tender-crisp.

Add in your cubed tofu and stir-fry for another minute or two. Add in a sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a little bit of honey. Serve hot with rice.

Japanese cuisine offers a wide range of healthy and delicious options that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, there are plenty of dishes that will satisfy your taste buds and provide you with essential nutrients. The key to making these dishes healthy is to use fresh, whole ingredients and to avoid excessive use of oil and salt.

With a little practice and experimentation, you can master the art of Japanese cooking and create your own healthy and tasty meals. So why not give it a try and see how easy and enjoyable it can be to cook Japanese food at home? Your body and taste buds will thank you for it!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: beauty-box on PhotoAC

All additional images taken and provided by Zane Kane, used with permission.

Top Photo: Christina Tan

Dearest readers, I would like to welcome you to Japan, the land of the beautiful mountains, onsens and sakura. There is a lot to offer in Japan whether you enjoy a day out in the nature, some delicious food late at night, or singing at karaoke with friends. I understand it may possibly be the first time you moved abroad or the first time you ever move to Japan. It can be stressful moving to a place you have never lived in before. Here are some of my advice to help you with your transition to Japan.

Electrical appliances

When I first moved to Japan, I thought of bringing some electrical appliances until I was advised not to. Aside from the essentials, I would recommend buying the electrical appliances in Japan. That is because the plug type and the voltage supported in Japan may be different than the ones back in your country. Due to that, not all electronics from overseas can be used in Japan.

Electronics, in my experience, are pretty affordable in Japan and you can easily get electronics online with very fast shipping. If there is an electronic you would like to bring from home, I would recommend you to check whether the plug type and voltage is supported and compatible here in Japan. Aside from that, I would also recommend you to bring an international adapter, just in case.

Trash sorting skill

In Japan, one of the things you may notice that is different, is the way people sort out the trash. Back in South East Asia, it is not common for people to sort their trash into different categories. In Japan, it is an expected practice from everyone to sort their own trash. There are different categories to sort your trash into. There are burnable trash, non-burnable trash, paper, plastics and many more. It can be stressful in the beginning especially when you do not know how to sort that out.

My recommendation is to seek information in the city hall. In some city halls, they do have information about the trash sortation. You may be able to get a brochure from the city hall and sometimes, that information is also available in English. Do keep in mind that every city has its own rules in terms of trash sortation and you may need to get a designated trash bag depending on which city you are staying in. Don’t worry, over time, you will be a professional in this.

Living alone

This may possibly be your first time living alone abroad, far away from your friends and family. It can get difficult and lonely at times. I recommend you to get to know your area once you have settled down in your place. Check out the nearby parks and get to know where the local grocery store is. There are also communities or language groups in the city hall that you can take part in. It is a good opportunity to meet people and practice your Japanese language.

If you are feeling lonely and down, do remember you are not alone in this. Remember to speak to your friends and family, or seek support.

Explore, be curious, and enjoy

There are just so much to explore in Japan. From the huge variety of delicacies to the countless types of activities you could do, whether its hiking, going for a picnic, or visiting the sports center. During your free time, be curious, go out and find the hidden gems of your city. You never know what you are going to find. If you love food, try out the different types of dishes they have here. My favorite so far is udon!

In conclusion, if you have any doubts or questions, please speak up and ask around. People are really helpful here and just remember there are support everywhere! I hope the information will help you with your transition to your new home. While you are here in Japan, do your best, and most importantly, have fun! I hope you are ready for your journey in Japan!

“Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you’re going to get!” – Forrest Gump

Ready to begin your ALT adventure in Japan? Apply today if you’re living overseas OR if you’re already living in Japan!

Photo Credits:

Image taken and provided by Christina Tan, used with permission.

Top photo: Kuroneko-tkb on PhotoAC

“For a new year to bring you something new, make a move, like a butterfly tearing its cocoon! Make a move!”
-Mehmet Murat ildan (Turkish playwright)

A new beginning in a foreign land such as Japan is exciting and relocation moves can be stressful. I would like to stress in a healthy way, the importance of keeping one’s health in mind as well as body. The primary health concern to both mind and body: is failure in recognizing negative stress.

Japanese White Heron photo in Musashimurayama City, Tokyo

As a fellow adventurer in this captivating land, I would like to share some hidden gems on reducing negative stress. More than likely, your abode will be in a local area in commuting distance to your schools. Activate your maps app and begin your adventure with a local search. Onward!

Start exploring your local neighborhood with a 20-minute stroll away from the city and perhaps you may encounter a secret walking/bicycling path near a tucked away park that has been forgotten about before your discovery. I happened per chance to come across a Japanese White Heron casting its shadow as I was on a stroll nearby my house.

Taking the White Heron as an omen, I followed along its path and came upon a shopping mall. I was pleasantly surprised by a digitized aquarium projected by an AI program hidden within the mall. Two stress reducing events which began from a healthy stroll in my local neighborhood. I have discovered once again in Japan that gems are still to be found.

Now in full command of the maps app, one can venture off on a leisurely train ride to a destination such as Okutama (left side) and Mt. Mitake (right side). Both destinations are a pleasant train ride.

Nowadays, everyone can take picturesque photos while enjoying the moments of a beautiful day year round. Walking around these destinations there are vending machines offering drinks both hot and cold in the winter months.

Lastly, my hope is everyone can take advantage of stress reducing activities that are local gems waiting to be discovered. Remember to start local and eventually venture out with technology in hand. Take advantage of the free parks and low cost train fares to the destinations mentioned in this article. May you be as lucky as I were in commuting to your schools with days full of rainbows.

Photo Credits

Top photo: Kuroneko-tkb on PhotoAC

All additional images taken and provided by Robert E. Henebry, used with permission.

Top photo: happyfoot on PhotoAC

Before coming to Japan, I wasn’t the biggest fan of caffeinated drinks. I know, a rarity in this fast paced world that requires more amounts of instant energy than ever before. The taste, the inevitable crash afterwards, and certain products triggering my unfortunate lactose intolerance symptoms made it so for the longest time, caffeine stayed far away from my system. Even when it came to soda, I often preferred the caffeine free options.

That all changed however, when I arrived to work as an ALT teacher in Japan. ALT, or assistant language teacher, are teachers who assist students at junior high and elementary schools with their English often helping their home room teachers or school English teachers. And believe me; I have met many teachers even in just my one year here so far. There was one thing I found particularly interesting when I drank my usual water bottles or juices depending on the day in our school cafeterias. And that was that the majority of teachers only had one drink of choice with them; Tea.

Now I have tried green tea and other teas before but to be honest, I didn’t really think much of the drinks other then being fancy gifts my parents received from relatives. I just didn’t get the craze, it just tasted as some would say, like leaf juice. And in America where I am from, coffee was by far a much more popular drink of choice. However, it was not only the fact that all the other facility members were drinking it, but also the fact that tea seemed to be on sale everywhere from convenient stores, to supermarkets, to vending machines.

Photo by 花藤館 photo&園芸

Fascinated by the phenomenon, I decided to do some research online on why tea was by far the most popular drink of choice amongst citizens in Japan. Well as you’d imagine, it was quite the rabbit hole with tea’s extensive history. One particular kind I found interesting was tea that contained a substance known as “Matcha”.

According to this webmd page, Matcha contains more caffeine as well as theanine, an amino acid that enhances cognitive performance. Also inside are catechins which assist with heart and liver health. You can even if you drink too much tea experience something known as a “tea” buzz or tea drunk as there is a bit of psychoactive effects within catechins.

All the research in the world however, cannot make up for the actual experiencing of something. Still very curious, I decided to take 150 yen to my local vending machine and purchase a bottle of green matcha tea to try myself. I won’t lie, the taste was the same as I remember when I first tried tea; bitter, not really flavorful, and grassy.

But still, I drank the bottle within half an hour. It wasn’t that drastic of an effect, but even the first time trying I felt like I sort of understood why it was so popular. The caffeine buzz was lighter and smoother than that of coffee, and I did feel a bit clearer in the head. So of course, the next day I decided to buy another bottle.

And another and another. Turns out the beauty of tea like many things comes with time. The bitter taste eventually became something my tongue welcomed. The light burst of energy, I appreciated when I had to dredge through slow hours at work. Since that day in fact, I feel I’ve tried at least 20 different types of tea just to see the effects each had. I have to say, as convenient as vending machine tea is, nothing beats a nice warm cup served in a proper café.

Photo by すんだらみやこ

So the next time you’re deciding what to drink and about to choose something filled with sugar or too much caffeine, perhaps consider tea as an alternative. There’s a reason the drink is not only popular today, but throughout every age in the passage of time since the first monks who discovered it. It’s refreshing, it’s light, and it gives you just the right amount of energy without the crash after. It’s no wonder that on every desk at my school’s teacher’s office, there stand the same green bottes.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: happyfoot on PhotoAC

All additional images: 花藤館 photo&園芸 and すんだらみやこ