Bringing Japan Home - Seattle

Transcription

Japanese Inspired Food and Lifestyle Magazine
Furniture & Art
Bringing Japan Home
Japanese Snack Paradise
SAKE Drinking Vessels
DINE OUT In Search of Nabe
ART Junko Yamamoto
New Bilingual Comic by Enfu
Recipe, Travel, Fashion and More
January & February 2010 Vol. 03 Seattle / Bellevue / Portland
FREE
CONTENTS
FEATURE
4
16 Bringing Japan Home
Add a touch of Japan to your interior this winter. The
Pacific Northwest has a rich array of Japanese furniture
and art to choose from.
4
Snack Paradise
The packaging is oh-so cute and the tastes are exotic
and fun. Japan is a snacker’s paradise, and now those
snacks are available here.
EAT & DRINK
9
10 Dine Out
13 The Saké Story
14 Recipes
Best spots to enjoy nabe (Japanese hotpot) this winter
Restaurant Directory
Saké drinking vessels of all shapes and sizes are introduced
Salted salmon and edamame with rice
Curry with udon noodles
LIFESTYLE
18
20
Store & School Directory
Exploring Kanazawa and Takayama
22
24 Art — Junko Yamamoto
i fart rainbow
26 29 22
Two gems of culture and art (not to mention natural
beauty) that often get overlooked
New bilingual comic series by Enfu
Movies: Kabei — Our Mother / Music: Misia
Fashion: Garconshinois /Place: Reversible destiny lofts
Food Trends: Tokyo tops Paris in 3-star Michelin restaurants
Local News and Events
IBUKI Magazine Vol.03 January & February 2010
Publisher
Misa Murohashi
Chief Operating Officer
English Cartier
Editor-in-Chief
Bruce Rutledge
Editor and Translator
Yuko Enomoto
Feature Designer
Josh Powell
Contributing Writers & Artists
David Kowalsky
Enfu (Ken Taya)
Jessica Sattell
Johnnie Stroud (Saké Nomi)
Julian Waters
Steven Corless
Special Thanks
Chin Music Press
Cover Photographer
Doug Sims
Published by
Axia Media Group, Inc.
12727 Northup Way Ste. 3,
Bellevue, WA 98005
TEL 425-440-9939
Comments and general inquiries
[email protected]
Advertising Info
[email protected]
www.ibukimagazine.com 3
息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE:
JAPANESE FURNITURE & ART
Photo by Charles Bickford
Bringing Japan Home
Japanese furniture & art fit well
in the Pacific Northwest
by Bruce Rutledge
lean lines, craftsmanship and a
reverence for natural materials. That
description of the guiding aesthetic
behind Japanese architecture and carpentry
could just as easily be used to describe the
Northwest style of architecture, with its
love of exposed wooden beams and warm
interiors to offset the grey outside. Perhaps
that’s why this region is home to so many
people inspired by the Japanese aesthetic,
from antique dealers to woodworkers to
gallery owners. It’s a natural fit.
Japanese carpentry also taps into our 21st
Century desire for simplicity, environmental
responsibility and things made with care and
attention. As we lose interest in McMansions,
we start to riff through pages of Dwell
and other magazines hawking a cleaner,
simpler way of life (or at least we did before
our 401Ks went south). These magazines
embrace an aesthetic closer to the Japanese
penchant for a small, well-tended living space.
And yet the pieces of Japanese furniture you
may see at an antique shop or gallery — the
heavy tansu chest of drawers, elegant wooden
chairs and low-lying tables — are connected
to a tradition that goes back more than one
thousand years.
C
4 息吹 ibuki • January / February 2010
Dale Brotherton, owner and founder
of traditional Japanese design/build firm
Takumi Co. of Seattle, has been studying this
style of woodworking for decades. “Japanese
carpentry is an evolved approach to creating
wooden structures,” the San Francisco
native writes in an email. “Its roots are lost
in antiquity. We do know that the methods
and tools first reached Japan in the 9th
Century in connection with Buddhist temple
architecture. Japanese craftsmen quickly
began to adapt and refine this building
system, applying it to all structural forms,
from temples to shops to residences.
“Over time, as tastes changed, various
uniquely Japanese architectural forms sprang
forth,” he continues. “Most notably, in the
16th Century the chashitsu (teahouse) and its
related sukiya residential styles. The emphasis
in design moved from heavy ornate to
simple, clean straight lines and light, elegant
proportions.”
Those architectural forms influenced not
only the residences the Japanese lived in, but
the furniture they had in those residences.
Tatami-mat rooms are used in various ways
throughout the day, for example, so the
furniture tends to be lightweight and small.
“The craft and techniques used in making
Japanese furniture are mostly derived from
the carpentry tradition,” Brotherton explains.
“Traditional lacquer is often applied to
tables and tansu but always with an eye for
enhancing the natural beauty of the materials.
Because of the care and methods used, these
objects age gracefully, radiating a timeless
beauty such that they easily serve as accents
in even the most modern format.”
At Ming’s Asian Gallery in Seattle’s
International District and on Main Street
in Bellevue, one can see firsthand just how
gracefully the tansu and tables age. One
can also browse through ancient screens,
carvings, paintings and much more. The
store’s Japanese items, displayed together
in the Zen Collection, could fit in the
home of the most discerning modernist.
“Aesthetically, Japanese furniture is so clean,
it can go into an Arts and Crafts home,” says
proprietor Jim Russell, who owns the store
with his wife Doreen. “They fit well with oak.
It’s not restricted. And then what’s nice too is
that a tansu can go in a bedroom or a living
room.”
In the Pacific Northwest, craftspeople
— many of them promoted by the Kobo @
Dale Brotherton’s Takumi Co. brings the clean
lines and simple aesthetic of Japanese carpentry
to homes in the Pacific Northwest.
Higo gallery in Seattle’s International District
— have melded Japanese and sustainable
design to come up with decidedly modern
alternatives that respect the centuries-old
traditions. Go Green Design of Ballard, for
one, uses reclaimed wood and bamboo to
make its small tansu and other furniture.
“Every piece has a story,” says Kobo co-owner
John Bisbee. “We try to learn that story.”
Turn the page to learn the stories of some special
shops offering Japanese furniture and art.
Ming’s Asian Gallery boasts an impressive
collection of antique tansu as well as modern
riffs on the classical chest of drawers, such as the
stacking tansu (right) that can be rearranged into
different shapes and has drawers that open on
either side.
Below photos by Doug Sims.
Classic
The proprietors of Ming’s Asian Gallery
in Bellevue and Seattle have been bringing
antiques from around the world to the
Pacific Northwest since 1966. But it wasn’t
until 1980 that the store turned its focus
solely to Asia, Jim Russell says. The store’s
collection is vast and deep, with treasures
from China, Tibet, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand,
Korea, Myanmar, Cambodia and Japan. Its
Zen Collection of Japanese antiques were
“harder to get in abundance,” Russell says,
but persistent traveling and deal making in
the country for the past three decades has
given the store strong connections.
The gallery feels like a museum. A display
of samurai armor selling for $6,800 sits on a
shelf; an exquisite kimono hangs from the
wall, displayed like a piece of art; and by the
cash register is an impressive collection of
netsuke sculptures. It’s clear the collection
has been assembled with a discerning
eye. In fact, the family has had a special taste for
Japanese items since the 1950s, when Russell’s
mother and father collected porcelain. The
store boasts an impressive collection of
Japanese textiles as well.
Some of the most interesting pieces are
modern takes on the classic antiques. A tansu
that can stack and unstack both vertically
and horizontally is a good fit for a family
that may use the chest of drawers in different
ways and in different rooms over the years.
Screens done by modern painters accent a
The Zen Collection
at Ming’s includes a
complete set of samurai
armor ($6,800),
beautiful kimonos
displayed as wall art and
a fascinating collection
of Japanese dolls —
one of the stores most
popular items.
Photos by Doug
Sims.
room in an elegant way. Russell says antique
Japanese dolls are some of the store’s biggest
sellers.
While Ming’s caters to everyone from
hardcore collectors to academics, lately, the
store has noticed a rise in the number of
young Asian people shopping there. “Young
people want to have part of their history,”
Russell says. Walking through the beautiful
offerings of Ming’s Asian Gallery, it’s easy to
see why.
Ming’s Asian Gallery
Kobo @ Higo
Bellevue Location
International District
www.mingsgallery.com
10217 Main St.
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 462-4008
www.koboseattle.com
602-608 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 381-3000
Seattle Location
Capitol Hill Location
519 6 Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 748-7889
814 E Roy St.
Seattle, WA 98102
206-726-0074
Momo
Takumi Co.
th
www.momoseattle.com
600 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 329-4736
www.japanesecarpentry.com
[email protected]
(206) 622-2804
Sculptural lighting by HiiH (pronounced “Hi Hi”)
adorned Kobo @ Higo in late 2009.
Hybrid
If you ever wondered what the Japanese
concept of wabi sabi referred to, one glance
around the Kobo @ Higo gallery, shop
and meeting place in Seattle’s International
District should explain it. This unique space
is alive with the tasteful restraint implied by
wabi and the refined rustic sense of sabi.
This gallery and its sister gallery in the
Capitol Hill neighborhood are run by John
Bisbee and Binko Chiong-Bisbee. In the
International District store, the couple has
created a space to showcase the work of
craftspeople inspired by Japan and other
cultures. It’s a place where customers go to
understand “the process of how things are
made,” John Bisbee says.
Kobo @ Higo showcases some of the
most innovative craftsmanship in the Pacific
Northwest, including the contemporary
and sustainable furniture of Go Green
Design in Ballard and the wonderful mix
of traditional and modern created by Rom
Lee. Lee designed the Artifact Table, which
incorporates people’s family heirlooms into
modern furniture. On display recently at
Kobo @ Higo was a glass table showing off
an old koto. The piece seems to embody the
Kobo @ Higo features a gallery space where
beautiful pieces can shine (left).
Kobo approach.
“We tell people when we show them
these pieces, this is not made in a factory; it
was made by a person. And we know who it is
and we can tell you about that person,” Bisbee
says.
Right next door to Kobo is Momo, a
boutique and consignment shop run by
Luann Shiramizu. The eclectic shop is a
place for local homeowners to bring family
heirlooms they can no longer keep but don’t
want to throw away. Perhaps people are
downsizing their home, or an elderly parent
has passed away. Momo accepts pieces on
consignment as long as they are appropriate
for the store. “We want it to go to a good
home with the same familial energy,” says
Shiramizu.
Browse the shelves of Kobo and neighbor Momo.
They’re always chock-full of objets and knickknacks from Asia.
Playful
A touch of Japan in your home doesn’t have
to cost a lot. Momo and Kobo offer many
inexpensive options for accenting a room.
At Momo you can pick up a sash made
from discarded kimono material and use it
as a table rider. Or purchase a kokeshi doll
as a table ornament. At Kobo you can find
bilingual calendars featuring the woodblock
prints of Clifton Karhu You can also find
natural interior objects such as African nobs
and sunset flowers to brighten a room. And
there are modern prints from enfu (a regular
Ibuki contributor; see page 24), Toshi Asai
and many other established and up-andcoming artists.
Kobo always has a beautiful array of
ceramics and pottery on display too (Binko
studied ceramics in Tokyo, and she and John
are passionate about the country’s mingei folk
craft), as well as textiles and lots of books to
help generate ideas.
Thus a one-block stretch of Seattle
on Sixth and Jackson in the International
District and a two-block walk down Sixth to
Ming’s Asian Gallery can connect you with a
treasure trove of Japanese furniture and art.
Or as Momo’s Shiramizu puts it, “a dash of
Japanese flavor for your home.”
Momo’s recycled
kimono sashes (left)
make beautiful
table riders. The
scroll-like Clifton
Karhu calendar
for 2010 (right)
features some of the
renowned artist’s
most impressive
woodblock prints.
Art on the Wall
by David Kowalsky
Seattle is home to several vibrant galleries
that specialize in Japanese woodblock prints,
contemporary Japanese art and hand-colored
photos.
The Cullom Gallery, on Occidental Mall
between Main and Jackson streets on the
mezzanine of Davidson Galleries in the
Pioneer Square neighborhood, specializes
in the tradition and influence of Japanese
woodblock prints and works on paper.
Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints,
located at the north edge of the Pike Place
Market between Virginia and Lenora streets
on Western Avenue, focuses on fine-quality
rare Japanese prints, paintings, scrolls and
books. Everything for sale is by artists who
are no longer living.
In the International District and Bellevue,
Ming’s Asian Gallery features woodblock
print reproductions for as little as $10 as
well as collections of erotica, calligraphy
and hand-colored photos that co-owner Jim
Russell confidently says “nobody can top.”
Azuma Gallery at 530 1st Ave. S. in Pioneer
Square is a leading collector of contemporary
prints from Japan that also displays an
impressive array of screens, paintings,
ceramics and baskets. The gallery has been
brining Japanese art to Seattle for more than
25 years.
Carolyn Staley, a veteran of the Seattle art
community, opened her Fine Japanese Prints
gallery in 1980. What makes the gallery
unique? It specializes in fine quality prints.
Not all galleries do. The gallery features
Japanese ukiyo-e prints of the Edo era (16031868), primarily from the 19th century.
These hand-printed masterworks of famous
kabuki actors, courtesans, landscapes, heroes
and legends reflect the styles, history and
pleasures of the Japanese middle class during
the 18th and 19th centuries.
Beth Cullom opened the Cullom Gallery
in 2007. Prior to this, she worked at Carolyn
Staley Fine Japanese Prints for 11 years,
where she worked her way up to manager and
assistant director. Why did she open her own
gallery and what makes it unique? According
to Cullom, she wanted to do something
different than a traditional Japanese print
gallery. She offers prints by ukiyo-e masters of
the 18th and 19th centuries, Sosaku and Shin
hanga prints from Japan’s modern age, and
contemporary prints by Japanese and nonJapanese artists who draw on Japanese print
traditions and techniques.
Ming’s Asian Gallery features samples
of Japanese folk art, calligraphy, erotica and
woodblock prints collated over three decades
of frequent trips to Japan, where the owners
participate in antique auctions, shows and
flea markets looking to add just the right
pieces to their already formidable collection.
Cullom and Staley sell to both collectors
and people new to Japanese prints. Staley
said her most valued customers are collectors
and museums, but she still has prints for
decorating and gift giving. Cullom said it is
often surprising to people that many Japanese
prints, even from the 19th century, are still
quite affordable. Contemporary prints by
emerging artists are also affordable and offer
the thrill of discovering someone new whose
fame may take off down the road.
Left: The actor Nakamura Shikan II as Ume no
Yoshibei. “Moon” from the series Snow, Moon
and Flowers by Hirosada (1819-1865). Courtesy
of Cullom Gallery.
Middle: Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, from the
series “Pictures of One Hundred Poems by
One Hundred Poets, as Told by the Nurse,” by
Katsushika Hokusai. Cullom Gallery.
Right: Matsushima Godaido by Rey Morimura.
Courtesy of Azuma Gallery.
Art Galleries in Seattle
Azuma Gallery
www.azumagallery.com
530 1st Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 622-5599
Carolyn Staley
Fine Japanese Prints
www.carolynstaleyprints.com
2003 Western Ave., Suite 107
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 621-6493
Chidori Asian Antiques
www.chidoriantiques.com
108 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 343-7736
Cullom Gallery
www.cullomgallery.com
313 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 919-8278
Your Options in Oregon
Want to find Japanese furniture and art in Oregon?
Here’s a list of stores to get you started.
Shogun’s Gallery
www.shogunsgallery.com
1111 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 224-0328
Tokugawa Antiques
www.tokugawaantiques.com
303 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR 97103
(503)325-2577
Armas Imports Inc.
www.trocadero.com/armas
14803 NW Jack Road
Banks, Oregon 97106
(213)814-8677
DINE OUT
In Search of Nabe - Japanese Hot Pot
Nabe Takes the Chill out of Winter
By Bruce Rutledge
In the dead of winter, the Japanese fend off the bone-chilling cold
with a festive nabe (hotpot) meal. They gather friends and loved
ones around the table to cook thinly sliced beef and vegetables, followed by rice and noodles cooked in the broth. Or perhaps they’ll
substitute the beef with tofu or seafood. A Japanese-style hotpot
meal is restorative, delicious and very social.
In the Pacific Northwest, there are several places where groups can
gather to fight off the cold, grey days with a convivial hotpot meal.
There are even a few places that will let you cook the meal at your
table, the way it’s done in Japan.
Chances are that you’ve heard of sukiyaki and maybe even the razorthin slices of meat that make shabu-shabu. Those are both nabe
meals and winter favorites in Japan. But hotpots lend themselves to
variation, so a curious diner can try all kinds of combinations. Some
nabe meals feature monkfish; others called chanko nabe are favorites
of sumo wrestlers and contain a hodge-podge of ingredients including chicken and Chinese cabbage; yose nabe also includes meat, fish,
tofu and vegetables.
Because nabe is such a social meal – the ingredients simmer in the
hotpot at your table while you talk and drink — it’s a good fit for
large parties.
At Miyabi in the Southcenter Mall (Tukwila,. WA), groups can taste
nabe as it’s made in Japan. The restaurant offers yose and chanko nabe
as well as hotpots with monkfish (called anko nabe in Japanese) and
shabu-shabu. For $30 a person, a winter feast is delivered: assorted
appetizers, kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers) or yakitori, a plentiful
nabe of your choice, followed by rice soup or udon noodles.
Other options around Seattle include Warabi in
North Seattle, where the
hearty eater can dine on
all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu
for under $25 or have the
normal portion for $17.99;
Shiki Japanese Restaurant
in Queen Anne, which has
an extensive choice of nabe
meals and is one of only 19
restaurants in the US (all of
them licensed by the FBI)
Warabi’s all you can eat shabu-shabu.
allowed to serve pufferfish,
also known as blowfish;
Bush Garden in the International District ($13.95
for sukiyaki or shabu-shabu); Kushibar in Belltown
($28 for two); and Wann
Izakaya on 2nd avenue
($27.95 for two)
Vegetables for yose nabe at Bush
In Portland, try Bush Gargarden Portland
den, Koji Osakaya in Hills-
Miyabi’s yose nabe overflows with seafood and fresh vegetables.
boro, Yuzu Japanese Restaurant and Syun Izakaya.
Nabe is typically a group meal, so if you’re not sure about the restaurant’s policy, it’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations. However, if you’re dining alone and hankering for some sukiyaki, don’t
fret: many of Japanese restaurants will serve single portions made in
their kitchens. Again, it’s best to call ahead and ask.
So next time you feel the midwinter blahs coming on, call some
friends and loved ones and gather around a hotpot, Japanese style.
It’ll warm you up inside and out.
Restaurants serving nabe cooked at your table
Bush Garden Seattle
614 Maynard Ave S, Seattle
(206) 682-6830
Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki
Wann Japanese Izakaya
2020 2nd Ave, Seattle
(206) 441-5637
Yose nabe, seafood nabe, and
chicken nabe
Kushibar
(206) 448-2488
Shabu-shabu
Bush Garden Portland
900 SW Morrison St, Portland
(503) 226-7181
Shabu-shabu, sukiyaki and yose
Miyabi [R]
16820 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila nabe
(206) 575-6815
Koji Osakaya –Hillsboro
Shabu-shabu, yose nabe, chanko
2215 NW Allie Ave, Hillsboro
nabe and anko nabe
(503) 629-1815
(and most other Koji Osakaya
Shiki Japanese Restaurant [R]
chains)
4 West Roy St, Seattle
Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki
(206) 281-1352
Fugu (pufferfish), shabu-shabu,
yose nabe, anko nabe etc.
Warabi
13754 Aurora Ave N, Seattle
(206) 361-2620
Shabu-shabu (All-you-can-eat)
* [R]: Reservation required
Syun Izakaya [R]
209 NE Lincoln St, Hillsboro
(503) 640-3131
Shabu-shabu, sukiyaki and yose
nabe
Yuzu Japanese Restaurant [R]
4130 SW 117th Ave, Beaverton
(503) 350-1801
* [R]: need reservation.
Yose nabe
>> EAT & DRINK
SEATTLE
Greater Seattle
Mashiko Japanese Restaurant
(206) 935-4339
4725 California Ave SW,
Seattle
Check out sushiwhore.com
You’ll like it.
Shiro’s Sushi Restaurant
(206) 443-9844
www.shiros.com
Boom Noodle, Capitol Hill
(206) 701-9130
1121 E Pike St, Seattle
www.boomnoodle.com
Ajinobo Japanese Gourmet Restaurant
(206) 728-6204
82 Stewart St, Seattle
Aoki Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar
(206) 324-3633
621 Broadway E, Seattle
Blue C Sushi - University Village
(206) 525-4601
4601 26th Ave NE, Seattle
Blue C Sushi - Fremont
(206) 633-3411
3411 Fremont Ave N, Seattle
Blue C Sushi - 7th avenue
(206) 467-4022
1510 7th Ave, Seattle
Bush Garden Restaurant
(206)682-6830
614 Maynard Avenue S., Seattle
Cutting Board
(206) 767-8075
5503 Airport Way S, Seattle
Fort St. George
(206) 382-0662
601 S King St # 202, Seattle
Fuji Sushi
(206) 624-1201
520 S Main St, Seattle
Genki Sushi
(206) 453-3881
500 Mercer St. Unit C-2, 2B, Seattle
Hana Restaurent
(206) 328-1187
219 Broadway E, Seattle
Hiroshi’s Restaurant
(206) 726-4966
2501 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle
Ichiban Restaurant
206-623-8868
I Love Sushi - Lake Union
206-625-9604
1001 Fairview Ave N, Seattle
Imo, Korean and Japanese
(206) 264-9570
704 1st Ave, Seattle
Issian
(206) 632-7010
1618 N 45th St, Seattle
J Sushi
(206) 287-9000
674 S Weller St, Seattle
Kaname Izakaya Shochu Bar
(206) 682-1828
610 S Jackson St, Seattle
Kisaku
(206) 545-9050
2101 N. 55th St. #100, Seattle
Koji Osakaya - Harbor Steps
(206) 583-0980
89 University St, Seattle
Kozue Japanese Restaurant
(206) 547-2008
Kushibar
(206) 448-2488
Maekawa Bar
(206) 622-0634
601 S King St #206,Seattle
Maneki
(206) 622-2631
304 6th Ave S, Seattle
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Queen Anne Hill
(206) 267-7621
803 5th Ave N, Seattle
Nishino
(206) 322-5800
3130 E Madison St # 106, Seattle
Nijo
(206) 340-8880
89 Spring St, Seattle
Ototo Sushi
(206) 691-3838
7 Boston St, Seattle
Red Fin Sushi Restaurant
(206) 441-4340
612 Stewart St, Seattle
Samurai Noodle
(206) 624-9321
606 5th Ave St, Seattle
Shiki Japanese Restaurant
(206) 281-1352
4W Roy St, Seattle
Shun Japanese Cuisine
(206) 522-2200
5101 NE 25th Ave #11, Seattle
Tsukushinbo
(206) 467-4004
Toyoda Sushi
(206) 367-7972
12543 Lake City Way, Seattle
Vi Bacchus Sake Bar & Bistro
(206) 328-5275
1401 Broadway, Seattle
Wabi-Sabi Sushi Bar & Restaurant
(206) 721-0212
4909 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
Wasabi Bistro
(206) 441-6044
Wann Japanese Izakaya
(206) 441-5637
Sakuma Japanese Restaurant
(425) 347-3063
10924 Mukilteo Speedway # G, Mukilteo
Setsuna Japanese Restaurant and Bar
(206) 417-3175
11204 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Taka Sushi
(425) 778-1689
18904 Hwy 99 Suite A, Lynnwood
Warabi Japanese Restaurant & Bar
(206) 361-2620
13754 Aurora Ave N, Seattle
Bistro Satsuma
(253) 858-5151
5315 Point Fosdick Dr NW #A, Gig Harbor
North End
Cafe Soleil
South End
(425) 453-6094
504 Bellevue Square, Bellevue
www.boomnoodle.com
(425) 493-1847
9999 Harbour Place #
105, Mukilteo
All natural Euro Japanese
cooking cafe-soleil.net
Bluefin Sushi & Seafood Buffet
(206) 367-0115
401 NE Northgate Way # 463, Seattle
Blue C Sushi - the Village at Alderwood Mall
(425) 329-3596
3000 184th St SW, Lynnwood
Cherry Blossom Sushi Bar & Grill
(425) 315-8022
10809 Mukilteo Speedway, Mukilteo
Edina Sushi
(425) 776-8068
19720 44th Ave W, Lynnwood
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Lynnwood
(425) 275-9022
18500 33rd Ave NW, Lynnwood
Matsu Sushi
(425) 771-3368
19505 44th Ave W #K, Lynnwood
Blue C Sushi - Westfield Southcenter
(206) 277-8744
468 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila
Blossom Asian Bistro
(425) 430-1610
305 Burnett Avenue South, Renton
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Southcenter Mall
(206) 816-3280
100 Andover Park West 160, Tukwila
Miyabi Restaurant
(206) 575-6815
16820 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila
New Zen Japanese Restaurant
(425) 254-1599
10720 SE Carr Rd, Renton
Eastside
Sushi Joa
(206) 230-4120
2717 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island
www. sushijoa.com
Boom Noodle, Bellevue Square
Blue C Sushi, Bellevue Square
(425) 454-8288
503 Bellevue Square, Bellevue
Blue Ginger Korean Grill & Sushi
(425) 746-1222
14045 NE 20th St, Bellevue
Flo Japanese Sushi Restaurant
(425) 453-4005
1188 106th Ave NE, Bellevue
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
(425) 709-7072
103 102nd Ave SE, Bellevue
I Love Sushi -One Lake Bellevue
(425) 455-9090
23 Lake Bellevue Dr, Bellevue
Advertise in our Special March-April issue with an
increased printing of 20,000 copies circulated locally!
Contact: [email protected]
>> EAT & DRINK
I Love Sushi -Bellevue Main
(425) 454-5706
Izakaya Sushi - at The Landing
(425) 228-2800
829 N 10th St. Suite G, Renton
Izumi Japanese Restaurant with Sushi-Bar
(425) 821-1959
12539 116th Ave N.E., Kirkland
Kobe Wellbeing Tonkatsu & Tao Sushi Bar
(425) 451-3888
850 110th Ave NE, Bellevue
Kikuya Restaurant
(425) 881-8771
8105 161st Ave NE, Redmond
Kiku Sushi
(425) 644-2358
Rikki Rikki Authentic Japanese Restaurant
(425) 828-0707
442 Parkplace Center, Kirkland
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Bellevue
(425) 455-2793
138 107th Ave. NE, Bellevue
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Redmond
(425) 284-2587
8910 161st Ave NE, Redmond
Sushi Maru
(425) 453-0100
205 105th Ave, Bellevue
Sushi Me
(425) 644-9800
1299 156th Ave NE #145, Bellevue
Momoya Restaurant
(425) 889-9020
12100 NE 85th St, Kirkland
Tokyo Japanese Restaurent
(425) 641-5691
3500 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue
Zen Asian Bistro, Japanese & Thai
(425) 453-2999
989 112th Ave NE #105, Bellevue
2AM
(425) 643-1888
14603 NE 20th St #4, Bellevue
PORTLAND
Portland
Bamboo Sushi
(503) 232-5255
310 SE 28th Ave, Portland
Biwa Restaurant
(503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland
Blue Fin Sushi
(503) 274-7922
1988 SW Broadway, Portland
Bush Garden
(503) 226-7181
900 SW Morrison St, Portland
Crescendo noodle house & bar
(503) 226-7181
16055 SW Regatta Lane, Beaverton
Hiroshi Restaurant
(503) 619-0559
926 NW 10th Ave, Portland
Koji Osakaya -Downtown Portland
(503) 294-1169
606 SW Broadway, Portland
Koji Osakaya - Lloyd Place
(503) 280-0992
1502 NE Weidler, Portland
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Lloyd
(503) 280-0300
1409 NE Weidler St, Portland
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Pearl
(503) 546-9933
138 NW 10th Ave, Portland
Mika Sushi
(503) 222-0699
1425 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland
Saburo’s Sushi House Restaurant
(503) 236-4237
1667 SE Bybee Blvd, Portland
Yuki Sushi & Sake Bar
(503) 525-8807
930 NW 23rd Ave, Portland
Beaverton / Hillsboro
Hakatamon
(503) 641-4613
10500 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton
Hanabi’s Izakaya Bistro & Bar
(503) 646-1986
10053 SW Nimbus Ave, Beaverton
Ikenohana
(503) 646-1267
14308 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton
Izakaya Kaiten Sushi
(503) 643-2578
14605 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton
I love Sushi
(503) 644-5252
3486 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton
Koji Osakaya -Hillsboro
(503) 629-1815
2215 NW Allie Ave, Hillsboro
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Beaverton
(503) 520-0257
4021 SW 117th Ave, Beaverton
Syun Izakaya
(503) 640-3131
209 NE Lincoln St, Hillsboro
Sambi Japanese Restaurant
(503) 296-0045
Sushi & Maki
(503) 648-4366
2401 NE Cornell Rd No. X, Hillsboro
Yuzu Japanese Restaurant
(503) 350-1801
4130 SW 117th Avenue #H, Beaverton
Yuki Sushi & Sake Bar
(503) 430-5275
1335 NE Orenco Station Pkwy, Hillsboro
Yuzu Japanese Restaurant
(503) 350-1801
4130 SW 117th Ave Ste H, Beaverton
Vancouver WA
Marinepolis Sushi Land -Vancouver
(360) 883-3881
1401 SE 164th Ave, Vancouver
SAKE
Saké Drinking Vessels
By Johnnie Stroud, owner of Saké Nomi
A
n often overlooked aspect of saké
tasting and enjoyment is the selection
of glassware. The style of the drinking
vessel has a definite effect on one’s sakétasting experience.
A lot of folks assume that the “proper” way
to drink saké is from the small wooden
boxes called masu that they see at sushi restaurants. The masu were originally a standard measurement for rice in Japan, and
the 180ml volume they hold is called a
go. Since masu were readily available, they
eventually came into use as drinking vessels (often with a pinch of salt placed at
one of the corners) in saké pubs throughout Japan. The go unit of measurement
eventually became the standard on which
saké bottle sizes are based, as well. The reason the standard saké bottle size is 720ml,
instead of a wine bottle’s 750ml, is because
酒呑
it holds four go (in Japanese, yon go bin),
a convenient amount if you’re going to
split a bottle with a good friend (“Two
for you, and two for me!”). The “big boy”
1.8L bottles hold the equivalent of 10 go.
Ten go equal one sho, so those “magnums”
are referred to as issho bin, or a “one sho
bottle.”
When saké was brewed and stored in
wooden tanks, drinking saké from a masu
was perfectly appropriate. However, for
the last 80 years or so, most saké has been
brewed in stainless steel tanks, allowing
the brewers to pull forth an amazing variety of fruity and floral flavors and aromas
from their saké. Drinking from a wooden
masu would not do any of these more
delicate characteristics any favors.
Saké drinkers today have a terrific variety
of drinking vessels to choose from. If
wine glasses are what one has at hand,
they are a perfectly good choice for
enhancing a saké’s fine-tuned flavors.
Smaller traditional ceramic o-choko can be
fun, too, especially if you’re sharing a tokkuri flask with friends. One reason these
cups tend to be small is because in Japan
you never pour your own drink, and the
concept behind the smaller volume is that
one’s companion would empty his glass
quickly, necessitating frequent refills and
thus solidifying the bond between the
drinkers. Drinking saké is a social sport,
after all.
Another unique saké drinking vessel is the
white ceramic kiki-joko “official” tasting
cup. These wide-mouthed, thin-lipped
cups are used by brewers to assess the
quality of their saké, with the bull’s eye
pattern (in Japanese, it’s called a jya no
me, or “snake eye”) in the bottom of the
cup allowing the taster to see the color
and clarity of the saké. The wide opening
allows you to get your nose in there and
enjoy the aromatics, while also facilitating
a good distribution of the saké across the
palate.
Enjoying saké is a tactile, sensory experience, so having a drinking vessel that feels
good in your hand and is pleasing to your
eye are qualities worth considering. It’s all
about exploration and experimentation.
Finding the right glass for the right saké is
a pleasurable pursuit.
Johnnie Stroud, is the owner of
Saké Nomi, the saké shop and tasting
bar in Pioneer Square.
Saké Nomi
76 South Washington Street, Seattle
Tel 206-467-SAKE
KENBISHI
Brewery: Kenbishi (established 1505)
Region: Hyogo
Type: Junmai/70%
Japan’s oldest brand — favored by The 47 Ronin!
Pronounced golden coloring with fragrances of
roasted nuts and brown sugar in the nose. Pleasantly
sweet and mildly astringent. The balance allows the
mild yamahai character to be expressed. Fantastic
when warmed, this is the first new product from this
venerable brewery in 25 years!
>> EAT & DRINK
Easy Japanese Recipes!
Salted Salmon and Edamame with Rice
Here is a delicious recipe for edamame lovers! Salted salmon is a common way to eat salmon in Japan. Why not enjoy a dinner
of broiled salted salmon, then use the left over salmon to make a tasty lunch the following day? It will be great for bentos or rice
balls and tastes good eaten hot or cold.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Rice (uncooked).............. 1+ ½ cups (or 2 rice cooker cups)
Salmon.........................................................................½ lb
Edamame (boiled and de-shelled)............................... 1 cup
Soy sauce.................................................................... ¼ tbs
Saké............................................................................ 2 tbs
Sugar........................................................................... 1 tsp
Salt............................................................................. ¼ tsp
Sesame seeds (optional)............................................... 2 tbs
Directions
Tasty Japanese rice
In Japanese, the word for steamed rice, gohan, also
has the general meaning of “meal.” This explains how
important rice is for Japanese cuisine. Japanese are very
picky about rice, and there is even a kiki-gome-shi which
translates to sort of a rice sommelier in Japan. Besides
there being a variety of rice brands, there are also many
types of rice cookers
with different heating
technologies that can
help you make delicious
rice. Zojirushi is one of
the leading brands of rice
makers in Japan. Learn
more about Zojirushi
and a chance to win one
of their rice cookers on
page 31.
1. Steam rice according to the directions of your rice cooker.
2. Slice salmon filets into 1-2 inch wide strips.
3. Soak salmon in salt water (1 cup water + 3 tbs salt) for 20
minutes.
4. Dry salmon with paper towel.
5. …Broil salmon about 7-8 minutes per side.
6. Separate salmon into bite size pieces (1”x1”) by hand and
sprinkle with soy sauce.
7. Dissolve sugar and salt in saké.
8. When rice is cooked, add saké with sugar and salt, salmon,
edamame and sesame seeds into rice cooker and gently
mix together.
9. Close lid and allow to steam for 5 minutes.
10. …Serve as it is or topped with nori, umeboshi, or shiso leaves
as desired.
RECIPE
Curry with Udon Noodles
Curry was introduced into Japan by the British in the Meiji era (1869-1913). It has since been modified to suit the Japanese
palate and has become a very popular dish in Japan. Kikkoman’s Ginza Curry™ Sauce comes freshly packed in a can, making it
easy to enjoy Japanese-style curry. It is delicious to eat over steamed rice, but eating it over udon has become a common delicacy
in Japan. Below is a quick and easy curry udon recipe.
Ingredients (2 servings)
Water....................................................... 4 cups
Kikkoman Memmi Noodle Soup Base......¼ cup
Kikkoman Ginza Classic Currytm Sauce..... ½ can
Udon noodles (frozen) ........................... 2 packs
Green onions (chopped) . ...........................3 tbs
Boiled eggs (optional)....................................... 2
Directions
TIP
You can be creative with toppings, as the curry flavor
goes well with many foods. You can add onions, hakusai cabbage, shiitake mushroom or any of your favorite
vegetables. Boiled eggs can be replaced with poached
eggs or even cheddar cheese.
1. In a medium-size sauce pan, add water and
Kikkoman Memmi Noodle Base. Cook on
medium-high heat until it begins to boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium; add Ginza Classic
Currytm Sauce and cook until curry is hot,
stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate sauce pan, boil water and cook
udon noodles.
4. Place udon in a bowl and cover with curry sauce.
5. Add chopped green onions and boiled egg (optional) and
serve immediately.

Check out more recipes online
www.ibukimagazine.com
>> EAT & DRINK
Snack Paradise
American snackaholic, a trip down
f ortheansnack
aisle of a Japanese supermarket
is like a journey through the looking glass.
Exotic flavors and cute little faces stare back
at you from compact and intricate packaging.
It all looks so cute and so yummy, but where
to start? What the heck does jyagariko mean?
And why is Anpanman staring at me from the
front of a package of rice crackers? Wasn’t he
supposed to be made of sweet beans? It’s all
so confusing — and so tantalizing — that we
knew we needed an expert in cross-cultural
snacking to lead us through this tasty maze.
We found that person, Jessica Sattell, a
woman well versed in multicultural snacking,
and we made her Ibuki’s very own taste
tester. Here’s what she found on a recent trip
to Uwajimaya:
by
Jessica Sattell
① POCKY
① Glico Pocky is Japan’s most popular
and iconic snack. Somewhere between a
cookie and a cracker, these highly addictive
chocolate-covered sticks have been enjoyed
by the Japanese since 1966. It’s only been
within the past decade that they’ve become
widely enjoyed on US shores. Look for
them in other combinations such as white
chocolate, almond, coconut and lemon
chiffon.
② The Japanese take on bar snacks, Azuma
Kakinotane Peanuts would be perfect
accompanied by a tall glass of beer and
a side of edamame. This combination of
slightly spicy rice crackers with fresh salty
peanuts has a subtle crunch and perfectly
paired texture. Once you start eating these,
you won’t be able to stop!
③ True to their name, Mr. Itou American
Soft Cookies are chewy and fresh like
a homemade treat. This refreshingly
delicious combination made with green tea,
chocolate chunks and chopped macadamia
nuts is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Buttery soft and three-bite sized with an
ever-so-slight sweet green tea aftertaste,
these are even more delicious when enjoyed
with milk or coffee.
④ Don’t be fooled by their small size.
Calbee Jyagariko potato sticks, a Japanese
take on the American potato chip, pack a
satisfying crunch. These light, non-greasy
snacks are made with real cheddar and
camembert cheese and come in a small cup
for an on-the-go treat. Unlike similar snacks,
these actually taste like you’re eating a real
potato.
⑤ Kuriyama Anpanman Soft Senbei offers
a healthy alternative to salty snacks for
children. These bite-sized, easy-to-chew rice
crackers have a light soy sauce flavor and
come in a set of four pouches that can be
easily separated and tucked into lunches or
pockets for a quick nosh.
⑥ Risuka Umaibo are giant, individually
wrapped versions of puffed corn curls
that explode with flavor. These Japanese
convenience store staples are bound to be a
hit with kids and adults alike for their sheer
size and long list of flavors including cheese,
curry, pickled plum and takoyaki (fried
octopus).
Jessica's Crumbs of Wisdom
Japanese snack makers love to come up with seasonal and limitededition versions of their snacks. Americans will be familiar with
the Kit Kat chocolate bar. But did you know that in Japan that
very chocolate bar comes in flavors such as cherry blossom, soy
sauce, sports drink, apple vinegar and daigaku imo (candied sweet
potato)? I’ve even tasted the last three.
② KAKIPI
③AMERICANSOFT
Also, Japanese snacks often come in commuter-friendly sizes.
It’s not hard to find snacks in stick or bar form or even stuffed into
cups or small pouches for on-the-go snacking. Japanese snacks are also packed very differently. For example
the “American” green tea and chocolate chip cookies I tried for this
article were all individually wrapped!
④JYAGARIKO
⑤SOFTSENBEI
⑥UMAIBO
>> LIFESTYLE
Business Directory
Art & Furniture
Kobo
Kobo at Higo
(206) 381-3000
Kobo Capitol Hill
(206) 726-0704
814 E Roy, Seattle
Shop & gallery featuring art, craft and design
from Japan and the Northwest
koboseattle.com
Ming’s Asian Gallery
Seattle
(206) 748-7889
519 6th Ave S, Seattle
Bellevue
(425) 462-4008
10217 Main St, Bellevue
Fine antique and contemporary Asian furniture mingsgallery.com
Azuma Gallery
(206) 622-5599
530 1st Ave S, Seattle
Takumi Company
Books, Games & Anime
(206) 622-2804
Authentic Japanese woodworking / design / construction
JapaneseCarpentry.com
Kinokuniya Book Store
Seattle
(206) 587-2477
Beaverton
(503) 641-6240
Anime Raku
(425) 454-0112
Carolyn Staley Fine Prints
(206) 621-1888
2003 Western Ave #107, Seattle
Chidori Asian Antiques
(206) 343-7736
108 So.Jackson St, Seattle
Glenn Richards - Asian Furnishings & Antiques
(206) 287-1877
964 Denny Way, Seattle
Kagedo
(206) 467-9077
520 1st Ave S, Seattle
The Cullom Gallery
(206) 919-8278
313 Occidental Ave S, Seattle
Shogun’s Gallery
(503) 224-0328
1111 NW 23rd Ave, Portland
Bakery and Cafe
Fuji Bakery
(425) 641-4050
1502 145the PL SE, Bellevue
Fumie’s Gold
(425) 223-5893
10045 Northeast 1st Street, Bellevue
Hiroki Desserts
(206) 547-4128
Setsuko Pastry
(206) 816 0348
Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee House
(206) 515-4000
Sims Photo Art
simsphotoart.com
253.906.9090
Fashion
Momo
(206) 329-4736
Totokaelo
(206) 623.3582
913 Western Ave, Seattle
General Store
Anzen Hiroshi’s
(503) 233-5111
736 NE MLK Blvd, Portland
Daiso Alderwood Mall
(425) 673-1825
3000 184th St SW, # 398, Lynnwood
Daiso West Lake Center
(206) 625-0076
400 Pine St. #1005, Seattle
Daiso International District
76 S Washington St, Seattle
Health and Beauty
Hen Sen Herbs
(206) 328-2828
13256 NE 20th St. Suite 3A, Bellevue
www.hensenherbs.com
Acupuncture Associates -Eastgate
(425) 289-0188
15100 SE 38th St #305B, Bellevue
Acupuncture Associates -Redmond
(425) 882-0112
16761 NE 79th, Redmond
Central Chiropractic Clinic
(206) 362-3520
15027 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline
WellnessOne of Eastgate
(425) 289-0092
15100 SE 38th St., Ste. 305B, Bellevue
Sake
Saké Nomi
(206) 467-7253
Schools
Music
School of Taiko
(425) 785-8316
www.Japantaiko.com
Cooking
Blue Camellia - a Japanese Confectionery
(425) 889-2735
11229 NE 106th Pl, Kirkland, WA
Hiroko Sugiyama Culinary Atelier
(425) 836-4635
22207 NE 31st St, Sammamish
NuCulinary
(206) 932-3855
6523 California Ave SW, Seattle
Satsuma Cooking School
(206) 244-5151
17105 Ambaum Blvd S, Seattle
Japanese Calligraphy
Akashi USA Co - Redmond
(425) 869-0994
6611 147th Ct NE, Redmond
Japanese Floral Design
Ikebana by Megumi
(425) 744-9751
www.ikebanabymegumi.com
Ikenobo Lake Washington Chapter
(425) 803-3268
11832 NE 73rd St, Kirkland
The Little Flower Station
(425) 770-5888
www.thelittleflowerstation.com
Yushoryu Ikenobo
(206) 723-4994
5548 Beason Ave. S.,Seattle
Language
Seattle Japanese Language School
(206) 323-0250
Washington Academy of Languages
(206) 682-4463
2 Nickerson St, # 201, Seattle
Martial Arts
Aikido Eastside
(425) 802-3125
13410 SE 32nd St, Bellevue
Seattle Kendo Kai
(206) 721-1416
1610 S King St, Seattle
Seattle Judo Dojo
(206) 324-7080
Seattle School of Aikido
(206) 525-1955
3422 NE 55th St, Seattle
Koei-Kan Karate-Do Bellevue
(425) 747-9411
1910 132nd Ave NE, #11, Bellevue
Obukan Kendo Club
(503) 443-2281
4130 SW 117th Ave. Suite 246, Beaverton
Portland Aikikai
(503) 274-2606
1623 NW Marshall, Portland
Tea Ceremony
Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch
(206) 324-1483
2360 43rd Ave East, #113, Seattle
Other
Japanese Abacus Math School
(503) 520-1063
15188 NW Central Drive #219, Portland
Euro-Japanese style cakes & pastries
I
f you are tired of overly sweet cakes, you should give Euro-Japanese style desserts a try.
Cakes and pastries made by Japanese bakers are usually light and have a subtle sweetness. It is a persuading argument that you do not need tons of butter and sugar to make
desserts taste good. Fuji Bakery located on 1520 145th in Bellevue offers Euro-Japanese
style cake and bread fresh from their kitchen. The eggs they use are cage-free and most
ingredients are all-natural and organic. They use imported high-quality flour from Japan
to craft their cakes and bread in order to create a fine texture. Since they opened their
doors in summer 2009, this small place has been very popular among Japanese patrons
in Bellevue.
ou can also find other places to enjoy Japanese-style
sweets. In downtown Bellevue, a new specialty cake
store, Fumie’s Gold (10045 NE 1st Street), recently
opened. Hiroki’s (2224 N 56th) in Wallingford produces
their signature green tea tiramisu. At Panama Cafe (607
S Main Street) in the International District, they serve
organic cakes and cookies by Setsuko Pastry. In Mukilteo,
Euro-Japanese restaurant Café Soleil (9999 Harbour
Place) serves home-made French-style flan. All are not too Bread with a Japanese flair uses
edamame or Japanese pickles for a
sweet, but they will still fulfill your sweet tooth urge.
distinct, delicious taste.
Marron cake at Fuji Bakery. Round
cakes are also available to order.
Y
Organic brioche with Swiss
chocolate is a popular item at Fuji
Bakery..
>> LIFESTYLE
TRAVEL
Exploring Kanazawa
and Takayama
By Steve Corless
© Y.Shimizu/© JNTO
© Y.Shimizu / JNTO
A farmhouse at Shirakawago, located between Takayama and Kanazawa
I
f your travel itinerary allows more than 10 days to explore
Japan, consider a side trip to the city of Kanazawa and surrounding towns and villages. Kanazawa is located on the Sea of
Japan and is the prefecture’s capitol city. During the Edo Period
(1603-1867) the city was a political and cultural center rivaling
Kyoto. Today, the city boasts well-preserved neighborhoods,
world-class museums and gardens, and retains its position as
one of the country’s centers of traditional art and culture.
I recommend at least three or four days to explore Kanazawa
and the environs. One itinerary route I recommend for clients
traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto is to travel to Kanazawa from
Nagoya with a night in Takayama and a visit to Shirakawago.
The scenic journey to Takayama on the Hida Express train
winds through narrow mountain valleys, arriving in less than
three hours. Takayama is a smaller city nestled in the mountains
of Gifu Prefecture with a well-preserved Old Town of wooden
shops and homes. It’s worthy of a leisurely afternoon strolling
through the town’s narrow streets. Hida Folk Village is a short
bus or taxi ride from Takayama Station and includes an open-air
museum with 30 traditional minka thatched room farmhouses
from the surrounding Hida region. Takayama’s Old Town
neighborhood and the Hida Folk Village give the visitor a taste
of Japan’s village and country life of years past. The town has
many ryokan inns to complete the experience.
Shirakawago, located between Takayama and Kanazawa, is a
UNESCO World Heritage site and, although not accessible
by train, is a must-see. The majestic farmhouses, dating back
as much as 250 years, are a testament to Japanese traditional
craftsmanship and architectural beauty.
T
he city of Kanazawa’s best-known attraction is Kenrokuen
gardens, often cited as one of Japan’s top landscape gardens.
Kanazawa, like Kyoto, was spared wartime damage. The town
retains its original character. Visit the Nagamachi former samurai district, the chaya teahouse neighborhood and Ninja-dera,
a temple equipped with secret doors and traps. The newly built
21st Century Museum of Modern Art is a world-class museum
near Kenrokuen and is an enjoyable experience even for those
unfamiliar with modern art.
© Kanazawa City / JNTO
Cherry blossoms in Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa’s artisans and craftsmen are renowned for their traditional works, including ceramics and lacquerware. One of the
most beautiful examples of this is kaga maki-e, or Japanese lacquer sprinkled with gold powder. Some local artists in the city
open their studios to visitors and offer a personal demonstration
of their craft, one of many rich experiences that are unique to
this special part of Japan.
Steve Corless is an independent travel consultant
based in Seattle. Steve spent 15 years in Japan working
in sales and marketing and as a US foreign service officer
in Tokyo and Osaka. He lives in Lynnwood with his wife
and daughter.
Ask Steve about Japan Travel!
Do you have questions about traveling in Japan? Please
send your questions to [email protected].
He will answer your questions in future columns.
© Kanazawa City / JNTO
Nagamachi former samurai district
See P.2 for More Travel Advertisements
fuwa fuwa (shunyata series) Oil on Canvas 2009 72x48 © Junko Yamamoto
ART
Junko Yamamoto
by English Cartier
THE VISUAL DENOUEMENT IS
THE RICH HIDDEN LAYERS OF
RASPBERRY, escaping to the surface
just enough to bring level contrast to the
overall palette. This month Ibuki magazine introduces the artwork of Junko
Yamamoto. Japanese artist Yamamoto is
perhaps not as well-known as she ought
to be. Her paintings are as colorful as a
euphoric dream. SAM Gallery Seattle
has been displaying her works for over
10 years. She has had exhibitions at IMA
Gallery Seattle, ec-gallery Chicago, Frank
Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Ohio,
J-Trip Art Gallery Tokyo and numerous
galleries around the world. Born in Tokyo
and now residing in Seattle, Yamamoto
still has memories of painting from the
age of three. Having the desire to study
abroad, Junko moved to the US and went
on to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s
degree in fine arts from Cornish College of
the Arts in Seattle in 1999. In 1998 Junko
had her first exhibition at Theatre off
Jackson in Seattle’s International District.
Her current line of paintings is based on
what she describes as “shunyata,” the Sanskrit word for “emptiness.” She enjoys playing around with the concept of what is empty and what is full. It carries over into the
way she uses layers in her art. “For example,
the first layer on the surface will usually be
hidden deep below other features of the design,” she says. “But I like to reveal hidden
pockets of this layer that show up on the surface.” Shunyata has become the backbone of
her portfolio work. While painting, Junko
draws on her childhood memories, saying,
“Growing up in Japan, I was surrounded
Journey (shunyata Sereis) 2008 Oil on Canvas 84x84
© Junko Yamamoto
piu piu (shunyata series) 2009 Oil on canvas 48x48
© Junko Yamamoto
It’s time (shunyata Series) Oil on Canvas 2008 48x48
© Junko Yamamoto
puwa puwa (shunyata series) Oil on Canvas 2008 48x48
© Junko Yamamoto
by Japanese cartoons and pop culture. I recall wearing pretty,
brightly colored kimonos as a little girl…that is very nostalgic
for me, I connect with it and it inspires me.” This inspiration
is very obvious in her work. Junko’s abstract art straddles Japanese pop culture while remaining distinctly separated from the
crowd. Her shunyata series, which may become her life’s work,
is a beautiful collection that revels in opulent decorative detail.
Her latest works can be seen at:
City Centre
Alexis Hotel
SAM gallery
Gallery IMA
1420 5TH Ave Ste 450 Seattle, WA
1007 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
1220 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA
123 South Jackson St, Seattle, WA
Info: www.junkoyamamoto.com
>>Bilingual
LIFESTYLEComic
Series
24 息吹 ibuki • January
/ February 2010
Winter 2009
New bilingual comic series by enfu starts in Ibuki!
Elly:
Puri:
Elly wears her feelings
on her shirt, as it reflects
her true state. She is a
happy-go-lucky little girl
who lives life handling
cultural differences. Her
wild imagination allows
her to have harmless
superpowers.
Her normal rest state is a
jelly octopus, but Puri has
no qualms shape shifting
and changing color on a
whim. Puri is immune to
physical pain but is sensitive to emotional
pain.
Lifestyle
MOVIES FASHION PLACES & MORE
By Julian Waters
MOVIES Kabei: Our Mother
Kabei: Our Mother is a drama set in the 1940s directed by veteran Japanese filmmaker Yoji Yamada. Professor Shigeru (played
by Mitsugoro Bando) expresses his views on the war and invasion of China. He is accused of being a communist and thrown
in jail. With Shigeru out of the house, life suddenly changes for
his wife Kayo (played by Sayuri Yoshinaga), who works exhaustively to maintain the household and care for her two daughters. The film serves up emotion as Kayo is determined to keep
her household in tact.
Meanwhile her father
,a conservative police
man, disapproves of
her husband and cruelly lets her know. Part
of the movie’s success
is a result of the interaction between Kayo
and a former male student of her husband
(Tadanobu Asano).
Photos © KABEI-Our Mother Film Partners.
MUSIC Misia JUST BALLADE
Misia is a female Japanese
singer that is a pleasure to
listen to. If you are lucky
enough to see her at one
of her many performances
in Japan, you will not be
disappointed and will not
forget her. Standing about
5’1 with her trademark
dreadlocks, she has a strong
soulful voice. She discovered her five-octave singing
voice while attending her
older sister’s private music
lessons. The rest is history.
In December she released
her latest CD, JUST BALLADE, which is also available in limited edition CD
and DVD versions. The
single “Aitakude Ima” is
lifted from her latest album
and is destined to capture
listeners’ hearts. Released
Photo © Rhythmedia inc.
in Japan on November 18,
“Aitakude Ima” is a beautiful
song revealing a powerful voice on par with American singer
Mariah Carey. Her latest album is proving nothing less than
an outstanding success. Because this CD has only been out in
Japan for a few weeks, you may not find it here in the US yet,
but you should be able to order it from Kinokuniya bookstore
located inside Uwajimaya supermarket.
FOOD TREND Tokyo tops Paris for Michelin three-star restaurants
Tokyo leaped to the top of the food chain after Michelin
named it the city with the most three-star restaurants. The
latest Michelin guide awarded 11 restaurants in Tokyo the
elusive three star rating. Just 10 Paris eateries received three
stars. Some of the winners in Tokyo were not pleased by the
results. Some chefs did not want to be in the Michelin book.
Several of the Japanese three-star restaurants are small, privately owned and managed by owner-operator chefs. A few of the
winners told Ibuki that the response has been too overwhelming, making it extremely difficult to manage reservations and
handle the increased demand. Two-thirds of the 197 restaurants that Michelin selected from the 160,000 restaurants
in Tokyo serve Japanese cuisine, with the remaining serving
French, Italian, Chinese, Spanish or a fusion of Japanese and
European cuisine. Three-star restaurants in Tokyo awarded
“exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” are : Esaki (Classic Japanese/Aoyama), Ishikawa (Classic Japanese/Kagurazaka),
Joel Robuchon (French/Ebisu), Kanda (Japanese/Azabu),
Koju (Japanese/Ginza), L’Osier (French/Ginza), Quintessence
(French/Shirogane), Sushi Mizutani (Sushi/Ginza), Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten (Sushi/Ginza) / Sushi Saito (Sushi/Akasaka)
and Yukimura (Classic Japanese/Azabu).
*restaurant name (genre/area)
PLACE Home Sweet Home : Reversible Destiny Lofts — Mitaka, Tokyo
Photos © Masataka Nakano
Designed by Shusaku Arakawa + Madeline
Gins, the apartment complex in the Tokyo
suburb of Mitaka is like no other. Resembling something out of a Disney film, these
are real-life residences that can be leased
short or long term. This unusual architecture is titled “Reversible Destiny Lofts
MITAKA -In Memory of Helen Keller-.”
The designers believe people should be
in an environment that “stimulates their
senses and invigorates their lives.” They
stress “particularly older people shouldn’t
sit back, which makes them decline. They
should live in an environment that can
boost immunity and increase longevity.”
In fact the house looks quite restless, with
a dizzying array of colors, uneven floors,
inconvenient placement of furniture, irregularly shaped walls, a transparent bathroom wall and more. Most people expect
a relaxing and comfortable place at home,
but that is not what you get here. Based on
the pictures of the design, living at these
lofts looks like a nonstop active experience. When visiting, wear some comfortable rubber-soled shoes. If you are looking
for a fun and unusual place to call home,
this loft may be for you.
Tours of the apartments are given to the
public .They are available to lease for about
$1,000 a week.
info: www.architectural-body.com/mitaka
FASHION Garconshinois
The one thing you can count on with Japanese fashion is that new designers are constantly influencing the latest styles. Upand-coming Tokyo designer Shin, who has
created the label garconshinois, is turning
heads with his high-quality Japanese-made
fashions. Upon reviewing Shin’s latest line,
two things immediately jumped out at
me: his line looked extremely comfortable
and very up to date. I caught up to Shin
Photos © Garconshinois
shortly after he finished Tokyo Fashion
Week. When asked about how he was able
to achieve an almost cashmere look to his
coats, Shin had this to say: “The material
is 100% wool and it is very comfortable to
touch and wear. We use the finest strings
from wool of baby lambs. I aimed to make
it so soft that a baby can sleep in it without itching his skin.” Shin designed his
2009-2010 fall/winter collection using the
theme “planet earth.” The materials, color
and print design are all inspired by nature.
The garconshinos line is currently available in Japan and Russia and will become
available in London this year. Quantity is
limited. Shin’s garconshinos line is produced in small lots using the highest quality manufacturing process. Shin’s brand is
sure to carve out a niche with his inspiring
high-quality line.
Info: http://www.garconshinois.com
Local News and Events
EVENTS
Celebrate Asia at Benaroya Hall,
Home of Seattle Symphony
Snow Falling on Cedars
Stage play at Portland Center Stage
Celebration of Seattle’s Asian community
Suspense in the Japanese American community
When: Jan 22 6:30pmWhere: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, Seattle
Admission: Tickets start at $20
When: Jan 12 to Feb 7
Where: Portland Center Stage, 128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland
Admission: $15-$50
Celebrate Asia is a gala evening
of Asian and Western symphonic
music performed by six Asian cultures (Japanese, Chinese, Korean,
Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino),
conductor Carolyn Kuan and two
soloists, Chuanyun Li and Bo Li.
A post-concert performance will
be hosted by One World Taiko.
Info: www.celebrateasia.org
Sean Hogan Speaks on Japanese and
Asian Plants at Portland Japanese Garden
Horticulture event at Japanese Garden
When: Jan 28 5:30pmWhere: Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston, Portland
Admission: $10-$15
Sean Hogan, author of Trees for All Seasons: Broadleaved Evergreens
for Temperate Climates, will address Japanese and Asian plants in his
January lecture. He is a frequent contributor to horticultural journals
such as Rock Garden Quarterly and Pacific Horticulture.
NEWS
Ikebana classes begin at Fleurish Studio
Y
asuko Akamine, owner of The Little
Flower Station and certified ikebana
floral designer, began teaching bi-weekly
ikebana classes at Fleurish Floral Studio
located at 1308 East Union Street, Seattle. Students will learn about the basic
principles of ikebana. A class schedule is
available at www.thelittleflowerstation.
com.
Based on the book by Northwesterner David Guterson and adapted
for the stage by Kevin McKeon. The story takes place in 1954, north
of Puget Sound, on an island so isolated that no one who lives there
can afford to make enemies. But when Kabuo Miyamoto is charged
with murder, the community’s secrets emerge one by one.
Info: www.pcs.org/snow
Wood-fired ceramics exhibition at Kobo
Ceramics artist John Dix visits from Kobe
When: Reception Feb 13, Exhibition Jan 1 - Feb 28
Where: Kobo @ Higo, 814 E Roy, Seattle
Admission: Free
John Dix is a Bizen-trained ceramics
artist living in Kobe, Japan. His woodfired ceramics will be exhibited at Kobo
in January and February. On February
13th, he will visit Kobo to celebrate his
exhibition.
Info: www.koboseattle.com
Akira Kurosawa movies at SIFF Cinema
The Seven Samurai, Stray Dog and more
When: Feb 5 -15
Where: SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle
Admission: $10 General Admission
Internationally famous director Akira Kurosawa’s masterpieces,
Stray Dog, The Bad Sleep Well, High and Low, The Hidden Fortress, and The Seven Samurai will be on screen at SIFF Cinema.
Info: www.siff.net
Yellow Terror: Exhibition at Wing Luke
The Collections of Roger Shimomura
When: On display through April 18
Where: Wing Luke Asian Museum, 719 South King St, Seattle
Admission: $12.95/adult for Museum admission
The collections of Seattle-born Japanese American artist, Roger
Shimomura is currently on exhibition at Wing Luck Asian Museum
in International District. Info: www.wingluke.org
>> LIFESTYLE
NEWLY
OPENED
2AM — Bellevue (Restaurant & Karaoke)
Pan Asian dining experience. New restaurant 2AM has a beautifully
finished interior with private karaoke rooms, large-screen HD video/
audio system in the bar area. Open until 2am. Located at 14603 NE
20th St # 4, Bellevue, WA 98007 Tel: (425) 643-1888
Blue C Sushi 7th Avenue— Downtown Seattle
Sushi Joa — Mercer Island
A New Blue C Sushi location in the heart of Seattle. Their sushi is
now also available at Whole Foods in downtown Seattle. Located at
1510 7th Ave Seattle, WA 98101 Tel: (206) 467-4022
New restaurant Sushi Joa in Mercer Island is located a few
blocks off of I-90, making it easily accessible for Mercer Island
residents as well as those passing through. Designed with a
modern theme, Sushi Joa is nicely appointed with a hand-made
wooden sushi bar and tables. On the menu, you will notice the
sushi as well as lunch and dinner combination meals are very
well priced. The $9.95 sushi deluxe bento and the kamikaze
roll have quickly become popular choices for Mercer Island
residents. Sushi Joa serves a large variety of dishes including sushi, sashimi, sushi rolls, tempura, gyoza, chirashi, udon, ramen,
yakisoba, curry, katsu, bulgogi and many other mouth watering
dishes. They also have vegetarian dishes to choose from. As expected, they stock several varieties of beer and saké. Sushi Joa
has many daily specials, such as 1/2 off
house saké Mondays,
Family Day free kids
bento Wednesdays
and half-priced beer
Fridays. With their
diverse menu, fresh
sushi and cold beer,
Sushi Joa has something for everyone.
Bush Garden — Portland
Bush Garden recently completed a major remodel of their restaurant
in late October and is now open and ready for business. Located at
900 Southwest Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
Tel: (503) 226-7181
Hanabi’s Izakaya Bistro & Bar — Beaverton
Mother & daughter owned izakaya in Beaverton, OR. Hanabi’s
Izakaya (formerly Maiko’s) has been updated and is now a modern
upscale izakaya-style bar and bistro with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Located at 10053 SW Nimbus Ave., Beaverton, OR 97008
Tel: (503) 646-1986
Marinepolis Sushi Land — Puyallup
Marinepolis opens new sushi restaurant in Puyallup, bringing the
chain’s store count to 12.
Located at 4301 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98373.
Tel: (253) 604-0066
Setsuna Japanese Restaurant — Northgate
Reasonably priced Japanese restaurant with hearty servings and a vast
selection of side dishes. Located at 11204 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle,
WA 98125. Tel: (206) 417-3175
Groups and Associations
Gathering for Minority & Expatriate
Professional Women
This is a series of gatherings for minority & expat women
to share, learn and support each other. They invite female
speakers for each gathering and have a networking reception
with wine and cheese.
Contact: [email protected]
2717 78th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Tel: (206) 230-4120
Is there a Japanese related news story or
event you would like to share?
Drop us a line: [email protected]
ENTER TO WIN
Answer a short 10 question survey and be entered
to win a Zojirushi Rice Cooker and Warmer!
Visit: http://www.ibukimagazine.com/surveys
Zojirushi The Neuro Fuzzy® Rice Cooker & Warmer
One person can win a high-quality Japanese rice
cooker from Zojirushi. The Neuro Fuzzy® Rice
Cooker & Warmer features advanced Neuro
Fuzzy® logic technology, which allows the rice
cooker to “think” for itself and make fine adjustments to temperature and heating time to
cook perfect rice every time. The spherical inner
cooking pan and heating system allows the heat
to distribute evenly and cook rice perfectly. It
also features different settings for cooking white
rice, sushi rice, brown rice and porridge. This is
the rice cooker to own for authentic Japanese
cooking!
*One entry per household/name/email. To be qualified to enter you must include your name, address and telephone number for winner
notification purposes. A name will be drawn at random and will be notified via email. The rice maker will be shipped to the winner in March.
Please visit our website for detailed information: http://www.ibukimagazine.com/surveys
SHOCHU AOYAMA ANIME TOKYO TOFU SHABU-SHABU TENPURA SUKIYAKI
SUSHI SAKURA OISHII UMAMI TAIKO KYOTO SAKE SASHIMI SYOYU KAISEKI
NEXT ISSUE
Coming
March 10th
Look for our March/April issue distributed at Sakura-Con
and the Japan Cultural Festival as well as most fine
Japanese restaurants, stores and schools.
NABE OTAKU UMESHU GINZA MAIKO IZAKAYA RAMEN PONZU DASHI MANGA
>> LIFESTYLE

Bringing Japan Home - Seattle

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