winter 2011 volume 15 issue 3
DESCRIPTION
Newsletter of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of British Columbia and Yukon - Winter 2011: 2011 JETAABC AGM and Shinnenkai | Adventures in Bento-MakingTRANSCRIPT
www.jetaabc.ca
Newsletter Winter 2010/2011 - Volume 15, Issue 3
Happy 2011! 2010 has been another busy year for JETAABC. The crea-tion of the 2010 Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in January saw the addition of 3 director-at-large positions. The more the merrier!
There was a wide variety of events held over the course of the year. From cultural workshops to the introduction of an advanced Japanese class for alumni, to our Ready JET Go! alumni dragon boat team and a weekend trip to Seattle to hang out with our American alumni peers, there was something for all alumni and friends to enjoy.
Of course, the success of these events would not have been possible without the efforts and participation of JET alumni, friends, and volunteers. Thank you so much for your participation and support!
The next major event for JETAABC is the AGM on Friday, January 28! (Details above!) See you there!!!
Happy New Year to all! Here’s to a happy and healthy 2011!
Dinah Linsangan 2010 JETAABC Newsletter Editor
Mark Your Calendars!!!
2011 JETAABC AGM and Shinnenkai - Friday, January 28, 2011
Happy Year of the Rabbit! Here’s your chance to run for a Board of Director position, meet up with other JET
alumni, and talk about important matters related to JETAABC. Light refreshments and food will be served.
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: YWCA Hotel (Downtown)
733 Beatty St. (Between Robson and Georgia St.), Vancouver
Are you considering running for a position? We encourage and welcome all alumni members to run for a posi-
tion on our Board of Directors! Check out JETAABC’S website for a complete list and brief description of the
positions: http://jetaabc.ca/Main/JETAABCAGM2011
Please RSVP by Friday, January 21st, 2011 by sending an email to: agm[at]jetaabc.ca.
See you there!
About JETAABC The JET Alumni Association of British Columbia and Yukon (JETAABC) is one of Canada's most active chapters, with 620 members. Its mission is to: ***Provide a community for alumni returned from Japan ***Foster a connection between Japan and the BC/Yukon com-munity ***Support and promote the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme We welcome your participation and ideas for events, activities and contributions to this newsletter… check us out at www.jetaabc.ca for contact information and upcoming events! If you would like to get involved, drop us a line! *By Email: See www.jetaabc.ca/Main/BoardOfDirectors for a list of email addresses (or see page 3 of this issue) *On the Web: www.jetaabc.ca *Twitter: http://twitter.com/jetaabc (@jetaabc) *By Mail: JETAABC, 349 West Georgia Street PO BOX 2462, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W7 (*Take note—new address!) *And now a Facebook Page! http://www.facebook.com/pages/JETAABC/116941341652229 or search for “JETAABC”
2 www.jetaabc.ca
News from the JET Desk at the Consulate General of Japan
Steve Chevalier
The end of November marked the passing of the application deadline for the 2011 JET Programme, bringing another busy recruitment season to an end. Almost 1000 students were introduced to the JET Programme
through our career fair booths and information sessions held at universities throughout British Columbia. Consulate staff and alumni spoke with a lot of genki, keen candidates during recruitment. We are sure to see
many of them at the interviews in February. Thank you to all the alumni who volunteered at the recruitment events, and those who recommended the JET
Programme to someone. Interested applicants truly appreciate the chance to connect with alumni and get an idea of what it is like to live and work in Japan. Your efforts and co-operation continue to ensure the success
of the programme. Open to speakers of Japanese as a foreign or second language, the Annual British Columbia Japanese Speech
Contest is a great way to keep up your Japanese speaking ability and perhaps win a prize! Test your chops on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in the Asian Centre Auditorium at UBC’s main Vancouver campus.
Application forms and information are available on the Consulate General of Japan's website: http://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/culture/culture_speech.htm.
The application deadline is 5:00 pm, Friday, February 4, 2011. A list of the applicants selected for the contest final will be posted on the website on or after Thursday, February 10, 2011. (Editor’s note: see next page).
Please have an enjoyable holiday season and a happy New Year!
The Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver 800 – 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2K9
www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp
Got something to say?
We’d love to hear from
you!
Email [email protected].
In this issue…
1 AGM / Editor’s Note / About
JETAABC
2 News from the JET Desk
3 Upcoming Events /
2010 Board of Directors
4-5 Life Post-JET
6-9 Past Events
10 Sashimi Appeal! / Japanese Movie
Reviews
11 Adventures in Bento-Making
A very special thanks to the following for their contributions to this edition:
Bay Bailey Alison Dacia Brown
Steve Chevalier Lia Cosco
Tye Ebel Justin Elavathil
Megumi Johns Raphael Lee
Susanne Milner Mark Montgomery
Karly Pinch Ann Yamashita
Wanda Yee Jenn Zatser
Thank you very much!!!
3 www.jetaabc.ca
2010 Board of Directors
President: Greg Joughin [email protected]
Treasurer: Ann Yamashita
Secretary: Ann Yamashita [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Dinah Linsangan
Membership Coordinator: Greg Joughin [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator: Lucky Herath [email protected]
Social & Cultural Coordinator: Russell Aquino
External Liaison: Megumi Johns [email protected]
Career & Personal Development: Susanne Milner
Senior Advisor: Chris Bailey [email protected]
Technical Coordinator: Eric Chan
Social Media Coordinator: Wanda Yee [email protected]
Project Coordinator: Russell Aquino
Business Development: Mark Montgomery
2011 JETAABC AGM and Shinnenkai
Friday, January 28, 2011
***See the front page of this newsletter for more info***
Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute) Workshop
February 2010 Details TBA. Check out www.jetaabc.ca for updates.
Koto (Japanese Harp) Workshop February 2010
Details TBA. Check out www.jetaabc.ca for updates.
BC Japanese Speech Contest
Saturday, March 5, 2011 The BC Japanese Speech Contest Organizing Com-
mittee is pleased to announce that the Annual Brit-ish Columbia Japanese Speech Contest will be held
in Vancouver on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Asian Centre Auditorium, University of British Co-
lumbia. This event is a wonderful opportunity for
people learning Japanese as a foreign or second language to have their achievements recognized.
The guideline and application forms are available on the Consulate-General of Japan's website:
http://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/en/
culture/culture_speech.htm
The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, Feb-
ruary 4th, 2011. A list of the applicants selected for the final contest will be posted on the above men-
tioned website on or after Thursday, February 10th, 2011. We look forward to your participation and
hope that you will share this information with inter-
ested parties.
Sakura Days Japan Fair Saturday, April 2—Sunday, April 3, 2011
Time: 10am—5pm Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC Entrance Fee: TBA
The sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) has long
been a traditional icon in Japanese culture and is a
symbol of spring. At the 2011 Sakura Days Japan Fair, you can experience modern and traditional
Japanese cultural arts, cuisine and business.
For more details, check out: http://www.japanfairvancouver.com/
This could be your name up HERE!
Don’t forget the AGM!
Friday, January 28, 2011!
Upcoming Events Megumi Johns
If you enjoy meeting fantastic people, would like
a chance to plan and attend different kinds of
events for JETAABC, or just want to keep those
Japan memories alive in your post-JET life, then
JETAABC wants you! Come on out!
4 www.jetaabc.ca
LIFE POST - JET
For those who miss Japan (and purikura), those who are thinking about going back to school (like UBC), or those who love to talk about the JET Programme and their personal experiences (promote it at a university career fair in the fall!) here are a few submissions from JET alumni for you to enjoy!
Post-Japan
Alison Dacia Brown
“I’ve never been to Iwate prefecture.” This is the response I usually get when I tell my students at my ESL school
here in Vancouver that I lived in Rikuzentakata, Iwate, Japan for three years. Before this statement usually comes extreme shock or sometimes even laughter because they can’t believe a foreigner would want to live in Northern Ja-
pan. I even remember going to a bar in Osaka during Golden Week and being asked by the bartender if Iwate had con-
binis. Iwate is the inaka. I was lucky enough to live in a beautiful seaside town and a 10-minute walk from the beach which is lined with pine trees.
Since I returned to Canada in 2008, teaching Japanese students has definitely allowed me to have a connection with Japan that I otherwise wouldn’t have. For example, if I want to find out who this month’s prime minister is, my stu-
dents will tell me. It also goes without saying that I like being pleasantly surprised by finding out if a new flavour of
Calorie Mate or Soy Joy has appeared on the shelves of Lawson. Daiso is also a welcome topic of conversation in my classroom. It is also often visited as we have one here in Richmond, BC.
Being a JET alumnus for over two years has made me a bit nationalistic about Japan, and I’m
not even Japanese. I know I’m not alone among my JET alumni in missing certain aspects of
Japanese culture. My mother came for two weeks to visit me, and even she misses the cul-
ture as much as I do. She thought the moist towels (disposable or not), which were provided in restaurants before meals were the absolute height of civilization. Many were purchased at
Daiso before she left. And the UFO catchers. Don’t even get me started on Canada’s pathetic
attempt at UFO catchers. The local mall in my hometown of Victoria has just one sitting by itself and I must confess that it’s difficult to look at without flinching. The toys inside are
disappointing to say the least and don’t compare to the treasures inside all those amusement
centres in Japan.
Purikura was almost a religious experience for me in my remaining months in Japan. Those lit-
tle personalized photo-stickers were amazing. I put them on postcards to send home so certain family members of the older generation still knew what I looked like. I put them inside birth-
day cards and even made some for all my schools before I left and incorporated them into big
posters. Certain businesses like the local DVD rental place, the supermarket and the post of-fice (which all experienced a lot of patronage from me) got thank you cards before I left my
hometown. I can’t imagine what they must have thought upon opening the cards and seeing
the crazy gaijin making peace signs and funny faces. I hope they were able to read my terrible
attempt at kanji with the purikura pen.
It’s lovely to reminisce about earthquakes (yes…the earthquakes), natto, humidity in the summer, shinkansen and the strange Japanese TV shows that often left my eyebrows furrowed. I saw and experienced so much, but still want to
go back for more. Many of my former JET colleagues in Iwate have since returned to Japan and specifically Iwate be-
cause they still have strong relationships with their former schools and co-workers. I have made a promise to go back, a promise I intend to keep, and I’m sure I’ll have lots of purikura to prove it when I return.
Alicia was an Iwate JET from 2005 to 2008.
Next hear from recent alumni Tye Ebel (right) and Justin Elavathil (left), who are currently in the MAPPS program
(Masters of Asian Pacific Policy Studies) at UBC
article cont’d on next page Justin and Tye. Photo by Dinah Linsangan
5 www.jetaabc.ca
Tye Ebel
As an undergraduate at Elon University in North Carolina, I had intended to get a PhD in History. However, as
graduation neared, I decided to put graduate school on the back-burner and look for work abroad so that I could
travel and experience more of the world. I knew a few people who had joined the JET Programme so when the chance came, I was quick to take it.
I spent three years, 2007-2010, living in a small town in Kagawa prefecture on the island of Shikoku. It was a fantastic
experience, replete with top-notch udon and plenty of travel opportunities; however, I knew I couldn't stay there
forever. Like many JETs who decide to get out of the ESL circle, I found myself in a conundrum in that my JET experi-
ence didn't directly lend itself to a career back home, hence I looked for a graduate program that complemented my
Asian experience. Ultimately I decided on the Masters of Asian Pacific Policy Studies (MAPPS) at UBC.
Justin Elavathil My journey on JET began in the summer of 2006. After finishing my undergrad at University of Toronto, I felt it would
be a great opportunity to learn about a culture that I only previously studied in textbooks. I was placed in Shibukawa
city, Gunma-ken, a prefecture known for its beautiful nature, relaxing onsens, and crisp cabbage. While there I
made connections with some of the most amazing people.
Before I knew it, I had spent four years in Japan and after deciding to return to Canada, I felt apprehensive. Although
my years in Japan were memorable, I had to embrace the reality that I was in my late twenties. I soon realized I
wanted to apply what I had been learning about Japan in my daily life to an academic setting. But I wasn’t interested
in a graduate degree that would leave me with limited future career options. It was at this time I came across the Master of Arts Asia Pacific Policy Studies (MAPPS) program.
About the program: The MAPPS Program provides the opportunity for students to study at the Institute of Asian Research
at University of British Columbia which is situated in Vancouver. The Asian orientation of the city and the flexibility and
professional orientation of the MAPPS program allow potential students to make the most of their graduate experience.
The program director, Dr. Julian Dierkes, strongly encourages former JETs to apply to the program, saying “JET alumni
are generally well-qualified for graduate school as they were selected for the program on the basis of their strong un-
dergraduate background in the first place, but they've also had an experience as JETs that tends to give rise to interest-
ing questions for many fields across the social sciences. For our program in particular, JET alumni make great students with their direct exposure to the very real everyday workings of an important aspect of Japanese society and Japanese
policy-making and education.”
Anyone interested in MAPPS should consult the program website at http://www.iar.ubc.ca/mapps
Raphael Lee
I never thought I'd get around to it, but having to give a little presentation promoting the JET Programme at UBC was
finally enough to cure my procrastination. I was originally going to just write an article, but then there's just so much
to mention/remember, and I got the feeling that words would never be enough to share the awesome memories/fun times I had, so I thought I'd use pictures to hopefully convey some of that.
In brief: I was an ALT for 2 years in Junior High Schools throughout Moriguchi (small suburb of Osaka - 12-square km/150,000 people). The town could only
afford 5 ALTs for its 5 junior high schools so we rotated each term, and
throughout the 2 years I had the privilege of teaching at 6 different ones,
each with its own personality and character, despite their proximity to each other.
So finally, two years after the fact, here is a slideshow/video clip of my JET Adventure in Magical Moriguchi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrEQeYxPdnI
Check out Raphael Lee’s JET Adventures
cont’d from previous page
Photo by Raphael Lee
6 www.jetaabc.ca
An afternoon sail down Burrard Inlet, learning how to make bonsai and hanging out with
fellow JETs stateside; these are just some of the events that kept JET alumni and friends
busy in the latter half of 2010.
The rainy afternoon we spent in the tranquil setting of the Furemi-An Tea Room in east Vancouver was
peaceful and relaxing. As we sat seiza-style on tatami, our tea ceremony teacher, Yukiko-sensei, with the help of her student, Nick (also a former JET), taught
us the basic skills needed to attend a tea ceremony as a guest. From learning how to walk in the tea room to
practicing the proper way to drink the tea, we had a wonderful experience. Sitting in the tea room with its
tatami, fusuma doors, and kakemono (wall hanging), we felt as if we were quietly transported to a tea room
in Japan.
JETAABC Tea Ceremony Workshop with Furemi-an Tea Room
October 24, 2010 Dinah Linsangan
JETAABC organized an annual volunteer appreciation party: a 4-hour luncheon cruise through Vancouver's inner harbour,
the Burrard Inlet, and then north into the spectacular setting of Indian Arm. We would like express our thanks and appre-ciation to all our volunteers. We wouldn’t have been able to
do these events without you!
Interested in getting involved with JETAABC? Come out to our AGM in January or contact our volunteer coordinator, at
JETAABC Volunteer Appreciation Event Indian Arm Luncheon Cruise
September 12, 2010
Photo by Wanda Yee
Transitioning from life on the JET Programme back to life at home is not always the easiest thing to do. This transition is
often compounded by the fact that the majority of returning JETs wind up in a job search upon their return. So, JETAABC runs our annual Career Seminar in the fall to provide some
useful information on the current job market and to allow more established JET alumni to share their job search tips and tell
how their experiences in Japan helped them find work in Can-ada.
This year, the Career Seminar was held on Monday, November
8th at the YWCA on Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver. A small and engaged group attended the seminar and 4 alumni provided excellent insight into the various career paths available
post-JET.
The keynote speaker was Karly Pinch from the Faculty of Arts Internship Program at the University of British Columbia. Her
presentation covered the current standards while job hunting and emphasized the value in networking. Next was Susanne
Milner from the JETAABC board whose presentation covered how to spin your JET experience so that employers here pick up on your transferable skills. Finally, Josh Bloomfield, Christine
Gegrich and Rob O' Brian gave their own perspective on their career paths and how their JET experience has related back to
work at home.
Thanks again to all of the speakers and alumni who attended this very informative evening.
continued on next page
JETAABC Career & Networking Seminar November 8, 2010
Susanne Milner
Photo by Dinah Linsangan
7 www.jetaabc.ca
Big Little Bonsai
Bonsai is the traditional Japanese art form of growing and manipulating miniature trees. If you’re anything like me, you probably thought this meant that there are
miniature breeds of trees that just grow really slowly. Little did I know, Bonsai masters use a variety of techniques to shape and manipulate breeds of regular,
large trees, in such a way that keeps them tiny, resulting in the feeling of being a giant around smaller versions of trees we see around us every day. As with most Japanese arts, the key is in attention to detail, and focusing on beauty and sym-
metry.
On September 25, JETAABC hosted a bonsai class at Nikkei Place, where we each
received our very own miniature Juniper tree to manipulate. Our teacher, Bob King, of Japan Bonsai, started off by explaining some of the history and artistry that goes into the art of bonsai. Then the fun started, and we learned how to use
wire and strategic force to bend and shape our trees. Where you might think the small tree would snap, we learned to bend it carefully into the position that we
wanted it to be in, twisting the trunk around to create artful curves. With our clip-pers, we trimmed the abundant branches down until our baby trees looked nearly
naked. With the proper balance – the peak branch, the balancing branches, and ensuring that the front and the back were correctly proportioned – our little trees
became beginner bonsai creations.
With strict care instructions on how to get our bonsais through the coming winter, we all took our little trees home. It remains to be seen which of us will success-
fully carry them through until spring!
continued from previous page
Bonsai Class with JETAABC - September 25, 2010
Karly Pinch
Photos by Megumi Johns
日本語学ぼう! Advanced Japanese Classes - Second Session
Megumi Johns
The second session of advanced Japanese classes is underway! After a successful
first session and the continued support of the Consulate-General of Japan and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have enthusiastically decided to continue our
weekly classes with Takaki-sensei. Seven of us continued on from the first ses-
sion, and six more friendly faces joined us. The last several weeks have been
very intense as we focused on preparations for the Japanese Language Profi-
ciency Test levels N3 and N2. We are much relieved to have the test behind us
now, and will wait to hear the results in mid-February.
Takaki-sensei has done a superb job planning the classes and giving us appropri-
ate exercises for us to study. Our classes have centred on reading comprehen-
sion and associated kanji and grammar, with some listening comprehension and
writing as well. We have really appreciated the opportunity to not only maintain
the Japanese we’ve learned so far, but to
continue to expand our knowledge and
comprehension. It’s also been great to get
to know other JET alumni and reminisce
about our experiences in Japan. We have
a few more classes in the new year, and
hope to keep going throughout the year.
To celebrate the end of this year and the end of the JLPT, our class went to Guu to dine
izakaya-style. Photo by Wanda Yee.
Class photo from the last day of class in
the first session.
Photo by Dinah Linsangan
8 www.jetaabc.ca
On Saturday, October 2, 2010, 7 JETAABC alumni travelled down to Seattle to hang out with some PNWJETAA (Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association) members and enjoy ourselves at a Mariners game. Of course, we first had to cross the border and then hit up the outlets for there were many bargains to be had. We also went on a mission for an ever elusive Jack in the Box, which was totally not worth the hype; the people-watching in the restaurant was worth the trip, though. Once we all gathered at the meeting place and after losing each other for a few minutes (note to self: next time take the car with the navigation system and ensure that each car has a contact phone number), we dropped off our gear at a sweet condo on Mercer Island and got the show on the road.
Our first stop was Fuji Sushi for some dinner before the game. We all thor-oughly enjoyed ourselves and the food was terrific! We then carpooled to Safeco Field, where we met up with the rest of the PNWJETAA alumni. There was quite a turnout from Seattle’s end and it was good to see so many former JETs! We had our own section at the game and thus, were able to yell at the top of our lungs “Ganbarre Ichiro!” like the cheer squads in Japan. We all en-joyed the game, the quintessential ball park food (those garlic fries were lethal), the beers and most importantly, each other’s company. After the game we ventured to Chinatown for a Karaoke Showdown chal-lenge. More alumni showed up and there were about 30 of us in a kara-oke room. It was a very natsukashi feeling from our Japan days. I am happy to report too, that JETAABC represented extremely well with both the singing (screeching) and nomihodai-ing! After drinking and singing our hearts out, we headed back to the condo for the san-ji-kai and needless to say, there will be no details forthcoming! It was a fun night though! All in all, this event was a great time. It was very cool to hang out with the Seattle chapter and make new friends. While it was the first time that we have ever had an event with both JETAABC and PNWJETAA, it was pretty much a success. We will definitely make it an annual tradition. JETAABC appreciates all the kindness and hospitality of the PNWJETAA crew. Special mention goes to Cheryl, Sandra, Ben and Leela who all did an outstanding job at hosting us! Thank you so much! We look forward to the next event, and when JETAABC can host the PNWJETAA crew. Keep a lookout for an event sometime in the new year!
JETAABC’s trip to Seattle - PACIFIC NORTHWEST JETAA October 2, 2010
Bay Bailey & Jenn Zatser
Photos by Bay Bailey & Jenn Zatser
9 www.jetaabc.ca
More activities…
Many of the JETAABC Board members attended the returners' banquet at the residence of Consul General Ito. In attendance were local MPs
along with a large representation of the local Japanese community also present.
It was a great evening with food and drinks being thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Consul General Ito spoke of deepening relations between
Japan and BC; many business cards were traded.
On this evening of celebration, many were already looking ahead to 2011 when JETAABC will continue to offer a wealth of cultural activities
for its members.
Mokuyokai-JETAABC Bowling Taikai November 7, 2010
Mokuyokai and JETAABC enjoyed a great afternoon of bowling at Rev’s in Burnaby at the annual taikai. Alumni from PNWJETAA in
Seattle joined in the fun as well!
Returning JET Participant Reception at the Consul-General’s Residence
November 19, 2010 Mark Montgomery
Photo by Dinah Linsangan
The Emperor's Birthday (天皇誕生日) was celebrated this year at the
Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver on December 6. The evening was attended by members of JETAABC and was enjoyed by all. Consul General Ito took time to personally welcome each guest
on arrival and while the room filled, guests were entertained by a koto and shakuhachi performance.
Food and drink were the high points for many during the evening, and
the buffet allowed for plenty of conversation between old friends and strangers alike. No doubt the large cask of sake helped loosen the
inhibitions of some, but the large event had a welcoming community feel.
The evening was well-attended by many guests, including local busi-ness leaders, educators, and civil servants.
Emperor’s Birthday Reception hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver
December 6, 2010 Mark Montgomery
Photos by Mark Montgomery
Photos by Wanda Yee
10 www.jetaabc.ca
Restaurant Review? Sashimi Appeal!
Lia Cosco The objective was to do a traditional restaurant review. Actually, I had the place all picked out. There is an izakaya just near the corner of 25th and Main that I had heard of and is frequented by Japanese business folk coming through Van-couver. Well, after living the last seven of my years in Japan, I have known many Japanese business people to often be patrons of great eating and drinking establishments; post-10 hour shift of course. I was sold.
But due to circumstances too long to account in this little write-up, my plan fell through. What to do? There was one criterion for this review: Japanese food. Well, I have eaten lots of Japanese food while being back in Vancouver. Actu-ally, I have been on a hunt. A hunt for great sashimi... you know, like it’s done in Japan: relatively thinly cut, small-ish, mouthfuls of just the right burst of freshness tinged lightly with shoyu and a hint of wasabi. Savour slowly, sip your lemon-sour, and voila, satisfaction. Often, that same freshness and satisfaction is had at a back alley kai-ten-sushi-ya, with a mug of cool Asahi by your side. You probably all know what I mean.
I write to you now in appeal; as ALL my Japanese restaurant and izakaya romps over the last 4 months since my return have left me empty in satiety, and understanding. Isn’t this Vancouver? Do we not do Japanese well here? Haven’t I on numerous occasions in Japan, openly (and loudly) boasted about the delicious array of sushi and sashimi to be had in this city? Well, I stand corrected. Please help. I have been eating at many sushi places (too big, too expensive, too much mayo), popular izakaya (too greasy, over-priced, not authentic), and well-known Japanese establishments in Kits, Main and the West End (frozen sashimi on more than one occasion).
This is not good. We pride ourselves on our authentic Vietnamese, Thai, Persian, Greek food … what about Japanese? And I hate to say this, but sashimi should NEVER have a ‘fishy’ flavour!
So there it stands. My appeal to you. Point me in the direction of good sashimi. I beg you. Something not too big, fro-zen or fishy. I love being back in Vancouver and enjoy all the amazing things this city has to offer. Do I have to take authentic Japanese sashimi off my list? I recognize there are many places still to try. But I thought, it never hurts to first ask.
Lia is a Post-Graduate Research Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada ([email protected]).
Japanese Movie Reviews Megumi Johns
The Taste of Tea | 茶の味 (2004)
This quirky and unique movie, directed by Katsuhito Ishii is the story of the members of the Ha-
runo family in rural Tochigi. A beautiful and hilarious combination of Japanese humour and eccen-
tric characters make this upbeat film one of the best I’ve seen recently.
Ikiru | 生きる (1952)
Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru is a haunting and inspiring story of a government bu-
reaucrat who spends his life doing little more than shuffling papers. Set and
filmed in post-war Japan, it’s not only an inspiring story that has stood the
test of time, but a glimpse into 1950s Japan.
All About Lily Chou-Chou| リリイ・シュシュのすべて (2001) If you like incredibly depressing and amazing movies, this is just the right one. The story of high school friends, of love for music, of bullying. Check it out, that’s all I can say, and be sure to watch the special features on the making of this film as it gives it a whole new meaning.
Editor’s note: all these titles and more can be found at your local library! You can start by checking out www.vpl.ca
11 www.jetaabc.ca
Adventures in Bento-Making
Wanda Yee
NORI PUNCHES: Make cute faces for your food instantly with nori punches. Simply slide a piece of nori under the punch and press down. These come in a variety of shapes that can be mix-and-matched to keep your bento interest-ing and fun. As my sister often tells her co-workers, “It’s not a good lunch unless it’s making faces at me.”
MINI-SAUSAGE/WIENER CUTTERS: Japanese mothers popularizedタコウインナー (aka: tako wiener,
octopus wieners, or octodogs) in their children’s lunches. But why stop at cephalopod-shaped wieners when you can buy these plastic cutters that can transform them into flowers, other animal shapes…including crustaceans? Crus-taceans trump cephalopods any day (see: “Calamari Wres-tler” the movie for proof – it’s so bad, it’s good). The wie-ner cutters might look like some complex torture device, but they’re super easy to use.
DECO/FOOD DRAWING PENS: Just fill this ‘pen’ up with sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, etc) and squeeze to draw/decorate your bento. You can also buy pre-filled chocolate drawing/deco-pens of varying widths and flavors specifically for decorating pastries and fruit. *If you’re having trouble finding choco-deco pens here, my baker friend says that they go by the name of “candy writ-ers” in North America. Same stuff, just a different name.
RICE MOLDS: Tired of round or triangular onigiri? These may be your answer, as they come in every shape imaginable. From fruit, animals, super heroes, to even suggestive/pornographic rice molds (not pictured here), I can guarantee that your onigiri will never be ‘boring’ again.
In the Fall 2010 newsletter, I introduced some bento-making gadgets that were de-signed to liven up your lunchtime by injecting a healthy dose of ‘kawaii’ and ‘cool’ to your lunches. Here are some more bento tools to keep your lunchboxes interesting:
FOOD PICKS: What to do if you want to make a cute bento, but are too lazy to make your rice/eggs/wieners/veggies/etc. into cute shapes and can’t be both-ered to cut out cute nori faces for your food? The easiest (and lazi-est) way is to artistically ‘stab’ your food with cute food picks. The food picks already come in cute shapes and styles, so there’s no extra effort needed on your part. Just be vigilant when you eat, so you don’t choke to death on your own lunch.
That’s it for this update. Happy bento-making!
FOOD DIVIDERS: Plastic food dividers in the shape of grass (aka: バラン or baran) is a common sight in most bentos. If you get tired of looking at fake grass in your lunch and want to be more environmentally conscious, you can switch things up by using reusable, silicon food dividers. The silicon food dividers are microwave-friendly and come in a variety of cute colors and patterns. Admit-tedly, I haven’t gotten around to using my silicon food dividers yet, as I’m still try-ing to finish off my pack of fake grass. *FYI: 1 pack of baran = 200+ pieces of fake grass