The genkan is the Japanese word for the sunken entryway that is in every Japanese home. What's so great about it? Well, let's start with the fact that they are usually made with outdoor tile, concrete, or other durable surfaces. Dirty or rough-soled shoes, rain or snow run-off, etc. don't damage them and there is no expectation that the area is going to look fashionable or beautiful. They're
vendredi 29 avril 2011
Will Miss #314 - the genkan
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
The genkan is the Japanese word for the sunken entryway that is in every Japanese home. What's so great about it? Well, let's start with the fact that they are usually made with outdoor tile, concrete, or other durable surfaces. Dirty or rough-soled shoes, rain or snow run-off, etc. don't damage them and there is no expectation that the area is going to look fashionable or beautiful. They're
jeudi 28 avril 2011
Won't Miss #314 - low ceilings and doorways
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
Compare the height of these guys to the door behind them. You get an idea of the general height, though this isn't the best picture to illustrate my point.
I learned recently that my husband and I are each of absolutely average height for Americans at 5' 9" (175 cm.) and 5' 4" (162.5 cm) respectively. That means we are neither rather tall nor short. The ceilings in Japan aren't a problem for us
I learned recently that my husband and I are each of absolutely average height for Americans at 5' 9" (175 cm.) and 5' 4" (162.5 cm) respectively. That means we are neither rather tall nor short. The ceilings in Japan aren't a problem for us
mercredi 27 avril 2011
Will Miss #313 - miso soup
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
People talk a lot about authenticity and food, and I generally think it's a bunch of snobbery put forth by people who need to elevate themselves (via their tastes in food) above others about a trivial point. However, after years of eating Japanized American food and some experience eating Americanized Japanese food, I have no choice but to change my thinking in this regard. The origin and
mardi 26 avril 2011
Won't Miss #313 - "law and order" moral mentality
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
Those who study psychology are familiar with Kohlberg's stages of moral development. For those who don't know about it, this theory breaks down the way our moral sense develops into 3 levels with various stages. At the second level is "law and order" determined morality. Japan is a shame-based culture, not a morality-based one (this ties into the lack of a strong religious backing which I
lundi 25 avril 2011
Will Miss #312 - food on sticks
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
Back home, certain types of food are sold on sticks. Mainly, corn dogs, cotton candy, and lollipops. When it comes to "real food", you're more likely to get a bowl with a plastic utensil. In Japan, if it can be threaded on a stick, the Japanese will find a way. Fruit, vegetables, seafood, and any type of meat you can think of are skewered and served up for one-handed consumption.This method
vendredi 22 avril 2011
Won't Miss #312 - Akagi Gari
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
Sometimes a mascot offers up such a disturbing image that I'm actually turned off of the company's products. Enter Akagi's "Gari" mascot. The characters huge maw reminds me of a slavering pervert than a kid who wants a tasty ice treat. You can't tell so well from this picture of a tanabata festival decoration, but here's a picture I pinched from Akagi's site:
He reminds me a bit of a Mad
jeudi 21 avril 2011
Will Miss #311 - free calendars
Posted on 00:15 by Unknown
A gorgeous sumo calendar I was given for 2011. Best calendar ever.
At the end of every year, you'll see a lot of people walking around with shopping bags full of calendars. It's common in Japan for various companies to give customers a free calendar as they go around visiting them and thanking them for their patronage. Most of the time, these aren't the wimpy little freebies banks give out in
At the end of every year, you'll see a lot of people walking around with shopping bags full of calendars. It's common in Japan for various companies to give customers a free calendar as they go around visiting them and thanking them for their patronage. Most of the time, these aren't the wimpy little freebies banks give out in
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