Category Archives: Family

Family histories and food traditions

Avant Garde Somen for a Sultry Summer Day

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Risa

The upcoming August feature for Savory Kyoto in Kyoto’s Visitor’s Guide will be about cold noodles. Noodles are considered a snack – not a proper meal – in Japan, (as a meal would naturally include rice) but at our house … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Japanese Food | Leave a comment

Mochibana Blooms Brighten the New Year

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Risa

Winter can be so dreary, and every household can benefit from some blossoms to brighten the surroundings. For this, a tradition that started in Northern Japan brings flowers to a season that has none. We have long admired these winter … Continue reading →

Posted in Decorations, Family, festivals | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Oshogatsu Osechi-ryori, Part III: The Celebration

Posted on January 2, 2010 by Risa

Yesterday, our family and friends gathered from near and far to celebrate Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. We spent the day in the most positive way we could, for we believe that what you do on New Years is carried … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Family, Japanese Food, festivals | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Preparing for Oshogatsu

Posted on November 30, 2009 by Risa

I’m sorry I haven’t been around. It’s not that I haven’t been thinking of you. Quite the contrary; I’ve been busy testing and writing down recipes in honor of the upcoming Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) holiday. During oshogatsu, which is … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Japanese Food, festivals | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Role of Rice in the Family Meal

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Risa

As I explain in the ingredient introduction  of Savory Japan, “Rice is so elemental to the soul of Japanese cooking that gohan, the word for rice, is synonymous with the word for meal”, and that “the most basic meal consists of plain … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Family, Japanese Food, Japanese food trends | 2 Comments

Family History – Otōsan (father)

Posted on June 18, 2009 by Risa

I was thinking today about my dad, in honor of Father’s Day. He has superb taste in food, and I can see that this a gift – as well as a burden – to him. When we go out to … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Family | 2 Comments

A Message for Okāsan (mother)

Posted on May 9, 2009 by Risa

While my sisters and I were growing up in the leafy, affluent environs of the North Shore, my mom often attempted to point out our good fortune with stories from the past. One of her favorites was how she walked – rather than took … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | 4 Comments