Oishi Japanese Meals

One of the most enjoyable part in travelling to Japan is the extravagant sets of traditional Japanese meals. Japanese foods are healthy and locally produced. They are typically composed of sticky rice, miso soup, fresh vegetables, meat or fish, and pickles. Tea is more common than coffee. 

Traditional Japanese breakfast at Kamogawa Universe Hotel - rice, egg, miso soup, fish, and some pickles.

Here are some Japanese meals we had during our stay in Tokyo and Chiba. We helped prepare some of these!  

On the first night of our homestay, we helped otosan (our foster father) to cook dinner. Authentic Japanese! 

Tempura and sukiyaki - one of the best meals I ever had in my life! Our obasan (foster mother) prepared it for us during our homestay experience.

Ohayou gozaimasu! That salmon was baked. Thank God, I thought we had to eat it raw! We also had some beans, egg, cucumber, pickles, rice, and miso soup.

Cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes fresh from the yard.

We made our own sushi! Do you see snails? :)

Ohayou gozaimasu! Scrambled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and salmon. Perfect to start the day right.

            

The slow food movement in Japan makes use of seasonal agricultural products to promote sustainable food production on a small scale. One of the best and healthiest Italian dishes I ever had! 

Onigiri or rice balls. Just like in the Philippines, rice is a staple food in Japan. Finishing your bowl of rice until the last grain is a sign of politeness. 

The peaceful farm town scenery in Obserbe Rice Terrace, Hiratuka - Kamogawa's rice-producing capital.

I got to enjoy Japan through the JENESYS 2.0 Programme for Mass Media Batch 3 organized by Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). This is one of my most memorable experiences I didn't expect to happen this year. Thank you, Japan! :)

World-class Japanese Values

Some Japanese values are no different from Filipino values. Both show a deep respect towards the elderly and a great hospitality to guests. In my 10-day stay in Japan, I felt the way how, we, Filipinos welcome and care about our visitors. My respect towards the Japanese culture increased because of their unique characteristics as well as their similarities to Filipino. 

• Punctuality

Japanese people are popular for always being on time. They panic when the scheduled activity starts a few minutes late because every succeeding activity will fail to be on time. For them, every minute counts.

The so-called Tokyo rush.

Along the moving walkway in Chuo, Tokyo. It was 8pm and the "Tokyo rush" was still apparent. 

• Being Respectful and Humble

While Filipinos use "po" and "opo" when talking to people older than them, the Japanese bow to show respect. They exert effort to greet and to show appreciation towards people. They bend their back forward half-way down few times especially when they meet a person for the first time, when they say goodbye, or when they thank someone. Bows are classified depending on the angles and situation (http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/exotic/lifestyle/bow.html). This Japanese bowing gesture is best known in the world. Bowing indicates humility and it is practiced even by the businessmen and high officials. 

• Soft-spoken

Their voice is like a lullaby that calms one's high energetic self. 

With our dear Japanese coordinators (JICE) who were so soft-spoken and patient. 

• Hospitality

I am not new to this since Filipinos, aside from being helpful and friendly, are hospitable too. Among the countries I visited in the past, for me, Japan so far is the most hospitable. They serve extravagant, beautiful  and delicious meals. Just like Filipinos, they are helpful too and will even go out of their way for a stranger who needs help. 

With the Mayor of Kamogawa, Chiba who gave us a very warm welcome. He was very approachable.

Helping obasan and otosan to harvest for our dinner.

Having some good times with obasan after dinner. It was a very sumptuous meal I will never forget in my life! 

 With the very cheerful and friendly students of Josai International University in Kamogawa, Chiba.

Our foster families waved goodbye like forever! They even ran after our bus, waved their hands, and said bye bye. It was very heart-warming. 

He only understands and speaks Japanese but this police officer was still able to help us with directions. 

• Discipline

Japanese people strictly follow traffic rules. Yellow traffic light here really means "slow down" and not "go faster". Drivers will even give way to you when crossing the roads.

There is no single trash in any area or garbage bin along the streets. All cars are non-smoke belching. It is apparent that people are also self-disciplined when it comes to nature and environment. 

There are more good qualities in the customs and culture of Japan. If these good qualities will be adapted by more countries, then what a simple and more progressive the world it will be.

Photogenic Tokyo during sunset. 

The Statue of Liberty replica and the Rainbow Bridge at Odaiba, Tokyo. 

Along Shibuya crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. I love this place! 

Hachiko! :')

Thank you Japanese Government, specifically the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), for this generous programme to foster ASEAN relationship and promote Japanese culture and traditions. I fell in love with Japan. Arigato gozaimasu and aishiteru! 

Asakusa Shrine

Akasuka is a district in Tokyo where the popular Buddhist temple, Sensoji, can be found.  This temple was built during the 7th century, and have been a part of the colorful history of Tokyo.

Akasuka used to be a popular entertainment district for many centuries. Today, it is a historical site, a place for worship and prayer for Buddhists, and a very popular tourist destination.

 

There are a long array of shops where you can buy food, souvenirs, and some fashion goods. :)

 

Temples and shrines like these in Japan show  that the Japanese has deep respect in their history and beliefs. They are well-preserved and give a glimpse of rich and colorful history of Japan.