Japan’s cherry blossom forecast has been announced! 🌸
Reservations for my cooking classes are filling up, and only a few spots remain.
If you’re planning to visit Japan during cherry blossom season, I’d be delighted to have you join my class.
For classes, please check our class calendar! I look forward to welcoming you!
Saibashi (菜箸) are long chopsticks used in Japanese cooking. They are longer than regular chopsticks used for eating, typically measuring about 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) in length. Their length helps keep your hands away from hot oil or boiling pots, allowing you to handle food safely while cooking. There are several cultural reasons why Japanese people use cooking chopsticks, closely connected to Japan’s food culture and cooking methods. First, Japan has a long tradition of eating with chopsticks, and naturally this utensil became useful in the kitchen as well. Japanese cuisine often emphasizes handling ingredients delicately and cooking them carefully without breaking their shape.
If you’re searching for fresh mochi in Tokyo or the perfect matcha dessert experience, look no further than SASUI ITO EN at NEWoMan Takanawa. Located just steps from Takanawa Gateway Station, this modern Japanese tea café offers something rare: freshly pounded mochi served daily, paired with premium Japanese tea.
This is not just a café visit — it’s a refined tea and sweets experience.
If you’re wondering where to buy high-quality nori in Tokyo, look no further than Yamamoto Nori-ten in Nihonbashi. Founded in 1849, this historic seaweed specialty store has been perfecting the art of nori for over 170 years — making it one of the most respected nori shops in Japan.
Located in Nihonbashi, a district known as the birthplace of commerce in Tokyo, the shop perfectly matches its surroundings: refined, traditional, and deeply connected to Japanese culture.
Tokyo covered in snow ❄️
A rare and magical winter moment in the city.
Before heading out, I paused at my cooking studio, looking out at the small garden outside the window — now gently covered in snow.
The usually quiet mini garden felt even more still, wrapped in white.
This day was an important election day for Japan.
I filmed this video on a snowy morning on my way to the polling station.
The snow may have affected the turnout and the results.
Even so, I believe in doing what I can, first.
Watching the snow settle softly over the garden reminded me that small, quiet actions still matter.
That was the feeling I carried with me that morning.
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The miso muddler (味噌マドラー) is a thoughtfully designed Japanese kitchen tool made especially for preparing miso soup, a staple of everyday home cooking in Japan. Its rounded, spiral-shaped tip allows you to scoop up miso paste easily and dissolve it directly into hot dashi, helping the miso blend quickly and smoothly without clumps. Compared to using a ladle or chopsticks, it distributes flavor more evenly and saves time.
At first glance, many people are curious about how to use this unique tool, but once they try it, they’re often impressed by how simple and efficient it is. If you’ve ever found your kitchen counter crowded with utensils while cooking—especially when trying a new recipe—the miso muddler offers a smart, space-saving solution.
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The word “ten” refers to tempura, and when tea is added to freshly fried tempura, the batter softens slightly, creating a light and refreshing flavor that reduces the heaviness of the oil.
It is often served as a finishing dish after a tempura rice bowl (tendon), offering a satisfying yet pleasantly light conclusion to the meal.
IYOSHI Cola is a Japanese craft cola brand based in Tokyo. Made with natural ingredients such as kola nuts, citrus, and a carefully selected blend of spices, it offers a complex and refreshing flavor unlike mass-produced colas.
A year full of challenges and learning.
Nothing was easy, but I’m deeply grateful for every encounter and for the opportunity to share the beauty of Japanese food culture.
Cooking classes, new projects, and new connections—
each experience helped me grow, step by step.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported me.
Looking forward to moving into 2026 with care and intention.
YUCa
Realizing this couldn’t continue, I started reading books and watching videos about health to gather information.
By putting into practice what I could and turning it into a habit, I’ve gradually improved, and recently my family has even said, “You don’t seem to catch colds anymore!”
I think there are three main points to staying healthy:
1. Keep your body warm
2. Stay hydrated
3. Get enough sleep
◻︎Avoid sweets and coffee first thing in the morning
◻︎Start your day with warm water, sencha, or matcha
◻︎Practice 5–15 minutes of yoga each morning
◻︎Enjoy sweets in moderation
◻︎Avoid drinking iced water
◻︎Wash your hands thoroughly and gargle twice after returning home
◻︎Wear a mask in crowded places
◻︎Keep your neck warm while sleeping with a neck warmer that can also be used as a mask
◻︎Use a humidifier during sleep
◻︎Aim for at least 7 hours of restful sleep
I’d be happy if this could help you maintain your health as well.
If you are interested in topics like this, please feel free to contact me!
