"もったいない" What a Waste!
The idea of "mottainai" is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, and reflects the belief that resources should be valued and waste avoided. At Shotengai, we strive to uphold this ethos by promoting sustainable products and minimizing waste wherever possible.
Healthy & Safe
Finding allergy-friendly options can be challenging. Fortunately, our Shotengai box provides tasty alternatives that you can safely enjoy!
Pokemon Go: The Perfect Hybrid of Japanese Anime and Game (I)
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The killer app of 2016, Pokemon Go, blows the market away once released. As a symbol of Japanese ACG culture, it is a perfect hybrid of Japanese anime and games. This passage will give a brief introduction to Japanese anime. If you are new to this, it's never too late to start!
Japanese Soft Drinks: From Ramune to Yakult
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Have you ever tried a Japanese soft drink? Well, compared with Sake and Sushi, soft drinks sound like not a thing so attractive and representative. However, the exotic yet delicious non-alcohol beverage can definitely tickle your taste buds. Want to taste summer? Here are the drinks you can't miss!
Kendo: Japanese Martial Art of Sword
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Name a sport in that two contenders will wear full-body armor and a grilled mask and attack each other with a sword. It sounds like fencing, isn't it? Actually, the right answer is Kendo, Japanese fencing. To enjoy this sport, it's essential to know something about its rules and equipment.
The Japanese Delicacy (I): Ramen
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Ramen is food with al dente noodles and rich booth. Though sounds simple, there are many variations. As for the noodles, there are curve noodles and straight noodles with a different firmness. For the broth, there are salt broth, saucy broth, savory broth, etc. Let alone the numerous toppings. If you want to try delicious ramen, Japan is a place you can't miss!
Temari: From Toy to Artwork
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Temari is one of the traditional Japanese crafts. This delicate thread ball represents the exquisite craft and superb aesthetics of the Japanese people. If you never heard of "Temari", you must be curious about what this embroidered little ball is used for. In short, Temari was first a toy and then transformed into an artwork!
Kimono: Japanese Traditional Clothing
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Everyone that knows about Japan can recognize Kimono - the beautiful Japanese traditional clothing. With a history of thousand years, various types have been designed. Similar to other craftwork, the materials and patterns of the Kimono represent some special meanings. After reading, you can definitely learn the difference!
Japanese Religion (II): Buddhism and Temple
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Buddhism and Shinto, temple and shrine, Romon and Torii…What's the difference between them? For travelers, it's hard to distinguish which is a shrine and which is a temple. This article is here to help! Moreover, do you know there's a reason why the temples and shrines in Japan share so many similarities? Read to find answers!
Japanese Religion (I): Shinto and Shrine
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Do you feel familiar with this emoji: ⛩？ Few people will feel difficult to connect this icon with Japan. As one of the most famous iconic symbols, Torii represents Japanese culture and Japanese religion. Torii is the gate of the Japanese Shinto Shrine. Here is the article to tell you more about Japanese Shinto and Shrine.
Manga: Heart of Japanese Popular Culture
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Naruto, Luffy, Conan, Sakuragi, Doraemon, Yagami…If you've been access to Japanese comics (manga), you must have heard at least one of these names. With various genres and copious content, manga is the heart of Japanese pop culture. If you've never heard of any Japanese manga, here is the article to help you to cross the threshold!
Wagashi: The Japanese Traditional Sweets
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Have you ever known a dessert that looks like a beautiful flower? It is an amazing design by Japanese - Wagashi, a delicate confection that not only tastes good but also looks good. Made of veggie ingredients, Wagashi is healthy and tasty. Click this article to open the amazing world of Japanese sweets!
Sake: The National Beverage of Japan(II)
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Though the Junmai Daiginjo is the best and most famous sake, there is numerous "non-famous" sake that deserves to be explored and appreciated. After all, the best does not necessarily the most suitable. Your preference and taste are the things that really matter. This passage will change you from an amateur to a real professional of Sake!
Sake: The National Beverage of Japan(I)
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Sake is the Japanese national beverage. With more than 2000-year history, Sake has gradually evolved into many types. For travelers, it's hard to understand the differences. Actually, Sake is categorized according to main factors: RPR and additional alcohol. In this passage, you can learn the 6 most famous types of Sake!
Japanese Dining Etiquette: Eat like a Local (II)
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Japanese cuisine may appear strange to many travelers. Even though you have already learned some basic rules, you may still feel lost when you face various Japanese food. Should I use a spoon or chopsticks? Is it rude to slurp? After reading this passage, you will learn the specific rules of eating some common Japanese food!
Japanese Dining Etiquette: Eat like a Local (I)
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Dining Etiquette is the customary code used while eating. Different countries follow different rules of table manners. Japan is known for its emphasis on etiquette. Though the Japanese won't blame a foreigner for not knowing these rules, here are the rules you need to know if you want to be regarded as a polite traveler in Japan!
Vegan/Vegetarian Travel to Japan: The Ultimate Guide
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Is it possible for a vegan/vegetarian to travel to Japan - a country that emphasizes seafood and meat? The answer is "YES!". You can enjoy not only the beautiful view but also the tasty food in Japan even though you are a vegan/vegetarian. Sushi, ramen, tofu... many iconic Japanese foods can be vegan-friendly. Here's a guide for you!
Japanese Beer: The Most Popular Alcoholic Beverage in Japan
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Contrary to most people’s expectations, beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan. Nowadays, the four main beer producers and hundreds of microbreweries in Japan produce tons of beer every year to meet the consumer's needs. With this passage, you can learn the history, styles, and new trends of Japanese beer!
Japanese Whisky: The Rising Star in the World
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For a long time, Japanese whisky seems to be nameless and underrated. Things have changed since the 21st century - Japanese whisky began to win gold awards and high appreciation. Nowadays, Japanese whisky has become one of the sought-after whisky categories in the world. Here's a passage about how Japanese whisky achieved its success.
Japanese Nightlife: Food, Drink, and Music
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After dusk, the flickering and shimmering lights illuminate a new side of the Japanese cities. Japanese nightlife is full of drinks, food, and music. People can relax and enjoy themselves after a long day. After reading this passage, you'll have more ideas about where to enjoy an exciting night in Japan!
Chanoyu: Art of Japanese Tea Ceremony
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Chanoyu, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, is the art of preparing, serving, and drinking green tea. It presents the unique Japanese aesthetics and traditional Japanese culture. Chanoyu can make you feel calm and Zen. This passage is about the history, process, and etiquettes of this elegant art form.
Experiencing Osaka Like a Local in Shotengai: The 8 Best Shopping Streets
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Shotengai is a Japanese shopping street, known for its prosperity, hospitality, and vitality. Osaka has the longest and the most famous Shotengai in Japan. Food, clothes, toys, make-up...Anything you are interested in, you can find here! Let me be your special guide, taking you to explore the 8 best Shotengai in Osaka!
