Category Archives: May

Japanese Ginger-Soy Steak Sauce

‘Tis the season to dust off the BBQ and grill up some steaks, and the only thing that will make them taste even more sublime is this yum of a dipping sauce! In Japan, bite-sized slices of steak are grilled at the table, then dipped in this savory sauce that zings with just a hintContinueContinue reading “Japanese Ginger-Soy Steak Sauce”

Did you win the March-April book giveaway?

If you recognize your email, congratulations! You just won a copy of Riku Onda’s The Aosawa Murders! If you think this is you, shoot a message to JapanagramJonelle@gmail.com and tell me if you’d like an ebook or paperback (and if paperback, let me know a mailing address you’d like it sent to) and I’ll get it to youContinueContinue reading “Did you win the March-April book giveaway?”

Six things you didn’t expect to discover on a pilgrimage

Naturally, the Japanese have figured out a way to make their version of a spiritual Iron Man not only good for the soul, but one of the most memorable journeys you’ll ever make. Here are six things that will surprise and delight you on your Japanese pilgrimage: 1 The most awesome souvenir in the entireContinueContinue reading “Six things you didn’t expect to discover on a pilgrimage“

Let’s go to one of the most mystical pilgrimage sites in all Japan

This month’s destination: Koya-san in Wakayama Prefecture This is Kōbō Daishi (or Kūkai, as he was also known), who founded Shingon Buddhism and built Koya-san. He taught that anyone could reach enlightenment (even common people, not just the high-born or priestly) and by following certain strict practices in this life, it was possible to attainContinueContinue reading “Let’s go to one of the most mystical pilgrimage sites in all Japan“

Where the Dead Pause and the Japanese Say Goodbye

by Marie Mutsuki Mockett Setting & details: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Authenticity of Japanese characters & dialogue: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Translation quality: N/AEntertainment value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐My recommendation: Thought provoking and insightful This is the book that made me want to visit Koya-san. The author takes us along on her own search for meaning in the wake of her father’s death, and visits allContinueContinue reading “Where the Dead Pause and the Japanese Say Goodbye”

Yakitori Chicken Mini-Burgers

This is a little less than half a recipe. I usually freeze half of them, then throw together a batch of sauce on another night for an easy five-minute dinner Serves 8 (if one serving size is 5 mini-burgers) Chicken Mini-Burgers 12 oz (340g) ground chicken 12 oz (340g) silken tofu (the soft, custard-y kind,ContinueContinue reading “Yakitori Chicken Mini-Burgers“