Chigiri-e is a Japanese art form that uses hand made and hand dyed Japanese paper called washi to create images, transforming into beautiful pieces of art. If you just saw chigiri-e from a distance, it looks similar to a water color or sometimes an oil painting. But, then upon closer inspection you realize that the …
In my previous post I wrote about the common personality traits of blood type A and B. Then Cristina made a valid comment to inquire about blood type O. So this is to follow up on blood type O and AB. The general belief in Japanese blood type analysis for blood type O is that …
Call it Japanese superstition or whatever you wish, the Japanese practice of analyzing blood type to personality is highly ingrained in their culture. In general terms, type A is considered meticulous, hard working and a very reliable employee. Often companies will hire those with blood type A for accounting, general office work and jobs that …
The Furoshiki is the traditional square Japanese wrapping cloth. The use of the word began during the Edo period and is made up of two words: Furo or ofuro, the Japanese bath and shiki or hiku, meaning to spread. When the Japanese went to the public baths they used the cloth to wrap their clothes, …
Sometimes we need comfort food. For me, this is so simple yet satisfying to eat over a bowl of rice. Stewed pork in shoyu can be considered either Japanese or Chinese, but who cares if it just tastes good! Right? The ingredients are easy to get anywhere because there is nothing fancy in it. If …
As the temperature drops, I find that being sedentary at my desk does not help my circulation. Cold hands and cold feet are very uncomfortable, plus with age, it seems to be getting worse. When I complained to my master, he showed me a little ancient Chinese tip to warm my hands. Chinese Tip: …
Kinpira gobo is an everyday classic Japanese side dish, that will often be included in an obento, a lunch box. Since moving back to the U.S., I realized that looking for ingredients is part of the battle to enjoying foods you grew up with. If you can’t find gobo, just use all carrots. What is …
Fall colors are peaking here in the Pacific Northwest. Over the weekend I visited the Japanese Garden in Seattle and the colors were just so vivid and beautiful that I had to share this photo! And no, it has not been Photoshopped. Honest. Unlike Western gardens, what I like about Japanese gardens is the minimal …
Umeboshi is a Japanese pickled plum which is salty and sour, most commonly used in the center of an onigiri, or rice ball. To learn how to make an onigiri, click on the link and watch my video! Traditionally, umeboshi were extremely salty and sour, but as our palettes have changed and we are more …
There are many many feng shui websites that have articles on the bagua mirror and sha qi. A lot of it is a bit off target and may scare some people from feng shui. So, this post is to help people make their own judgment. Sha qi is “killing” or “bad” qi or sometimes even …
The Japanese Ofuro, or bath, is such a treat for the body, mind and spirit. I really think if every household had one, the world would be a better place! Okay, you might think, how could a bath change society. Although this sounds like an exaggeration, I do think it’s a wonderful way to unwind, …
This past weekend was the Annual Japanese Aki Matsui in Bellevue, Washington. Aki means fall and matsuri means festival. This fabulous cultural celebration is produced by a group of volunteers, led by Tom and Katsuko Brooke called ENMA. Their vision is to celebrate and share the rich culture of Japan with those living in the …
There are two definitions of “money tree”. One is a tree from Chinese mythology and the other is an actual physical live plant that is commonly sold under a commercial name “money tree”. According to Wikipedia, during the Han Dynasty, the mythical Sun tree decorated with gold coins, was a symbol of affluence, nobility and …
Does the time of day you shampoo your hair affect your well being? My hair stylist is originally from Hong Kong and I always enjoy our conversations during my haircut. We often compare notes on Japanese and Chinese traditions and this topic is typical of what we talk about. Growing up in Hong Kong, her …
Why is it that weather has become such a big deal? When I was a child weather was never an important part of my life. But, nowadays, it seems like I am always concerned and affected by the weather. Wonder why? We’ve been having very strange weather in Seattle. Extreme heat then cool overcast days …
Traditionally, gold was considered a safe and sure investment for Chinese. The other day I was reading about the price of gold and how Asians were more likely to purchase gold than Westerners. That’s when I remembered a story. When I was a young girl, one of my best friends was Chinese and her mother …
