Food and Drink

Attention Foodies: JETAA London Update May 2010

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JETAA London Restaurant Night

Join us for an evening of tasty yakitori skewers and great conversation with former JETs at trendy BINCHO restaurant in Soho. We'll order a wide selection of BINCHO's famous yakitori skewers, from asparabacon to zucchini! Check out the menu here!

Date: Thursday, 3rd June 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Place: BINCHO Yakitori, 16 Old Compton Street, London W10 4TL -
Cost: £15, payable on the night, drinks not included

Please register to attend by emailing Vanessa at londoncomms@jetaa.org.uk. Do indicate dietary preferences. Numbers strictly limited.

Bento Workshop at Atsuko's Kitchen

Bento boxes are served everywhere in Japan - work places, schools, department stores, and even on the trains. These tasty Japanese lunch boxes have been enjoyed for over 800 years!

A hands-on practical workshop, making your own bento filled with onigiri ( rice ball ) and 5 quick dishes with easy miso soup. These are suitable for cooking in a busy morning as many Japanese people make their own bento evey day. Also you will learn the hints of making some dishes suitable for your bento. You will be provided a reusable bento box from Japan!

We start with introducing a typical style of bento, then a cooking session. Next we will fill your bento box before finally eating!

Date: Sunday 20th June
Time: 6:00-8:30pm
Place: The Grocery
54 -56 Kingsland Road
London, E2 8DP
Price: £45 *includes all the ingredients and Japanese re-useable lovely bento box!

To make a booking: http://www.atsukoskitchen.com/

Sake Tasting Dinner

Here's an opportunity to try 6 different sake ranging from futsu-shu to ginjo alongside a 3 course meal at Moshi Moshi which includes a selection of zensai tapas, a choice of salmon teriyaki, Fitzroy sushi set or a chilli omelette with pak choi and mocha rice cake and green tea.

Date: Tuesday 25 May
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Venue: Moshi Moshi Liverpool Street Station, Unit 24, Liverpool Street Station, (above platform 1, behind M&S), London EC2M 7QH

The cost is £28 per person. Places are limited so please reserve your place on liverpoolstreet@moshimoshi.co.uk or by telephone, 020 7247 3227.

JETAA London Update April 2010

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JETAA Pub Night at Crane and Tortoise - Thursday 6th May!
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We've got a great new venue - plus a new day of the week (Thursday) that doesn't clash with Champions League midweek international matches!

If you haven't been to the Japanese pub/restaurant the Crane and Tortoise, this is the perfect chance for you to try their authentic, tasty Japanese food and drinks. Do come along to chat with fellow former JETs... and you can even practice your Japanese - all the staff there are actually Japanese!

Date: Thursday 6th May
Time: from 6:30pm
Venue: Crane and Tortoise, 39 Gray's Inn Road, WC1X 8PR. The closest tube is Chancery Lane and you can find a map here: http://www.jetaa.org.uk/events/pub-night/

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Japanese Embassy Events this Spring
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There are plenty of events at the Embassy to keep you busy this spring. In particular, the first Wednesday of the next three months will feature free film screening nights at the Embassy of Japan in London, the first being on Wednesday, May 5th.

See the Embassy of Japan in London webpage for details of how to register. http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/ (Now the JETAA Pub Night has been moved to the first Thursday of the month, there's no reason not to go to both events...)

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Japanese Garden Party - Sunday 23rd May
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Don't miss this family-friendly day out at the annual Japanese Garden Party. The Mini Matsuri is held to celebrate the long history of Anglo-Japanese relations and is supported by the Hammersmith & Fulham council, the Japan-British Exhibition 100 Committee, the Japan Society, and the Japanese Resident Association.

There will be: Wadaiko/Bon-Odori/Okinawa Eisa/Enka singing/a Marshall Art Demo on stage; Tea Ceremony/Kamishibai/Garden Tour/Origami and Shodo Workshops; plus Japanese food/Japanese gifts/Information stalls!

The Japan's first major exhibition to the West took place in White City, London in 1910. The Japanese garden was created as a part of the exhibtion and today the garden still stands exactly in the same place as 100 years ago. This festival celebrates the centenary of the creation of the garden and the Japan-British Exhibition 1910.

Date: Sunday 23rd May
Time: 12 noon-4pm
Venue: Hammersmith Park Japanese Garden, South Africa Road, White City, London W12

Top 4 Japan-themed Picks (To Get You Through February in London!)

Hurray! February is halfway over! But it's still freezing. With this in mind, here are my top toasty picks to get you through February in Londontown...

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1. Melt into a Nabe Pot

The times I've googled 'oden - London' and 'nabe - London' and 'I want to eat oden in London!' and various combination thereof, I've never been able to find a restaurant that specialises in the warming Japanese hot-pot here in London. But now, thanks to the comprehensive EAT-JAPAN website, I've found out about Cocoro Restaurant near Bond Street, located at 31 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NH. Read the article on EAT-JAPAN.

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2. Defrost Your Buttocks with Uniqlo Heattech Long Johns

I don't know how I would have survived winter without these. I gave some to my mum at Christmas. Later, she complained she had cold legs. I said: 'Why don't you put your long johns on?' She said: 'Because I don't want to get used to wearing them all the time.' I said: 'Why?'. She didn't know...

Look, if you haven't got your obligatory Uniqlo Heattech undergarments on, you need to go and get some. Now!

Seriously, that is some cold rock you've been living under.

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3. View Gorgeous Shiny Things

If you still haven't made it to see Hiroshi Suzuki's gorgeous 'Silver Waves' exhibit at The Goldsmith's Hall, you've got two more weekends. The free exhibition closes on March 6th.

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4. Rediscover Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro is British. I know this.

But I've just got to get a mention of his 2009 book 'Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall' in here somehow, ok? What could be more comforting than this cheerful cover on a dark afternoon in February, I ask you? Pop on your Heatech long johns and snuggle down for a nice, long read.

JETAA London Update January - Febuary 2010

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The JETAA London website http://jetaa.org.uk/ is currently being updated. Here is the info included in the latest JETAA mailshot.

Thanks to all for the fantastic response - 2010's JETAA Winter Ball is shaping up to be the best ever. For a more informal night out, come along to the JETAA Pub Night or our Karaoke Shinnenkai to mix and mingle with ex-JETs!

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JETAA Pub Night at FLUID next Wednesday!
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Come along to Fluid to chat with fellow former JETs. There's Asahi, Japanese-inspired cocktails and we'll even treat you to some izakaya style table food.

Date: Wednesday, 13th January
Time: from 6:30pm
Venue: FLUID Bar, Farringdon (38 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6JN)
Map: Click here

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Shinnenkai - Karaoke!!
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Celebrate the start of the decade by singing your heart out at the On Board Karaoke Box & Bar!
There's still room for you - sign up now for the JETAA London New Year Karaoke Extravaganza!

To register email Josy at events@jetaa.org.uk
Date: Saturday 30th January
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Price: £15 (plus extra for drinks)
Venue: Onboard Karaoke Box
Basement 8 Kenway road
Earls Court
SW5 0RR
0207-244-6850

This cosy karaoke bar is a real find - located in the basement of restaurant called Orjowan just a couple of minutes walk from Earl's Court station. They have the largest range of Japanese Karaoke in London as well as plenty of English-language songs.

We plan to hire the entire bar, including 3 karaoke rooms. This will give you a chance to move around and meet new people in between songs! The bar is quite small so please let us know if you would like to attend so we can ensure there is enough room!

If the evening is successful, the owners of the bar are thinking of setting up special karaoke nights for JETAA members and Japanese expats in London.

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JETAA London AGM Results
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JETAA London enjoyed a good turnout and a successful evening at the Annual General Meeting last Wednesday. Thanks to all for coming! A few changes were made to the committee, which is now as follows:

Co-Chairperson: Josy Audigier
Co-Chairperson: Sharon Bignell
Vice Chair: Edward Horner
Treasurer: Hugh Thomas
Communications Officer: Vanessa Villalobos
Events Co-Ordinator: Andrew Urquhart
Events Co-Ordinator: Serena Yeung

A very warm welcome goes out to Andrew and Serena, new committee members for 2010.

If you wish to contact JETAA London, please email:
General enquiries - london@jetaa.org.uk
Events info - londonevents@jetaa.org.uk

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Tokyo Day 2010
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Tokyo Day(s!) are taking place on the last weekend in January. Courtesy of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, visitors to the event can learn about and enjoy many aspects of traditional and modern Japanese culture, including screening of popular anime films.

Date: Saturday 30th January and Sunday 31st January 2010
Time: 10-6pm Sat, 10-4pm Sun
Venue: London
Website Link: http://www.tcp2010.com/

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Warm Sake Tasting at So Restaurant ***********************************************************
The British Sake Association is holding a warm sake tasting at So Restaurant (3-4 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LS) on Tuesday 16 February from 6-8pm.

This will be an informal sake tasting where you will have the opportunity to sample 6 different sake and enjoy canapés provided by So Restaurant. There will also be the opportunity to buy the sake tasted on the evening.

All JETAA members enjoy a 10% discount on the £30 ticket price, making it £27 per person.
To reserve your place contact Sarah Wedgbury at slwedgbury@gmail.com.

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Japanese Cooking Class at Atsuko's Kitchen ***********************************************************
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Benefits of the class
- Learn to cook delicious Japanese cuisine
- Eat the meal you've cooked at the class!
- All the ingredients will be included in the course price
- 5 week course, but flexibility if you miss a class

A beginners course will be starting on Tuesday 26th January.
The classes start at 6:30p.m. for 2 hours session.
Dates: January 26th, February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

The same beginners course will be starting on Wednesday 24th February.
Time: 6:30pm until 8:30pm
Dates: February 24th, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

Place : The Grocery
54 -56 Kingsland Road
London, E2 8DP
- the class will be held at the cafe area.
Price: £165 for 5 week course includes all the ingredients.
Price for the individual class will be £38 per class.

For the booking information:
http://www.atsukoskitchen.com/node/3

JETAA London Update January 2010

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The JETAA London website http://jetaa.org.uk/ is currently being updated. Here is the info included in the latest JETAA mailshot.

Happy New Year from JETAA! Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! We are looking forward to another great year packed with activities. JETAA Pub Night, JETAA 2010 Winter Ball, JETAA London Annual General Meeting and a JETAA Karaoke Shinnenkai are all on the horizon...

Sign up now for the Winter Ball - as anyone who attended the glitzy 2009 event at the Grange Holborn will tell you - it's not to be missed!

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JETAA Pub Night at FLUID next Wednesday!
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Come along to Fluid to chat with fellow former JETs. There's Asahi, Japanese-inspired cocktails and we'll even treat you to some izakaya style table food.

Date: Wednesday, 13th January
Time: from 6:30pm
Venue: FLUID Bar, Farringdon (38 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6JN)
Map: Click here

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JETAA 2010 Winter Ball
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Following the massive success of last year's JETAA Winter Ball we have just confirmed this year's date with the swanky Grange Holborn Hotel.

There is a champagne reception on arrival, a tasty three-course buffet dinner and wine included in the cost, with a cash bar for additional drinks.

Not only that, but after the meal there'll a disco - with a live DJ and dance floor for you to show off your moves. And to keep the party going, there will of course be a 2-ji-kai!


Date: Saturday 27th February 2010
Time: 7pm - late
Cost: Highly subsidised by JETAA, the ball is just £25 per person, or 4 for £80!
Place: Grange Holborn Hotel
50-60 Southampton Row, London, WC1B
Link to the hotel website: Click here
Directions from Holborn tube station:
If you come out of the main entrance, turn right and walk up Southampton row, the hotel is about 5 mins walk on the right hand side of the road.
Dress Code: Dress to impress!

To register your interest, please e-mail us jetaaball@gmail.com . Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or queries.

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JETAA London Annual General Meeting
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What do you want JETAA London to do for you? Now's your chance to tell
us! Or, if you're up to the challenge, get involved yourself! All
committee positions will be open for election, and we're always
looking for more volunteers! Afterwards, we'll all go out for dinner
and drinks.

Date: Wednesday 20 January
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Place: Berne Union (27-29 Cursitor Street, London EC4A 1LT). Nearest
tube is Chancery Lane. Click here for a map:
http://www.berneunion.org.uk/contact-us.html

The JETAA London chapter is one of the largest JETAA chapters in the
world with 2000+ members. The committee consists of a Chair,
Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Communications Officer, Events Officer and
Careers Information Day Coordinator (for returning JETs in September),
however extra volunteers are always needed to help organise various
events and activities throughout the year.

All positions at the AGM will be elected by ballot and anyone who
wishes to stand for a post or wants to find out more about what being
on the committee involves should email Sharon, the current chair, on
london@jetaa.org.uk.

We hope to see you there!

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Shinnenkai - Karaoke!!
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Celebrate the start of the decade by singing your heart out at the On Board Karaoke Box & Bar!

Date: Saturday 30th January
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Price: £15 (plus extra for drinks)
Venue: Onboard Karaoke Box
Basement 8 Kenway road
Earls Court
SW5 0RR
0207-244-6850

This cosy karaoke bar is a real find - located in the basement of restaurant called Orjowan just a couple of minutes walk from Earl's Court station. They have the largest range of Japanese Karaoke in London as well as plenty of English-language songs.

We plan to hire the entire bar, including 3 karaoke rooms. This will give you a chance to move around and meet new people in between songs! The bar is quite small so please let us know if you would like to attend so we can ensure there is enough room!

If the evening is successful, the owners of the bar are thinking of setting up special karaoke nights for JETAA members and Japanese expats in London.

To register email Josy at events@jetaa.org.uk

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Registration is open! Secure your place in the Sumo Run 2010
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8:30am, 19 June 2010 at Battersea Park, London
www.sumorun.com

After television coverage in over 15 countries of last year's
first-ever Sumo Run, JETAA London will be once again entering a team
in the Sumo Run. It is a lot of fun, and raises money for a very
worthwhile education charity.

If you'd like to be a part of our team, please contact Josy on
londonevents@jetaa.org.uk.

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JET Connect
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Business networking evening coming in March - more details forthcoming!

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Tokyo Day 2010
***********************************************************
Tokyo Day(s!) are taking place on the last weekend in January. Courtesy of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, visitors to the event can learn about and enjoy many aspects of traditional and modern Japanese culture, including screening of popular anime films.

Date: Saturday 30th January and Sunday 31st January 2010
Time: 10-6pm Sat, 10-4pm Sun
Venue: London
Website Link: http://www.tcp2010.com/

BINCHO Restaurant: Leicester Square Tube

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BINCHO Yakitori
16 Old Compton Street
London W1D 4TL
Tel: 020 7287 9111

www.bincho.co.uk

Why? This toasty hideaway is perfect for cold winter nights in Soho! As you enter the restaurant, you pass chefs labouring away to prepare dishes on traditional open charcoal grills. Bincho's website explains the chef's methods: 'In Japan, the Ganko Ojisan are the keepers of the flame...' and hey, in this weather, I want to be wherever the flame is!

When? A Tuesday evening at 8ish - the restaurant was very busy but seats were still available without reservation.

Impression: The buzzing, izakaya-like atmosphere was ideal for meeting up for a girly gossip with my friend from Japan, Sian, another ex-JET teacher.

Prices: Skewers of chicken grilled over charcoal (yakitori) start from £1.40 for two - so this is an easy place to eat as little or as much as you like. There are more substantial dishes with rice, salad etc. for £4.00-£6.00.
Like with tapas or dim sum, it is actually rather easy to get carried away and eat loads - be warned!
300ml of hot sake is £8.30, and a pint of draft Asahi is £4.00. Desserts are around £5.00, and are surprisingly good.

Service:
The friendly waitresses were extremely busy, but if you look hungry enough they'll get round to you...

Description of food and drink: Starting with a little hot sake seemed to be in order.
We then had a selection of old faves - tasty skewers including Asparabacon, Buta (pork belly) and Negima (chicken and spring onion) along with the very interesting Aigamo (duck, spring onion and wasabi).

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All were piping hot and suitably tasty. The unagi (eel), of which I am not particularly fond, was melt-in-your-mouth sweet and tender.

Had to include a photo of the 'Baked Chocolate' dessert - gooey goodness.

Toilets: Fine, located down the stairs.

Come again? Absolutely - I'm going call to find out about special offers. The restaurant attracts a young crowd and plenty of students, so they often have deals on Mondays such as skewers for £1.00.

Japanese Music & Japanese Alcohol: 27th Aug 09

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Top 5 Picks for Summer in Japanese London

There's a welcome lull in frenetic London life over August... time to enjoy some of the finer things in life: food, music and the great outdoors.

If you, like I am, are counting down the days to the Japan Matsuri at Spitalfields this September 19th, you should indulge in a little Japanese cultural exploration over the summer!

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1. EAT FOR FREE AT TOKYO CITY

I know! I couldn't believe it either! Simply book your table in advance at Tokyo City Japanese Restaurant near Bank on any Tuesday in August, anytime from 11.30am to 10pm at night. A tasty offer too good to miss, you simply pay a £2.50 service charge and the cost of drinks you order.

City workers can feast for free on everything from handmade sushi and sashimi to bento boxes filled with Japanese classics, plus other traditional Japanese dishes, and help Tokyo City celebrate their 10th birthday and the launch of their new August menu.

Tokyo City is at 46 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7AY

Call 020 7726 0308 and quote the Tokyo City offer when you book.

2. DISCOVER CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE MUSIC

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You'll be pleased to hear Tsuru Sushi plays host to new Japanese music the last Wednesday of every month! Their 100% Genki events showcase Japanese musical and performance talent.

The events have been running for one year on the last Wednesday of each month, and attract a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities. Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.


3. EXPLORE JAPANESE GARDENS

All is green and lush in August, and there's no better time to enjoy the lovely Japanese gardens scattered around London.

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Kew Gardens, Richmond, is home to a striking 5-story pagoda set within its verdant gardens. If that's not enough for you, check out the Chokushi Mon - Gateway of the Imperial Messenger - a mini repica of the one in Kyoto. Other Japanese exhibits include the Minka House, an authentic Japanese farm dwelling bordered by a serene Bamboo Garden and, last but not least, there is a new glass Bonsai house to explore at Kew!

If you prefer your Japanese Gardens to be more on the, well, free side, try Holland Park's beautiful Kyoto Gardens. Watch colourful Giant Koi carp drifting lazily around the pond from the pretty arched bridge to catch the chilled-out summer feeling!

If you feel like getting out of the city, visit www.japan-interface.co.uk/gardens/ for a fantastic searchable guide of all the Japanese Gardens in the UK and Ireland.


4. CELEBRATE TANABATA STAR FESTIVAL WITH THE KIDS

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Tanabata Star Festival falls on 'the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the Japanese lunisolar calendar' - which in 2009 happens to be August 26th!

Tanabata celebrates the legend of star lovers
Hikoboshi (Alter) and Orihime (Vega) who meet over the Milky Way (Amanogawa) and fall in love. On one special day, once a year, these two stars burn more brightly as the star lovers are allowed to meet and pledge their love to each other once again.

TARA Studio will host storytelling activity events for children aged 4-8 and their families from 26th-29th August. Children will learn the Tanabata song and make a wish to hang on the bamboo tree.

TARA Studio is at 356 Garratt Lane, London, SW18 4ES

Visit the website at www.tara-arts.com or call 0208 333 4457 for more information.


5. LEARN JAPANESE STYLE HOME COOKING

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Atsuko's Kitchen is offering Japanese home-style cooking classes for beginners at The Grocery. Try something new this summer - the short five-week programme is ideal for filling that August lull. Starts Wednesday 12th August. There are also Advanced classes on Tuesdays.

The Grocery is located at 54 -56 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP The website is at www.atsukoskitchen.com

Booking is essential - call 07921 397792 or email classes@atsukoskitchen.com

Kikuchi Restaurant: Tottenham Court Road Tube

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Kikuchi Japanese Restaurant
14 Hanway Street
London W1P 9DD
Tel: 020 7637 7720

Why? For a Japanese-y committee meeting, so we weren't in the upstairs part of the restaurant, but rather downstairs in a private party room with typical bench style seating and cushions - quite nice.

When?
Monday, July 13th 2009 at about 6.30pm. The restaurant was pretty empty when we walked through at that time. When we left several hours later, it was busy for a Monday.

Impression:
Feels really traditional, right from the very genkan. Like many Japanese restaurants, it is untouched by fashion. A rack of handy free Japanese publications stands to the left as you enter the restaurant, and to the right is a brightly-lit sushi bar. We were given a hearty 'Irrashaimase' from the staff - always pleasing.

Prices:
Average, for way above average food. £3 for a tiny scoop of Adzuki bean or Green tea ice cream is far, far too much though.

Service: Very pleasant female Japanese waitresses. The only minor glitch in the proceedings was the beer shortage detailed below.

Description of food and drink:
We started with drinks - always the best tactic when you'll need to converse in a non-native language, I think. We were after large, 500ml bottles of beer, as often served in Japan. They didn't have those, so we ordered draught Asahi. The draft was off, so we ordered small bottles of Asahi. They didn't have any, so we had Sapporo. Which was fine - really.

A Japanese guy I hadn't met before ordered all our party's food. It's always hard to please everyone, but I was gutted about the omission of sushi/sashimi! By all accounts, Kikuchi's sushi is fantastic, and there is a dedicated sushi chef behind the sushi bar too.

What I can tell you is that it is worth visiting for the karaage fried chicken alone. It melts in your mouth. The powdery coating, drizzled lightly with lemon juice... wow! The Japanese natives even declared it better than in Japan! AMAZING.

Toilets: Unmemorable (which is good).

Come again? I have to. I must try the sushi. And order at least five portions of karaage.

New Music from Japan at Tsuru Sushi: Last Wednesday of July, August, September

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'New Music from Japan showcases Japanese musical and performance talent. The events are on the last Wednesday of each month at Tsuru Sushi and attract a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities.

Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.'

Catch new Japanese music until September 2009 at Tsuru Sushi - located on the Bankside - London Bridge or Southwark tube. It's a mere stone's throw from Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern!

For more information...
Tel: 07944 848740
Email: emma@tsuru-sushi.co.uk

Japan Matsuri 2009 - Get Involved!

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If you loved festivals in Japan you'll be excited to hear about the 2009 Japan Matsuri here in London! You'll find old favourites such as water balloons and masks, o-mikoshi, bon dancing, taiko drumming, festival food, performances, stalls and more!

This exciting festival will be held on Saturday, 19th September, 2009 at Spitalfields. For more information visit www.japan.matsuri.com

Why not get involved?

BRING your family and friends! Japan Matsuri opens to the public from 10am - 8pm on Saturday, 19th September 2009.

VOLUNTEER - before the event or on the day. The Japan Society needs people to help the planning team now; to set up and clear away on 18th and 19th; and on the day to act as stewards and activity leaders (origami, calligraphy, kimono dressing etc). For details please email intern@japansociety.org.uk.

PARTICIPATE in Nodojiman - the J-factor. Anyone, whatever their nationality, who can sing a Japanese song in Japanese, is encouraged to enter. For details, visit www.japanmatsuri.com.

ENTER the Japan Matsuri photography competition
, for the best festival image from the day. Capture the spirit of the Matsuri and win fabulous prizes! For details, visit www.japanmatsuri.com.

BON ODORI - Join London Bon dancers to help generate a mass public bon odori. A rehearsal evening will be arranged in the week before the matsuri. Please contact intern@japansociety.org.uk if you're interested.

Okinawa Festival at CAFE OTO: Saturday 20th June, 1pm-5pm

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If you love laid-back Okinawan culture you'd best not miss this FREE, family-friendly festival at Cafe Oto!

The Okinawa Festival is on from 1pm to 5pm this Saturday, 20th June, with two musical performances by the London Okinawa Sanshin Group, at 2pm and 4pm.

'The London Okinawa Sanshin group is a bunch of people who are crazy about Okinawan folk music.

Okinawa is one of Japan's southern prefectures, and consists of hundreds of islands in a chain over 1,000 km long, which extends southwest from Kyushu (the southwestern most of Japan's main four islands) to Taiwan.

The cornerstone of Okinawan folk music is a traditional instrument called the sanshin. The sanshin (literally meaning "Three strings") is a precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consists of a snakeskin-covered body, wooden neck and three strings. Many modern sanshin no longer use snakeskin but are covered with nylon instead.

The London Okinawa Sanshin Group plays concerts throughout the year at a variety of events where their performance included an Okinawan festival dance called Eisa. Eisa is a lively dance involving a group of dancers some of them carrying and playing drums.

There will be a stall selling Okinawan food and their local produce.'

Cafe Oto is at 18 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL.

Tube: The nearest station is Dalston Kingsland just one minute walk from Cafe OTO. Dalston Kingsland is now part of the London Overground network so you can use your Oyster card. Take the tube to Highbury & Islington (Victoria line) then change to the London Overground. Alternatively take the Tube to Liverpool Street then bus 149 or 242.

Bus: Dalston is well served for buses from all-over London . The following buses stop nearby: 30, 38, N38, 67, 76, 149, N149, 56, 277 & 242


沖縄まつりのお知らせ

沖縄イベントがロンドン市内で開催されますのでそのお知らせです。
沖縄出身者を中心として活動しているロンドン三線会と沖縄県人会主催。
沖縄戦が終了した慰霊の日にちなんで
平和&歌コンサートとエイサー(沖縄の集団太鼓円舞)を行います。
沖縄に興味のある人、沖縄がすきな人、沖縄知ら
ないけど知りたい人、南国の雰囲気がロンドンで
体験できますので会場へ足を運んでみて下さい。
沖縄料理、泡盛、沖縄菓子も楽しめます。
もちろんちびっこも同伴で参加できます。

日時 : 6 月20 日(土) 午後1 時~5 時
場所 :カフェオト、18 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL
(http://www.cafeoto.co.uk/contact.shtm)
入場無料 (お食事・お飲み物代は別途)
公演2 回, 第1 部: 2 時~3 時、第2 部: 4 時~5 時

カフェオトはロンドンOverGroundのDalston Kingsland駅下車1分、Liverpool Street駅からはバス149番あるいは242番で約20分です。バスはほかに30,38,67,76,56,277が使えます。

How to Visit Japan Without Leaving London: Part 2

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Shhh! It’s a bit of a well-kept secret that Hammersmith Park boasts a small but perfectly-formed Japanese Garden, originally commissioned for the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910.

Painstakingly constructed, even the bridge crossing the pond was brought in especially from Japan, brick by brick!

It was rescued from neglect in summer 2008 by Friends of Hammersmith Park Japanese Garden and experts from Japan. To keep the garden in shape in 2009, there will be a ‘General Tidying Session’ on May 30th, from 11am-3pm. Get your wellies on and email jb.ex100@yahoo.co.uk to join in.

Following the restoration work on Saturday, there will also be a garden party on Sunday May 31st, from 12pm-4pm! Taiko, bon dancing, story-telling and Japanese food will make this a great day out for the whole family.

Download Garden Party Event Flyer

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Orbital Manga is the nucleus for connecting with all things manga, anime and cosplay in London.

Even better – there’s a wide selection of the latest manga titles available in English. So, it’s just like being in Japan, except you can actually read everything! Yay! Located just around the corner from Leicester Square, at 4c Orion House, Upper St Martins Lane, this slice of Japan couldn’t be closer to home.

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The British Museum’s Mitsubishi Corporation Japanese Galleries
have recently been refurbished to tell the chronological tale of Japanese culture from ancient prehistory, to the present...

There are paintings and prints, exquisite Samurai treasures, everyday objects, even modern manga.

When you enter the gallery, you will note the lovely tea-house. The London-based Urasenke Foundation Chado group does demonstrations there on a regular basis – contact the museum for more information about times and dates.

Have you found a little part of Japan in London? I'd love to hear about it!

Sushi making class at SO Restaurant: Every Saturday in May!

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If you want to learn how to make great sushi in time for the picnic season, try the Sushi making class at the contemporary Japanese restaurant: SO Restaurant!

Held every Saturday afternoon in May, the two-hour course starts at 3.30pm. You'll be able to enjoy your creations just in time for dinner...

The classes are £60 pounds per person. Sign up on the sushi-making website or call 020-7292-0767.

SO Japanese Restaurant is located in the heart of Soho, at 3-4 Warwick St. Piccadilly, London, London W1B 5LS.

Saké Tasting for Beginners at Yumenoki, Fulham: Sunday 3rd May, 6.30-9pm

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Saké is quickly becoming the trendiest drink in London.

But do you know your Daiginjo from your Junmai Ginjo?

This workshop with a qualified saké lecturer and saké enthusiast in Fulham is a fine opportunity to find out about how it is made, and of course, sample many types!

'Sharing a brief history and look at Japanese sake drinking culture, we will take a look at what it is, how sake is made, its place in Japanese culture and growing popularity across the world.

Five premium sakes will be on tasting with a selection of Japanese food in a Japanese traditional and friendly atmosphere.'

To be held at Yumenoki Japanese Restaurant on Fulham Road, on Sunday 3rd May 2009 , the event starts at 6.30pm.

The tickets are £40 and include the saké guide, a tasting of 5 premium sakés, a Japanese dinner and more...

See the shiny new Saké Sommelier Association website for more information on this and other events.

To book call Anna 079888 99465 or Kumiko 079057 11457,

or email anna@sakesommelierassociation.com or kumiko@sakesommelierassociation.com.

New Music from Japan: April to September 2009, Last Wednesday of every month

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'New Music from Japan showcases Japanese musical and performance talent. The events have been running for one year on the last Wednesday of each month and have attracted a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities. Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.'

Last Wednesday of every month April to September 2009 at Tsuru Sushi - located on the Bankside - London Bridge or Southwark tube. It's a mere stone's throw from Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern!

For more information...
Tel: 07944 848740
Email: emma@tsuru-sushi.co.uk

Atsuko's Kitchen Japanese Cooking Classes - Advanced Class Starts Wednesday 11th March

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If you want to brush up your Japanese cooking skills, Atsuko's kitchen is the right place for you! Her Advanced cycle of 5 classes will start on Wednesday the 11th of March, but check her homepage for more information.

'Where is it? At "The Grocery" 54-56 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DP -The classes will be held in the cafe area.

How much does it cost? The price for 5 classes is £150 - this includes the ingredients too.

If you can't attend for five weeks but you'd still like to attend, Atsuko can arrange for you to attend one class for £34.

What do I need to bring? Nothing - you can bring an apron if you would like to.'

'At Atsuko's Kitchen, we'll learn about the basic Japanese seasonings. I'll introduce some of the more common ingredients as we cook together.

I'll show you how to make quick and simple everyday meals that taste great and are healthy!

This course is designed to make the best use of Japanese ingredients. You will learn enough great recipes so that there is always something to cook with just five basic seasonings. I like to make sure there are no half empty bottles of mirin or shoyu forgotten about in the back of the cupboard.

The classes are easygoing and informal - I want to teach you practical dishes that you can prepare easily at home.'

The Japanese Art Festival in Richmond: 28th Feb and 1st March 09

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The highly anticipated Japanese Art Festival - art, cultural activities, cosplay and exchange - will take place on Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March 2009. It takes place at the Richmond Adult Community College(5 minutes walk from Richmond tube or rail).

Akemi Solloway, the main organiser of the Japanese Art Festival, is a lecturer of Japanese culture and daughter of an old samurai family. In addition to Akemi, the core supporters of this festival are AJAMCA, the Anglo-Japanese Anime, Manga and Culture Association, and the School of Japanese Language and Culture.

If you are interested in finding like-minded people with an interest in Japan, this is the place to be! There are lots of 'interesting things to see and do and the chance to take part in further activities in the UK and Japan'.

Admission to the Japanese Art Festival is FREE! See the festival's website for more information on events (including a J-pop party and a Japanese martial arts demonstration!)...


Japan Night at the Science Museum: Wednesday 28th Jan 09, 6.45pm

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This Japan-themed evening is in celebration of the Science Museum's current exhibit - Japan Car: Designs for the Crowded Globe. A free, adults-only event in association with Asahi beer, you don't need to register - simply turn up and enjoy the activities.

There will be Japanese pop DJs, kendo demonstrations, 2 for 1 entry to the popular exhibition and other Japanese activities, as well as 'shameless playtime' in the famous interactive gallery Launchpad!

Japan-UK Culture Exchange with Sushi 101: 10th – 11th Jan 09

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Presented by Muswell Hill's Sushi 101, this is a cultural event to introduce people to Japanese culture through sushi, along with art, fashion and individual talent displays.

The event with take place at Sushi 101 in The Raglan Hotel, Muswell Hill on the 10th and 11th of January 2009.

For more information, email info@sushi101.co.uk or go the website www.sushi101.co.uk. If you can't wait until January for a sushi fix, Sushi 101 is also offfering 50% off all sushi in December.

Saké Tasting for Beginners: Sunday 14th December 08, 6-9pm

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Ever fancied learning more about saké?

This workshop with a qualified saké lecturer and saké enthusiast in Fulham is a fine opportunity to find out about how it is made, and of course, sample many types.

To be held at Yumenoki Restaurant on Fulham Road, on Sunday 30th November 2008, the event starts at 6pm.

The tickets are £35 and include the saké guide, a tasting of 5 premium sakés, a Japanese dinner and a saké tasting cup to keep.

See the Saké Sommelier Association website for more information.To book call Anna 079888 99465 or Kumiko 079057 11457, or email anna@sakesommelierassociation.com or kumiko@sakesommelierassociation.com.

Saké Tasting Dinner at Soseki: Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th Oct 08

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The Akita Prefectural Government is holding two saké tasting dinners at the Japanese restaurant Soseki. The newly-opened kaiseki-kappo style (Japanese haute-cuisine) restaurant is named after the great Japanese novelist and is getting great reviews – what better chance to try it?

The two evenings will give you the chance to sample 6 Akita brewers’ 17 different kinds of saké and learn more about brewing the best saké from the Japanese experts.

The omakase system (a seasonal, no-choice menu) means that the creative chefs at Soseki can take advantage of the sustainably-sourced ingredients delivered fresh each day, combining them to make refreshing dishes of uniquely high quality.

To reserve your place, call Soseki Restaurant on 0207621 9211 or email them at info@soseki.co.uk. The price is £40 for Japan Society members and £45 for non-members, so let them know if you qualify for the reduced price!