WAttention Singapore vol 34

Singapore Edition

Tokyo - Taiwan - L.A. - Malaysia - Thailand - Paris - Mumbai - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico

TA K E FREE Sep / Oct 2016 VOL.34 MCI (P) 112/12/2015

Discover the double delights of

酒特集

Sake Feature P.22

暦 Koyomi 9th September

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

C h o y o n o S e k k u 重陽の節供

text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇

The “yang” of the “yin-yang” concept is thought to become too strong and hence inauspicious on dates which are odd-numbered in both day and month.

The sekku, or seasonal festival, became an event to counter this threat. Within these days, September 9 th is known as the Choyo no Sekku as it is the day when the number strongest in “yang” is doubled. It has long been believed that when the power of the nature becomes too overbearing, the life of mankind is endangered. In order to avert that danger and pray for a long life, chrysanthemum flowers are soaked in water or sake and drunk for its blood-

cleansing properties. In a time when most illnesses were thought to be caused by impurities in the blood, the chrysanthemum was a type of precious kampo medicine that only the royalty could afford. One of the rituals carried out during the Choyo no Sekku is to place a wad of silk on top of chrysanthemum flowers and to use the parts that absorbed the flower’s dew to wipe one’s body to cleanse oneself. The folksong, “Kikudoji”, used frequently in noh performances, is inspired by the eternal spirit of the chrysanthemum when it bursts into full bloom. In fact, during the Heian era, ladies from the nobility would wipe

their faces and bodies with chrysanthemum dew in the hopes of staying young. For the peasants, it was a day to enjoy the chestnut.

We now know the chestnut as being a health food rich in vitamin C, and well-balanced in terms of protein and fat. People in the past knew this from experience and eating this in the hopes of longevity on day of the Choyo is a festival tradition that cannot be missed.

Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on findings to apply them to modern lifestyles.

Currently teaches at Tama Art University.

WAttention Singapore

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Discover and experience the full flavour of fresh fish from Kyoto and Yamagata like never before.

h s FiSeminar

Sat, 17 Sept ‘16 12pm - 2pm Wadatsumi Limited to 30pax!

Designed by Freepik.com

The satellite shop of JF ZENGYOREN (The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Association), Wadatsumi, the Singapore branch of Japan’s popular washoku restaurant Kanda Wadatsumi, is the ideal place to experience authentic Japanese dining – from its décor to its menu which features the freshest and highest quality seafood from all over Japan all year round.

FREE ADMISSION

Kanda Wadatsumi Japanese Dining 神田わだつみ

To sign up, visit WAttentionSingapore

50 Tras Street | 6221-6264 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -11pm Closed on Sun & PH www.kanda-wadatsumi.sg/en

VOL.34

SPECIAL FEATURES

YAMAGATA & FUKUOKA

ディープな日本、丸ごと体験！ 北の山形・南の福岡

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In Harmony with the Seasons

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What’s New? SPECIAL FEATURE

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Amber’s Yamagata Travelogue Explore the mountainous Yamagata rich in hot springs and delicious food

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Rediscover the Charm of Fukuoka See Fukuoka the local way

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The best sake places to have a tipple and a nibble in Singapore

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Maiko Yoshimoto / Hajime Watanabe

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Why “WAttention”?

WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more “Attention” to “WA（ 和 ）”; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself! 世 界 中 の 人 々に「 和 」 （WA）に 注 目（Attention）してほしいという願 いを 込 めて WA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

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This publication and the name are owned solely by Minook International (S) Pte Ltd, 2B Craig Rd, Singapore 089662. Email: singapore@wattention.com. WATTENTION is published bimonthly and distributed throughout Singapore. Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

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アテンション！新登場

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Café&Meal MUJI Raffles City Shopping Centre #02-020/20A /22, 252 North Bridge Road | 6264-4189 | 10am - 10pm (L.O. Muji.sg 9.15pm) Muji.com/sg

Second time’s the charm with the new Café&Meal MUJI Similar to their Paragon outlet, the minimalistic space is typical of the MUJI style and is a friendly, comfortable area for families and friends to relax in.

It offers an array of Hot and Cold Deli dishes that patrons can choose from, two Basic Sets – in Japanese and Western Style – as well as a meaty Chicken Nanban Donburi that is available exclusively at this outlet.

For sweets lovers, the menu includes favourites such as Caramel Pudding and Roasted Tea Pudding and two new additions: Matcha and Yuzu Swiss Rolls, which are filled with fresh whipped Hokkaido cream and garnished with a sweet glazed strawberry.

Chicken Nanban Donburi ............. $14.90 Basic Set ( Japanese or Western) ........ $7.80 3 Deli Set ........................................ $12.90

Soy-Sansho French Fries, $6.90

NEW

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Promotion

Enjoy Deli Set + Drink / Dessert + Drink at $1 OFF *Terms & Conditions apply

(1 Hot Deli and 2 Cold Deli, a choice of White Rice or Bread)

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Yuzu Swiss Roll

Jurong East

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet JEM #03-11/12, 50 Jurong Gateway Road | 6262 4329 Shaburi and Kintan

Experience the best of both worlds Have problems deciding what to have for dinner?

Head down to this new concept store at JEM which offers both shabu-shabu and yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) in one spot.

Shaburi has five different broths available for you to blanche your meat in: Konbu, Sukiyaki, Paitan Collagen Soup, Paitan Karamiso and Tonyu Miso But if you prefer your meat grilled, head to Kintan buffet instead. It offers specially selected meats and premium beef from the US and Australia with their original, spicy miso and garlic tare or with their unique Cheese Curry dip.

Apart from savouring quality meats, you can also enjoy over 40 different kinds of side dishes available including fresh vegetables, gyu-don, sushi rolls, tempura, chawanmushi and chicken kaarage at both buffets.

Kintan Buffet ..............................................

Lunch from $22.80 Dinner from $27.80 Shaburi Buffet ...........................................

Lunch $19.80 Dinner from $24.80 6

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Cheese Curry Dipping Sauce

Shabu Shabu Sauces

RESTAUR ANTS | SHOPS | EVENTS

Boon Lay

Sato Yosuke Shoten Co., Ltd 佐藤養助商店 Sanuki Mengyo Co., Ltd さぬき麺業 WAttention Plaza, B1 Jurong Point Shopping Centre 1 Jurong West Central 2 | 11am - 9.30pm pje-sg.com WAttention Plaza

Slurp’s up at WAttention Plaza’s Udon Fair

Sanuki Niku Udon 讃岐肉うどん

Get ready to fill your tummies with delicious, healthy Japanese noodles when two of Japan’s largest udon brands visit our island for five days only in October.

Sato Yosuke Shoten, which has 150 years of history, hails from Akita Prefecture which specialises in hand-stretched noodles. Their Inaniwa Udon is exceptionally smooth, which makes slurping down these noodles very easy.

In the other bowl, Sanuki Mengyo originates from Kagawa Prefecture and is famous for its Sanuki Udon. A popular and longtime establishment with a history of more than 90 years, you can watch as a skilled craftsman hand-makes the noodles at the Udon Fair. Enjoy every bite of this smooth and mochi-like udon!

Inaniwa Udon 稲庭うどん

Sanuki Udon 讃岐うどん

Event

5 - 9 Oct ‘16 (Wed-Sun)

Inaniwa Udon 稲庭うどん

Orchard

Japan Food Town Wisma Atria Shopping Centre #04-39/54, 435 Orchard Road japanfoodtown.sg

Japan Food Town

World’s first Japan Food Town opens in Singapore From ramen and soba to sushi and wagyu, there is a store to feed every craving you can have at this unique “food town” found on the top floor of Wisma Atria.

With over 50% of the ingredients used at the restaurants being procured from Japan, you can savour the best flavours the town has to offer and rest assured about taste and quality.

Marina Square

Emporium Shokuhin E-Store Marina Square (New Wing) #01-18, 6 Raffles Boulevard Daily 10am - 10pm estore.emporiumshokuhin.com.sg

Emporium Shokuhin

Shop at the new online grocer!

Shabu Shabu Tajimaya

Inaniwa Yosuke

Shopping for premium Japanese groceries just got that much easier. Singapore’s first integrated Japanese food, shopping and dining destination now has an e-commerce platform featuring a variety of products. This includes fresh, chilled, ready-to eat items, alongside snacks and specialty products from Ehime prefecture.

Shop now to get a $10 Emporium Shokuhin Dining Voucher with every $40 nett spent on their e-store!

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with

Travel Canon vol. 03 ｜山寺｜山形県

Yamadera, Yamagata Prefecture Known officially as Risshakuji Temple, this outpost of Tendai Buddhism requires one to climb more than 1,000 steps to reach. The natural beauty of the place inspired Matsuo Basho’s famous haiku — Calm and serene.

The sound of a cicada. Penetrates the rock.

Photographer: Shaun Tan Chun Weng (Singapore) Country: Yamadera, Yamagata Prefecture Camera Model: EOS 1D X Lens: EF35mm f/1.4L II USM

Old temple surrounded by green mountains!

Zao Ropeway and beautiful yellow and red autumn foliage

Scarecrow Festival at Kaminoyama City

L

! o g et ’s

Amber’s

Sakura blossoms at the Kaminoyama Castle

Yamagata

Travelogue You might have never heard of Yamagata, however Japanese often associate the name with stunning panoramic views of nature, relaxing hot spring baths and sweet, juicy fruits. Located in the Tohoku region on Honshu, Yamagata faces the Sea of Japan on the west side and borders Miyagi Prefecture to the east, with the Zao Mountain Range being its major scenic attraction.

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The mineral rich water at Zao Crater Lake changes colour depending on the weather

Ningen shogi is a festival where Japanese chess is played with human pieces

Enjoy fruit picking in the summer

Marked by a complex of volcanic mountains, Yamagata boasts unparalleled natural hot springs and is known as the “Kingdom of Onsen.” Mogami River runs through the prefecture from south to north, nurturing the region to produce top quality cherries, pears and many other agricultural products. For those interested in Japanese literature, you might want to look up Matsuo Basho’s “Okuno-hosomichi,” or The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The greatest poet of the Edo period (1603-1868) was so inspired by the beauty of Yamagata that he dedicated the famous haiku “ah this silence / sinking into the rocks / voice of cicada” to this place.

Visiting Yamagata was a dream come true for our editor Amber. After spending days touring around and enjoying the great nature of Yamagata, she is thrilled to share with you her findings and some secret spots to play, eat and discover.

Shinjo Station

Yamagata Prefecture Tokyo

Tendo Station Yamagata Station

Access Yamagata City Tokyo Yamagata Station 2 hours and 40 minutes

by Yamagata Shinkansen

Kaminoyama Onsen Station

Wakamatsu Kannon Yamadera

Zao Onsen

Yamagata Shinkansen

Kaminoyama City Tokyo Kaminoyama Onsen Station 2 hours and 30 minutes

by Yamagata Shinkansen

Tendo City Tokyo Tendo Station 2 hours and 50 minutes

by Yamagata Shinkansen

*Trains arrive at different times; please check train schedules online for more information.

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Captivating Scenery Characterised by long snowy winters and majestic mountains, the Zao area is full of mesmerising scenes of nature and relaxing hot springs. Besides appreciating the awe-evoking craftsmanship of nature, Amber also took the time to interview locals to get the story behind each attractions.

Weirdest Snowscape

Zao Snow Monsters

▲ Get up close and personal with Zao Snow Monsters

Zao Ropeway gives you a magnificent view of the so-called Juhyo, or fir trees heavily coated with snow. The ride takes you from Zao-Sanroku Station at the foot of the mountain, via the plateau, all the way to Zao-Sancho Station for a spectacular panorama. These Snow Monsters are grotesquely shaped by the velocity of the northwest winter Siberian monsoon.

Mid-January to late February is the best time to come and see for yourself the weirdest snow fantasy in Yamagata.

Tips from Amber Snowboard among the Natural Wonders!

▲ Visit the Jizo Statue at Zao Sancho Station to get rid of misfortune and obtain blessings

It was an amazing experience to snowboard and ski among the legendary Snow Monsters.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by the unique scenery as you embark on a lifetime adventure on the snow.

Fantasy World

Romantic Illumination and Snowmobile See the ghostly trees illuminated in magnificent colours every night during the peak season. The stark contrast of brilliant white, mystic black and rainbow colours create a fantasy world you do not want to miss. At Juhyo Kogen Station, hop on the snow tractor which is equipped with heating to experience the spectacle at minus 10 degrees Celsius.

Zao Ropeway Address: 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata Access: 45 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station

Spring of Beauty

Zao Onsen

Boasting a history of 1,900 years, Zao Onsen is said to boost blood circulation and cure all sorts of ailments including heart problems, digestive disorders and skin conditions. The strong acidic water also contains minerals that make the skin soft, smooth and beautiful. The Zao outdoor bath, which is only open from late April to mid-November, can accommodate as many as 200 people and is an exclusive enjoyment for non-winter visitors.

Dairotenburo Hours: 6pm - 7pm Fee: Adult ¥470、Child ¥260 12

WAttention Singapore

Send yourself a postcard with a local motif to remind yourself of travel memories！

Tips from Amber There are three public baths on Zao Onsen Street and all it takes is 200 yen for a unique bathing experience.

Energise Your Body and Soul Power spots are found all over Japan, mostly in the form of mountains, temples and shrines.

Yamagata is home to a couple of these sites and spiritual destinations believed to heal and energise people who visit them. Follow Amber as she uncovers the mysteries hidden in the sanctuaries!

Inspiration to Poets

Yamadera Temple

Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple Address: 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Yamadera Temple Station

Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple, colloquially known as Yamadera, has a history of more than 1,100 years. The site features 30 Buddhist halls, among which Konpon-chodo is the most popular. The hall, located at the foot of the mountain, worships the Buddha of healing and medicine, and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. Journey up to the top to explore Godaido, which yields a splendid view of the city and the mountain valley. Matsuo Basho, a famous haiku poet in the Edo period, was so inspired that he dedicated a poem to the place.

Looking for Your Better Half?

Wakamatsu Kannon Wakamatsu Temple is 15 minutes by taxi from Tendo City of Yamagata and it is one of the most famous temples for matchmaking in Japan. Rumour has it that holding the hands of the temple master can help one find the ideal marriage partner.

If you want to shake hands with the temple master, one month’s reservation in advance is required. You can also attend a blessing ceremony, which is held on the first Sunday of each month from April to October (reservation not required).

Sign up for a hand shaking session with the temple master

Tips from Amber Yamadera Specialty Power konnyaku, which is made out of yam starch, is said to give you energy to climb up the stairs leading to Yamadera.

Wakamatsu Kannon Address: 2205-1 Ohazayamamoto, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture Sign up for a hand shaking session: www.wakamatu-kannon.jp/contact.html Access: 15 minutes by taxi from JR Tendo Station

Tips from Amber When will my true love come?

The temple master gives each person a score after shaking hands with them. The higher the score, the faster one will encounter his or her soulmate. The temple master told Amber that her Mr. Right will appear within half a year—this is definitely something to look forward to!

Ring the Wakamatsu Kannon bell three times with your partner for a happy marriage.

If you’re single, ring the bell to find your other half!

WAttention Singapore

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Go Local

B

The best way to understand Yamagata is to mingle with the local people, take part in a traditional festival and make a souvenir to take home. Live a day in the life of Yamagatans!

C

A

Old Tradition

Kasedori Festival

D

The Kasedori Festival, or Straw Bird Festival, has taken place in the Kaminoyama City of Yamagata Prefecture since the Edo Period. The winter festival features participants wearing straw coats and shouting “take care with fire, prosperous business.” They also make bird sounds in a dance procession that starts from the Kaminoyama Castle and tours around the city. Locals would throw freezing cold water at the participants to pray for good harvest and prosperity. Interested in dressing up as a Kasedori? Application is open to public every November.

Tips from Amber Kasedori Facts A The straw coat weighs as much as 12 kilograms when soaked in water.

B Festival-goers wrap their heads with a new towel or handkerchief to pray for harvest, prosperity and fire safety.

C Pull a straw from the costume and tie it around your daughter’s hair so that she will be a beauty when she grows up.

Drench the birdy creatures with buckets of ice cold water.

Be careful as they can also get you wet too!

Kids dressed up in Kasedori costumes selling cute souvenirs

Kasedori Festival

The straw shoes are all handmade by the local people.

Time: Opening ceremony is held on February 11 at the Kaminoyama Castle Access: 12 minutes walk from Yamagata Shinkansen Kaminoyama Onsen Station Sign up website: http://kaminoyama-spa.com

D

Experience the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the Kasedori Festival

Make Your Own Chess Piece

Shogi

Tendo City of Yamagata Prefecture is known for the production of shogi, or Japanese chess pieces. Back in the Edo Period, the feudal lord encouraged peasants to make wooden chess pieces for a living, and thus the tradition was born. Make a reservation for a 30-minute chess painting session and design one that complements your personality. This is also a nice way to make your own souvenir!

Shogikomatokokesi-no-mise Eishundo Address: 1-3-28 Kamatahoncho, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Tendo Station Hours: 8pm - 5pm 14

WAttention Singapore

Keep vibrant memories of your trip by making your own chess piece

Fresh is Best

Cherry Picking Yamagata is blessed with rich soil, good water and a climate that is ideal for growing a variety of fruits, including adorable cherries. Their ruby red colour and tangy taste are just irresistible! The best season for cherry picking is early summer, from June to July, so be sure to plan in advance for a special holiday in cherry farms.

Yamagata Tourism Information: http://yamagatakanko.com/log/?l=272481

Yummy Yamagata

Must-eat Gourmet Treat

It is well-known that Yamagata accounts for 70 percent of Japan’s cherry and pear production. What you might not know is that the prefecture also ranked first in the nation’s consumption of ramen and konnyaku, a traditional Japanese food rich in dietary fiber and low in calories. Here are some gourmet food found nowhere else.

Tips from Amber

Simple yet Authentic

Itasoba and Ramen

Yamagata People Love Ramen It is said that Yamagata has the highest population of ramen lovers in Japan. Probably because of the cold winters, the prefecture has a myriad of ramen joints, each specialising in something different. Aside from the “Torichuka,” there is also the chicken innards ramen and Cantonese style barbecued chicken ramen.

Located in Tendo City of Yamagata Prefecture, Suishakisoba has over a hundred years of history. The restaurant specialises in handmade soba, or thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, served in customised wooden boxes. One of the most celebrated dishes here is the “Torichuka,” a hearty bowl of ramen noodles cooked in thick chicken bone broth, bonito essence and soba sauce. The freshly made noodles are not only loved by locals but by people that come into town for vacation.

Suishakisoba Address: 1-3-26 Kamatahoncho, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Tendo Station Hours: 11am - 11pm

The noodles are freshly made every day so they retain a chewy, tender texture.

▼ Milk cake (Oshidori Milk Cake)

Cherry of My Eye

Sweet Cherries

Made with quality milk and rich in texture, the cake has won the heart of Yamagata citizens for years. This is not to be missed when visiting Yamagata.

Yamagata Prefecture grows many types of cherries, but the most popular is called “Sato-nishiki.” The breed is excellent in quality and has a refreshingly sweet taste that will make you want more after the first try! If you happen to visit during off seasons, pick up some cherry-inspired candies or cherry flavoured delicacies for indulgence.

Cherry jelly (Sakuranbo Kirara) The jelly contains a whole cherry in the centre, which is gratifying to the eye and pleasant to the taste. Best served chilled.

Creativity Gone Wild

Konnyaku Dishes

Appetisers made with konnyaku and different food ingredients

Come and have a taste of the original konnyaku sweets at the café.

Located at Kaminoyama Onsen Station, Tanno Konnyaku Banjo is a long established restaurant that specialises in konnyaku cuisine. To make delicious konnyaku, the restaurant owner goes through the effort of pumping calcium-rich, alkaline water from underground almost every day. The most recommended dish is the kaiseki-ryori, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner with konnyaku being the main feature. Don’t worry about putting on extra weight because the jelly is extremely low in calories and high in fiber.

Tips from Amber What does konnyaku look like?

You might have seen konnyaku at supermarkets but have you seen raw konnyaku before? Konnayku is a potato-like vegetable that can be highly toxic if not processed properly. Professionals eliminate the poisonous substances by washing and grinding repeatedly.

Tanno Konnayku Banjo Address: 608-1 Minazawa Suwa-mae, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture Hours: 11pm - 5pm (restaurant), 9pm - 4pm (café), closed on January 1st and every Tuesday WAttention Singapore

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Sep - Nov

Located on the southern Tohoku region along the Sea of Japan, Yamagata is known for her mountains, sacred temples and heavy snowfall. During autumn, the area is speckled in hues of scarlet and gold, and travellers can get to pick fruits such as grapes and apples.

.E njo y! .E at

Each individual cottage comes with full furnishing, amenities and has its own WI-FI too!

Amazing Autumn

Tr av el

ah

by Khamiskers k re of X-T

Want to travel lesser-known areas of Japan but not sure where to start? X-Trekkers’ Japan specialist introduces one of her favourite areas — Yamagata.

➋

➌

➍

➊ Scenic mountain ranges near Pole Pole Resort ➋ Vibrant autumn colours reflected in the forests ➌ & ➍ Grapes and apples are some of the fruits you can harvest on your own during autumn!

Pole Pole Snow Park Whee!

Dec - Mar

Winter brings about considerable snowfall in the region of Zao, a volcanic mountain range which borders Miyagi and Yamagata. The famous Zao Snow Monsters form due to snow and wind, and are a marvel to behold. Aside from skiing, try snow activities such as sledding and have lunch in an igloo! End the day by soaking in some of the best thermal hot springs in Japan.

Complimentary beginners ski lessons are provided for guests at Pole Pole Resort!

Apr

Wondrous Winter

Sunlit Spring

Abundant in greenery, springtime bursts forth in Yamagata with the blooming of cherry blossoms. Go on a hike on the many nature trails and take in the gorgeous sights!

Experience making and eating your very own soba (そば , buckwheat noodles).

Around 200 koinobori (鯉 のぼり , carp streamers) are strung up across the Mogami River Al lt he during spring. pr e tty

col ou r

s!

Head to WAtt ention.com.sg for more storie s about Yamagat a!

Package 1 fr$768/pax

Package 2 2D 1N

Winter o Ginzan Onsen o Aeon Shopping Mall o Snow activities & igloo lunch

fr$1128/pax

Package 3 3D 2N

Winter o Ginzan Onsen o Mt. Zao Snow Monsters o Soba making

fr$1578/pax Autumn / Spring o Mt. Gassan hiking o Fruit picking o Seven Ways Fall

4D 3N

Optional JR Tohok Pass add u o @ ¥19,0 n 00

6255 5898 9487 6198 #03-59/60 Velocity @ Novena Square 238 Thomson Road Singapore 307683 info@x-trekkers.com

For more information on tour package, visit: x-trekkers.com

Writer’s profile: Evelyn Tan — Majored in Japanese Studies. Studied and travelled in Kanazawa for a year. Wishes to explore other parts of Japan in the future.

VOL.13 | SITE-SEEING

EXPLORE JAPAN’S PREFECTURE FUKUOKA KYUSHU

Ōhori Park, 大濠公園

Photo by: Jakub Halun

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, 太宰府天満宮

Photo by: Karl Baron

Photo by: Keurig

Starbucks interior

Keurig Neko Café

Hakata ramen

GEAR UP FOR A GETAWAY WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS IN FUKUOKA Fukuoka Prefecture is a great place to go with your besties with its plethora of fun activities to choose from. On August 1st the night sky of Ōhori Park (大濠公園) is lit with mesmerising fireworks, set up for the Ōhori Fireworks Festival . These fireworks are on a different scale from what we see in Singapore.

A trip to Fukuoka is never complete without a visit to the God of Learning, enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (太宰府天満宮) . Touching the head of bronze cow statue on the shrine grounds is rumoured to increase your wisdom, while other respective parts of the cow will improve or heal your ailments. Rest your tired feet at the

Singapore

Fukuoka

Hiroshima

iconic Starbucks branch nearby – this dreamy woven wood lattice design will enchant your hipster heart

Fukuoka Airport

Fukuoka

福岡空港

.

福岡

However, the Keurig Neko Café is easily the highlight of my trip . This cosy and minimalistic café is home to lovely rescued cats, which are so lively that they even climb on your lap! Treat them to some chicken strips.

Fill up on the delectable Hakata ramen - the tonkotsu (豚骨, pork bone) broth is so rich and milky, you will want to slurp it all . Say kaedama onegaishimasu (替え玉お願いします, noodle refill please) if you want more springy noodles!

Kyushu

九州

Fukuoka

Airplane

JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen

6 hrs 15 mins by direct flight

1hr ¥9,350 (approx. SDG$123.98∼)

WAttention Singapore

17

FUKUOK A

Rediscover the Charm of Fukuoka

Best hidden secrets of sightseeing spots and local gourmet food What comes to your mind when you hear Fukuoka? Tonkotsu ramen? The deity of knowledge at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine? Or the local favourite mentaiko? Well, if your answers are more or less what have been stated above, then it's time to follow WAttention’s editor and discover the charm of Fukuoka that only locals will know!

Start End

Stop

1

If this is your first visit to Fukuoka, the tour bus is an efficient way to see the city's major sightseeing spots. Besides the excellent view, there is also a multi-language tour guide device.

FUKUOKA

OPEN TOP BUS Catch all of Fukuoka's top sights Stop

FUKUOKA OPEN TOP BUS Fee: ¥1,540 (3 different routes available, including 1-day city bus pass) Point of purchase: Fukuoka Town Council 1F ticket booth (next to Tenjin Station) Website: www.fukuokaopentopbus.jp/ (Japanese only)

o Lin Kuk way Sub

THINGS TO DO BEFORE DEPARTURE

e

ACROS Fukuoka

Full Full Tenjin Bread Factory

Ticket booth

WAttention Singapore

In the past, the area where samurais used to live was called Fukuoka while the area concentrated with merchants was known as Hakata. During the Meiji Restoration, all administrative zones were merged as Fukuoka City while the newly operating railway station was named Hakata Station.

Historical site of warlords and strategists This castle is where the feudal lord Kuroda, used to reside (interested readers can refer to 2014 NHK historical drama Gunshi Kanbei). Now the area is not only a popular spot for recreation and sports but also famous for sakura viewing in spring.

18

The gateway to Fukuoka

Fukuoka Castle & Ohori Park:

3

Tenjin Station

Hakata Station:

Tenjin Central Park

Full Full Tenjin Bread Factory: Mentaiko baguette Check out this best-selling French baguette loaded with creamy mentaiko butter cream. So sinful yet irresistible!

Stop

2

Kushida Shrine:

The guardian shrine of Fukuoka During the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival held every July, the most exciting time comes when the parade floats race in the precinct of Kushida Shrine. There is also a permanent parade float on display here so you can have a glimpse of the festival any time you visit.

ACROS Fukuoka: free observation deck Ascend the stairways amidst the lush greenery to the free observation deck that is approximately 14 floors above ground. In fact, not many locals have tried out this unique city "mountain climbing" experience!

FUKUOKA YAHUOKU! DOME

o!

G o! Gks! Haw

A true baseball experience Pay a visit to the dome during the regular season from April to October and experience the national pastime of Japan. Highlights of viewing a match not only includes the players and enthusiastic fans, but also vendors who carry beer kegs on their back! If you happen to come on a day without a game, you can also sign up for a tour of the Fukuoka Dome and visit the bullpen, players' locker rooms, and even the pressroom. The tour includes a visit to OH Sadaharu Baseball Museum where you can view the exciting life of the world's homerun record holder. After that, proceed to the baseball experience zone to try your skills at pitching and hitting.

Knowledgeable staff will guide yo u thro ugh the to ur.

Website: www.softbankhawks. co.jp/global/english/index.php For more information, refer to the English website.

FUKUOKA YAHUOKU! DOME

Try the local specialty, burdock root tempura.

Kashiwa Rice: the best pairing dish of Hakata Udon. This is a Hakata-style chicken rice that is added with burdock root and red carrot slices.

OH Sadaharu Baseball Museum

Baseball experience zone

Cheers!!

Hakata Udon More than just ramen It has been said that Japanese udon originated from Hakata, Fukuoka. Compared to the chewy al dente texture of average udon, Hakata udon noodles are softer and easier to digest. This quality is said to have been developed to fill up the bellies of merchants, who hardly had time to sit down for a proper meal.

Located next to the Kushida Shrine is an udon restaurant called Hakata Akachokobe. It sells udon by day and transforms into an izayaka by night. Its unique method of pairing old-school homemade whole wheat udon with its special in-house broth concoction will definitely make anyone fall in love with it instantly.

Website: http://www.akachokobe.com/ (Japanese only)

Get HIGH without being drunk Yatai is just like the typical street stall that everyone is familiar with.

However, as Fukuoka's yatai places emphasis on ambience and side dishes, you need to be cautious of budget if you are looking for something more substantial. With the seats arranged in a U-shaped manner, you can get up close with the chef-owner and strike up conversations naturally while tucking into hearty bites. This is a very rare, localised experience even if you do not understand Japanese. Most yatai stalls in Fukuoka are concentrated in the Tenjin and Nakasu area. Each stall exudes its own charm and character but common signature items include ramen, gyoza, grilled skewers, oden, etc. Do not know which yatai to choose? Head to the Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center in Tenjin or Hakata to get some advice and purchase a Yatai Meal Ticket.

Website: http://npoidea.com/yataichiket/ (Japanese only)

Hakata Akachokobe’s exterior Zubora Udon: udon noodles served in a traditional hot water kettle and consumed with natto sauce.

Fukuoka Yatai

A whole new e! go urmet experienc WAttention Singapore

19

Fukuoka Strawberry Amaou

FRUIT

果実

The name "Amaou" comes from the first letter of the Japanese words for "Red", "Round", "Big", and "Sweet". The secret to why these strawberries are so red, plump, sweet and juicy lies with the bees. The pollination by bees helps to grow these delicious strawberries, which are said to be commonly used in cakes during the Christmas season.

Fukuoka Figs Known as "Toyomitsu Hime", the figs from Kurume City in Fukuoka are juicy, sweet and packed with nutrients. Although you cannot bring home fresh figs, you can still get some dried figs or fig jam for your friends and family back home.

VEG 野菜

Hakata Shungiku Also known as Chrystanthemum leaves or tonghao in Chinese, these edible greens that are grown organically have no bitterness and are hand packed by the obasan (aunties). No wonder that even Tokyo's famous shabushabu restaurant Asakusa Imahan is a regular customer of Hakata Shungiku!

A Taste of

Fukuoka Flavours Savour the best of Fukuoka through fresh local produce

ITOSHIMA:

Fukuoka's treasure cove of food ingredients Located within a 40-minute drive to the west of Fukuoka City is Itoshima City. Previously known as Itokoku in historical literatures, Itoshima is now a major agricultural and fishery town of Fukuoka.

Hakata Bay

Fukuoka City Itoshima 20

WAttention Singapore

Itosaisai:

Made in Itoshima Run by Itoshima Japan Agriculture ( JA), Itosaisai is a supermarket that is based on the concept of local sourcing and retail. It sells vegetable, seafood and dairy goods produced by local farmers. All agricultural goods are labeled with the name of the producer. Even if they belong to the same citrus family, the appearance and flavour will vary depending on the cultivation method of farmers.

It's one kind of shopping experience that you will not find in usual franchised supermarkets.

Address: 567 Hatae, Itoshima, Fukuoka Website: www.ja-itoshima.or.jp/itosaisai/ ( Japanese only)

SAKE 酒

Japanese Sake One should never miss a sip of sake produced by a local brewery.

Try "Kuni-no-Kotobuki" from Meno Brewery and various Junmai Daiginjo (pure rice wine) from Kitaya Brewery.

JAPAN Bijin A type of gingerflavoured umeshu which is well-loved by Japanese beauties.

Hakata Tsubomina While we usually consume fully-grown vegetables, Tsubomina is eaten for their sprouts. With a harvest period that stretches only a month in the entire year, Tsubomina is considered scarce yet highly nutritious. Be it used for simple stir-fry or tempura, the vegetable stays crisp and sweet.

Shōchū Gecchu and Kochu no Tamayura are distilled liquor made with sweet potato. Ladies are highly recommended to try the Yuzuflavoured Yuzu Komachi.

Yamegarita SEASONING

調味料

A citrus vinegar whose main ingredient is citrus juice from Yame City in Fukuoka. It matches very well with meats and seafood.

A perfect match!

YUZSCO Yuzu-flavoured chili sauce, also known as the Yuzu version of TABASCO.

Ito Aguri: Where history meets creativity

This 150-year-old building has been renovated into a multipurpose space that contains a garden, restaurant, café and retail shop for agricultural goods. Acting as a bridge between local farmers and consumers, this place provides a nostalgic environment to enjoy a healthy meal consisting of three dishes and one soup. Savour the natural taste as no artificial flavouring is added and only pesticide-free vegetables are used.

Address: 882 Kawatsuki, Itoshima, Fukuoka

WAttention Singapore

21

Sake

純 米 吟 醸 酒

hon

shu

wa

ryou

ri

wo

era

ba

na

i

Generally, sweeter sake is best paired with full-flavored dishes, bringing out the richness and saltiness in a dish while on the opposite end, dryer sake is a nice match for the freshness and light flavours of fresh seafood.

“Ninhonshu wa ryouri wo erabanai (sake does not interfere with the food)” is a Japanese saying that describes sake’s role as a supporting character during meal time. Due to its more demure, delicate flavour, lower overall acidity and lack of tannins, sake is the perfect partner to a wide variety of foods.

nin

YES

!

Yay

Do you like your sake traditional & classic?

YES

Are you a fan of sake?

NO

NO

ガイド

Drinking Buddies

Sake, nihonshu, seishu – whichever name you choose – is one of Japan’s most popular exports and arguably its best known alcoholic beverage. It has a rich history, starting before the Nara Period (710-794 AD). In ancient times it was mainly used for religious ceremonies, court festivals and drinking games but nowadays it is a beverage enjoyed on a wide variety of occasions, from casual gathers to formal festivities. Understanding sake can be complicated so here are our tips on how to better appreciate this traditional drink.

Beginner's Guide to

日本酒

初心者への Sake is best consumed within 2 or 3 hours of opening. While it is possible to store sake up to a week in the refrigerator, it is best to finish the sake within 2 days.

This is because sake begins to oxidize once it is opened and that affects the taste.

Storage tips!

Please head to page 26 for good food! Go!

WAttention Singapore

23

Yamahai, Junmai

Ginjo-shu

Fried / Grilled foods

Steamed vegetables / Poached white fish

• Premium sake that is relatively pricey. Light, complex flavours and aromas

• Fragrant with complex fruity and floral notes

JUNMAI DAIGINJO

YES

Junmai sake are often drier with a wellbalanced taste due to the presence of natural acids while any sake that is not labelled Junmai is more likely to a hint of unnatural sweetness due to the addition of brewers alcohol.

RICH

• Serve chilled

HONJŌZŌ

NO

GINJO

• Serve room temperature or chilled

DRY

SWEET

• Honjozo

• Namazake

• Ginjo

• Daiginjo

• Sparkling sake

LIGHT

• Has fruity and floral with more complex notes than Junmai

• ≤ 60% unpolished rice may or may not have added alcohol

$$

• Serve warm or chilled

• Lighter, less complex flavours

• ≤ 70% unpolished rice with a small amount of alcohol added

$

Sake taste chart

• Junmai Ginjo

• Junmai

• Aged sake

• Regarded as the highestgrade sake

NO

Do you like it fragrant?

NO

Do you like it cold?

YES

YES

Do you like your sake with a rich flavour?

• ≤ 50% unpolished rice with no added alcohol

A sake’s flavour profile is usually evaluated based on the balance of sugar and amino acids in the sake. Generally, the more acidic the sake, the dryer the flavour while higher amounts of sugar (made from koji) will determine how rich or thin a sake is.

• Serve chilled

• ≤ 50% unpolished rice with a small amount of alcohol added

• ≤ 60% unpolished rice with no added alcohol

• Serve chilled

DAIGINJO

$$

• Drink warm or room temperature.

• Higher acidity with rich rice and umami flavour. Light and refreshing on the palate. An “entry-level” sake

$$$

Daiginjo, Ginjo, Honjozo

Seafood

JUNMAI GINJO

$$

Namazake

Rich meats (eg. beef)

• ≤ 70% unpolished rice with no added alcohol.

Yamahai, Kimoto

Turkey / Game birds

JUNMAI

$

Drink

Food

$

$

$$

$

• Must be refrigerated & consumed quickly

• Fresher, fruity flavor

• Also known as “raw sake”, unpasturized

NAMAZAKE

• Mellower body than Namazake

• Fresher, fruity flavor

• Pasteurized only once and aged from winter to next fall

HIYAOROSHI

NO

Sake from mountainous regions of Japan, like the Tohoku region in the north, tend to be sturdier and have a richer rice flavour which complements the salt-preserved and fermented flavours common in that region’s food. Sake from Shizuoka, Toyama and Miyagi are lighter and more subtle and work to enhance the flavour of the abundant fresh seafood found in those areas.

• Coursely filtered resulting in cloudy appearance

• Considered sweetest of all sake

• Wide range of flavour from sweet to tart

NIGORIZAKE

• Bottled before the fermentation process has fully ended, resulting in the creation of bubbles

• Similar to sparkling wine

SPARKLING SAKE

YES

Do you like something sweet?

5°C

10°C

15°C

15-25°C

30°C

35°C

40°C

45°C

50°C

55°C

flavours of sake

early on in the meal with lighter foods

• Serve

off-flavours

close up

• Aromas

• Decreases

and fresher flavours

• Cleaner

Cold

poor flavours of low quality sake

• Emphasizes

flavour

for sake with body &

for Junmai, Koshu, Honjozo • Suitable

• Best

• Enhances

Room Temperature

and bitterness

• Decreases off-flavours

• More grainy/rice-like

• Aroma opens up

• Umami and sweetness increases

Hot

YUKI HIE

HANA HIE

SUZU HIE

HIYA

HINATA KAN

HITOHADA KAN

NURU KAN

JOU KAN

ATSU KAN

TOBIKIRI KAN

Serving temperature

Beginner’s guide to SAKE

How It’s Made

Despite being called a rice “wine”, sake has more in common with beer as it is brewed through a double fermentation process. Making quality sake involves 4 key ingredients: Rice, water, kōji and yeast.

Age-old records written around 1478-1618 reveal that pasteurization and the process of adding ingredients to the main fermentation mash in three stages were established practices since the late 15th century.

I'm Rice-kun, the proccess starts from here. Let's GO!

Polishing The brewing process begins with polishing the rice to remove proteins and bran.

After 18-32 days, the fermented mash is pressed to separate clear sake from kasu ( 粕 , lees).

More kōji, steamed rice and water are added to the shubo and left to ferment to make moromi.

Steaming

Next, the nuka left on the polished rice is washed away and the rice is soaked.

The rice is then steamed to make kōji mai ( 麹米 ), shubo-mai ( 酒母米 , yeast starter) and moromi ( 醪 , mash).

Yeast Starter

Pressing Moromi

Washing

Koji

Shubo is made by mixing steamed rice, water, kōji and pure yeast – it aids the fermentation process of the mash.

Kōji-kin are added to steamed rice to produce kōji which is then added to the yeast.

Filtration Yay!

Aging The sake is then filtered, pasteurised and starts to develop its flavour.

It is then placed in cold storage where it matures before it is bottled.

The Rice

Water

Smaller grains

Soft outside, dense inside

Very sticky Soft and chewy Less water absorbency

Table rice

Less sticky

High strach content

Greater water absorbency

Fewer proteins, less fat

Sake rice

There are about nine basic kinds of specially grown rice that are used to make sake and each of them produce a unique flavour. The “king” of these sake rice breeds is Yamada Nishiki Rice which gives a fragrant, well-blended, soft flavour. The best grains are grown in Hyogo and Toyama. To produce aromatic sake, rice needs to be polished between 50-70%. The more polished the rice, the more delicate it becomes, and the higher the grade of sake it produces.

24

WAttention Singapore

Water makes up almost 80% of sake and helps develop its one-ofa-kind taste.

Larger grains

VS

Breweries often source their water from nearby springs, mountain runoffs, springs, etc. The water is either kōsui ( 硬水 , hard water) or nansui ( 軟水 , soft water) and they can affect the sort of flavour profile that the sake will take on.

Hard water

I'm Koji-kin, nice to meet you.

I'm very shy.

Soft water

- & Yeast Koji

8w 0% ater

Yeast has a big influence on how a sake will taste and smell. There is a wide variety of strains, but the most common ones are #7, #9 and #1801. #7 is commonly used in complex sake like Junmai and Honjozo for its subtler, earthier rice aroma while #9 and #1801 are popular for their floral and fruity flavour and fragrance.

20% of rice sake used for brewing is turned into a mold called kōji-kin.

Kōji-kin converts the starch in rice into sugar through the process of fermentation. This affects the depth of umami flavour in sake.

日本名門酒会 シンガポール 大試飲会 2016

SAKE APPRECIATION S NGAPORE 2016 PRESENTED BY JAPAN PRESTIGE SAKE ASSOCIATION

Meet the brewers and enjoy an evening of sensational sake For general public

Limited Ticket

Fri 28 Oct 2016

Time】

$100

Ticket

6.30pm - 9.30pm [Registration open at 6pm]

Venue】

* Including GST * Ticket price includes all-you-can-drink sake , light refreshments, lucky draw and discount vouchers

sakesg16.eventbrite.sg

80 Bras Basah Road *Directly above City Hall MRT station

Outlets: Tickets available at J-mart

For restaurants and businesses

ONE KM (11 Tanjong Katong Road #B1-12 ONE KM) I12 KATONG (112 East Coast Road #B1-09) THE STAR VISTA (1 Vista Exchange Green #B1-28)

B2B session will be conducted for invitees from 1pm - 4pm on the actual day. Interested parties, contact us at sales@tanesei.com.sg

Participating sake brands

A total of Brew

Over types of sake

100

/ $120

【How to buy】 Online:

Stamford Ballroom, Level 4 @ Fairmont Singapore

20eries

Onsite Purchase

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SOUGEN ai1.pdf 1 28/7/2016 1:20:08 PM

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NISHINOSEKI t b.pdf 1 19/7/2016 2:29:44 PM

win brewerie s' choice sake item s

ICHINOKURA logo1.pdf 1 28/7/2016 1:22:03 PM

OHYAMA logo ai.pdf 1 19/7/2016 11:17:30 AM

TSUKASABOTAN logo1.pdf 1 28/7/2016 1:16:46 PM

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l day Ac tua bot tles f e as o d purch

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GOKYO logo ai ver.CS‚R-1.pdf 2 28/7/2016 1:23:25 PM

the Taste ake in best s ore Singap Organised by

Operation and media partners:

For enquiry: TANESEI TRADING PTE LTD | 6777-0262 | sales@tanesei.com.sg

Meet the

Perfect Pairs

パーフェクト ペアリングを 見つけよう！

Toast to a night of delectable menus and exquisite sake with our selection of cosy sake bars and charming restaurants.

酢重

SUJU Tuck into simple yet heartwarming food from Nagano at this homely diner that offers authentic cuisine that tastes like it has come straight from Japan. For a full dining experience, be sure to try some of their exclusive sakes while you are there.

SUJU Plate set (lunch), $27

Two hard-to-find sakes available only at Suju are Saku no Hana’s Junmai Karakuchi and Muroka Binhiire. The former has a distinct, deep flavour, is brewed from aged Yamada Nishiki rice and can be easily paired with most dishes. The latter is better suited for those who prefer a sweeter sake as it has a caramel-like sweetness that blossoms into a fruity aroma mid-palate and ends on a clean, crisp note.

Home Made Tofu, $15

PROMOTION Mention WAttention and get a

$30 voucher with $100 spent.

Payment must be made with American Express cards. Valid till end of December 2016

Gindara Misozuke Yaki, $38

SAKE

FOOD

Saku no Hana Muroka Binhiire..................$138

Kurakake Mame .............................................$8

Koikawa, Dewa no sato .......$22/Gls $53/Pot

Nasu Dengaku..............................................$11

Saku no Hana Junmai Karakuchi......................... .........................................................$23/Gls $55/Pot

Kyuri Shoyu Mame .......................................$9 Miso Foie Gras .............................................$18 Kaisen Sumiso Ae ........................................$15

26

WAttention Singapore

Another sake that you can only find at Suju is the Koikawa Dewa no Sato – a junmai ginjo from Yamagata. Made with 50% polished rice, this sake has a sweet scent that will remind you of melon-cream or chamomile and has a delicate, soft and well-balanced flavour that is best paired with creamy foods such as Hotate Butter and Yasai Miso.

Mandarin Gallery #04-05, 333A Orchard Rd | 6737-7764 11.30am - 10.30pm (L.O. 10pm) suju-masayuki.com

寿司 海神

SUSHI KAISHIN ひもの屋

Experience the richness of fresh sushi at this edomae sushi restaurant with a bottle of Tatenokawa Shuryu Junmai Daiginjo (楯野川主流純米大吟醸) .

HIMONOYA A popular spot amongst local and Japanese expats, this unique restaurant is famous for its mouthwatering food – especially their authentic himono (ひもの, sundried food) which has a rich flavour and succulent texture.

Made with 50% polished Yamada Nishiki rice and water found under Mt.Chokai, the sake has a flowery fragrance and a well-balanced, full-bodied flavour that is best paired with their rich Cream Cheese Misozuke.

And what better way to emphasize the taste of the much-loved salty and chewy sundried fishes than with a good bottle of sake?

Made from the highest grade Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyōgo Prefecture, Nabeshima is a top tier sake that is best drunk cold to bring out its fruity aroma, light, slightly sweet and dry body which best complements lightflavoured food.

An award-winning sake, it is brewed in Saga and a rare find even in Japan.

If you would like something more refreshing, opt for a bottle of Gold Ninki Junmai Daiginjo. From Fukushima, this sake is dry yet fruity and almost full-bodied with a slight peppery finish that goes best with grilled or smoked foods.

PROMOTION

Get 10% OFF your total bill

when you present WAttention or a photo of this write up Valid till end of September 2016

Dassai Junmai Daiginjo Ni-wari San-bu .............................$300 Tatenokawa Shuryu Junmai Daiginjo (720ml) ........................... $150 Gasanryu KISARAGI Daiginjo (720ml) .............................................................. $160 Sea Eel Shirayaki .................................. $25 Cream Cheese Misozuke (secret menu) .........................................$8 Riverside View #01-04, 30 Robertson Quay ¦ 6733-3720 ¦ Mon-Sun, 11.30am - 3pm (L.O. 2pm), 6pm - 11pm (L.O. 10pm) Sushi Kaishin heb.jp/shop-kaishin-shin.html

銀座黒尊 髙島屋

GINZA KUROSON @ TAKASHIMAYA Savour rare Kochi specialties like Manbō no chō (grilled ocean sunfish viscera) or exotic Japanese dishes like Bakurai (sea pineapple and salted sea cucumber viscera) at this cosy restaurant.

Do try the Gokujo Yoshinogawa, a smooth, light sake with floral notes and hints of peach, nectarine and licorice.

Nabeshima .................. $69.90∼ Gold Ninki Junmai Daiginjo ................................................. $89.90 Assorted sashimi ...... $29.80∼

PROMOTION

Toro-Aji Himono ..................$14.80

Mention WAttention for

FREE Bakurai

(worth $12) with every 4 pax dine-in & sake order Valid till end of August 2016

FOOD Today’s Catch Special Sashimi for 3pax ...................................$98

Gokujo Yoshinogawa (720ml) ................................................... $98

Bakurai .................................... $12

Tatenogawa Junmai Daiginjo Honryu Karakuchi (180ml) ...$30

Kuroson Bomb ...................... $12 Manbō no chō ....................... $18 Robertson Walk #02-14, 11 Unity Street | 6235-9110 ¦ Daily 6pm - 1am singaporehimonoya.com Singapore Himonoya

SAKE

Shimeharitsuru Jun Junmai Daiginjo (720ml) ..................$178

Takashimaya Shopping Centre #03-10, 290 Orchard Road | 6235-3785 Lunch 11am - 3.30pm (L.O. 3pm) Dinner 6pm - 11pm (L.O. 10pm) ginza-kuroson.com Ginza Kuroson Takashimaya WAttention Singapore

27

Kitagawa Tomioh Gin No Tsukasa Junmai Daigijyo (1.8L)............... $195 Dassai Junmai Daiginjyo 50 (720ml) ...................................................... $100

エン 酒場

En Kaisen Chirashi....................... $28

PROMOTION Mention WAttention and get

EN SAKABA Located in the heart of Orchard Road, this Japanese bar is the perfect place for a spot of sake and a serving (or two) of savoury Japanese-style tapas.

As you drink in the relaxing atmosphere, be sure to try these two sake: Kitagawa Tomioh Gin No Tsukasa Junmai Daigijyo and Dassai 50.

Sakaba Combo Tendon.............. $25 *Only available at JEM branch

Kaisen Combo yaki ...................... $28

28% off

Kitagawa Tomioh (1.8L)

@$140

Orchard Central #01-16, 181 Orchard Road 6634 1018 | Sun-Thu Noon - 11pm, Fri-Sat & Eve of PH Noon - 12am JEM #01-40 | 6262 0238

(U.P: $195)

Valid till end of October 2016

The former hails from a 300-year-old brewery in Kyoto, is brewed with high-quality rice, has a hint of tea in its nose and is light on the tongue.

It is best paired with dishes such as fresh En Kaisen Chirashi or Jikasei Ankimo Tofu.

The latter is a premium junmai daiginjo sake made from 50% polished rice. It has a soft, subtle and clean flavour that is lightly sweet and fruity and has a balanced aroma. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with rich Satsuma Aged Cheese or Jumbo Hotate Yaki.

銀座黒尊ロバートソンキー

ボックス エン スティックス

GINZA KUROSON @ ROBERTSON QUAY

BOX N STICKS

At this classy joint, you can enjoy a delicious evening out with mouthwatering dishes such as smoked mackerel and miso pickled beef tongue paired with an exclusive Ginza Kuroson Karakuchi Daiginjo sake that is brewed in Niigata and has a refreshing aroma with a lingering aftertaste.

Choose the Shochikubai Junmai, a medium-dry sake which comes in a barrel that makes for an amazing decorative piece that you can take home.

PROMOTION

FREE ice-cream

when you check-in on Facebook

20% off

all sake ( 720 ml & 1. 8L) & shochu bottles before 8pm

PROMOTION

Shochikubai Junmai @ $120

Mention WAttention for

FREE Ginza Kuroson Karakuchi Daiginjo

(worth $98) with every 4 or more orders of Shimanto or Kuroson course.

Valid till 30 September 2016

(U.P.$150) before 8pm Valid till end of August 2016

Ginza Kuroson Karakuchi Daiginjo ................................... $98 Katsuo Tosa Zukuri with Shuto ................................................... $26 Grape seed oil pickled oyster ................................................... $12 Smoked Mackerel ................ $12 Riverside View #01-10/11, 30 Robertson Quay | 6737-5547 ¦ Lunch 11.30am - 3pm (L.O. 2pm) Dinner 6pm - 11pm (L.O. 10pm) ginza-kuroson.com Ginza Kuroson Singapore

28

WAttention Singapore

At this cosy diner, you can chow down on delicious delights such as flame-grilled kushiyaki and yummy rice bowls, and enjoy great sake at the same time.

Shochikubai Junmai (1.8L).....$150 Secchu-Jukusei Junmai Ginjyo (300ml/700ml) ............... $34/$80 Asari Sake ..............................$9.80 Negitoro Don............................$18.90 Yakiniku Don ....................... $14.90 Tori Spicy Miso ...........................$3.80 28 Kandahar Street 6341-7780 ¦ Tue–Fri Noon - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm, Sat & Sun 1.30 - 10pm, Closed Mon & PH boxnsticks

花蝶

KACYO SINGAPORE If you enjoy a good tipple to go with your meal, this luxurious traditional Japanese restaurant has the perfectly paired food and sake menu waiting for you.

神楽酒

KAGURASAKE This counter-dining bar serves a unique fusion of western and Japanese-style cuisine and over 30 different types of sake and wine.

One must-sip sake here is the Kudoki Jouzu Junmai Ginjo. Its clean, mild flavour and luxurious, fruity aroma makes it easy on the palate for everyone.

One highly recommended sake is the Okunoto Shiragiku Junmai. It has a mild aroma and flavour that does not overpower the taste of the dishes. It is best enjoyed chilled or warmed and pairs well with fish dishes such as Tai Chazuke (Seabream rice with Japanese Broth) or grilled fish.

PROMOTION Mention WAttention and get

10% off sake bottles Valid till end of September 2016 Not valid for all sake bottles.

Kudoki Jouzu Junmai Ginjo ....... $107 Taikei Junmai Ginjo with Gold Flakes ......................................................$138 Kinryo Kohaku Tsuyu.................$318 Another sake to try is the Nabeshima Tokubetsu Junmai. It has a distinctive rice body with a refreshing dry taste and mild fragrance which makes it ideal to enhance the flavour of Kacyo’s appetizers and sashimi.

Carpaccio with seasonal fresh fish ....................................................$20∼ Mentaiko Pasta ............................. $22 Seasonal vegetables ...................... $9∼

One long-time favourite of Kacyo is the Miino Kotobuki “sakemirai” Junmai Ginjo.

This sake is brewed from premium rice that can only be used by 12 brewers in Japan (out of 1,500). It can be enjoyed chilled or warm and goes well with Kacyo’s Japanese beef steak.

70 Duxton Road | 6221-4885 ¦ Mon - Fri Noon – 2pm, 6pm – 12am, Sat 6pm - 12am, Closed Sun

焼き鳥ダイニング ごっそ

OMOTENASHI DINING GOSSO

PROMOTION

Home to the legendary eat-in-40-seconds, melt-in-your-mouth Gosso Dama, this riverside restaurant offers a wide array of grilled delights such as sasami and tsukune as well as salads and hotpots.

Mention WAttention and enjoy a

Kobe Beef Course (6 -course) + Sake Tasting Set (6 kinds)

Their drink menu has over 30 kinds of sake available in 300ml bottles opened fresh for you to cosy up with as you take in the relaxing scenery.

@ $160 (U.P. $240)

PROMOTION

Valid till 15 September 2016 Only Kobe Beef Course - U.P. $100

Mention WAttention and get

1 for 1 sake (gls) Valid till end of August 2016

Gosso Dama ............... $3.90 Assorted Yakitori ............$31 Variety of sake ......$29.80∼

SAKE Shiragiku Junmai (720ml).......................................................................$98 Nabeshima Tokubetsu Junmai (180ml) ...............................................$26 Miino Kotobuki Junmai Ginjo (720ml)................................................$120

FOOD 64 Boat Quay | 6533-5152 Mon-Fri 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 1am Sat, Sun & PH 6pm - 1am omotenashi.sg

Assorted Appetizer (3 or 5 kinds) .................................................... $20/$30 Assorted Sashimi (for 1-2pax) .................................................................. $38 Japanese Beef Steak (120G) ....................................................................... $78 Tai Chazuke ....................................................................................................$18 Grilled fishes ....................................................................................... from $28 46 Bukit Pasoh Road 6327-8414 ¦ Mon-Fri Noon 2.30pm , 6pm - 10.30pm Sat & PH 6pm - 10.30pm Closed Sun Kacyo.com/sg/en

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富寿し

TOMI SUSHI This sushi restaurant not only serves up fresh, succulent sushi and other Niigata specialty dishes but also some hard to find sake from the same prefecture.

Here are four that come highly recommended: Maruyama Shuzou Secchubai Honzoujou is a slightly sweet, full flavoured sake that has a refreshing aftertaste. It is hand-brewed using high quality rice, Gohyakumangoku and Yamada Nishiki and soft well water from their land.

From the same brand is the Secchubai Tokubetsu Junmai, a summer exclusive sake that has a soft texture, rich flavour and must be served chilled.

Another you should try is the Asahi Shuzou Asahi Yama.

A more conventional brand of Niigata sake, it has a dry texture with a refreshing aftertaste.

Also from Asahi Shuzou is the Asahi Yama Junmai.

This sake’s flavour profile changes depending on the temperature it is served at. Poured chilled, it is more refreshing while its flavour gets richer and more robust

when served at room temperature.

Last but not least is the Kubiki Wakimizu Junmai Sake. It has a charismatic aroma and a slightly dry texture with the refreshing, crisp taste.

If you need some finger food to go with the sake, try the Joetsu Meibutsu Suruten and Megisu Fries.

FOOD

SAKE

Suruten ...................................................$15

Maruyama Shuzou Secchubai Honzoujou (720ml) ................................................................... $70

Megisu Fries .......................................... $15 Tochio Age..............................................$18 Maguro Natto Tsumami ........................ $8

Maruyama Shuzou Secchubai Tokubetsu Junmai (720ml) ...................................................... $85 Asahi Shuzou Asahi Yama (720ml) ................... $48 Asahi Shuzou Asahi Yama Junmai (720ml) .... $58 Kubiki Shuzou Kubiki Wakimizu Junmai ( 720ml) .................................................................. $56

Megisu Fries

Maguro Natto Tsumami

Suruten

Millenia Walk #02-12/13, 9 Raffles Boulevard | 6238-1123 11.30 am – 3pm (L.O. 2.30pm), 5.30 - 10pm (L.O. 9.30pm) Katong V #2-14/15/16, 30 East Coast Road | 6348-7897 11.30 am – 2.30pm (L.O. 2pm), 5.30 - 10.30pm (L.O. 10pm) 30

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Novena Square (Velocity) #02-76/77, 238 Thomson Road 6255-2355 ¦ 11.30 am – 3pm (L.O. 2.30pm), 5.30 - 10pm (L.O. 9.30pm) Tomi Sushi Echigotei Cuppage Terrace 35 Cuppage Road 6348-7897 ¦ 5pm - 12am (L.O. 11.30pm)

万平

MANPEI

花しずく

This Japanese-style izakaya is famous for their rare cuisine such as savoury, heartwarming oden, hokke and dried horse mackerel.

The recommended sake here is the Ikekame Turtle Black – an all -purpose junmai that has a fresh, clean taste and a full aroma that pairs well with a variety of foods.

HANASHIZUKU Dine on creative, stylish food and rare Japanese dishes as you sip on a bottle of Bijofu Junmai Daiginjo Mai at this relaxing joint.

From Shikoku, this sake has a gentle floral nose and soft hint of melon in the mouth. It is well-balanced with a smooth yet refreshing finish.

PROMOTION 4 Anniversar y Celebration th

22-23 Aug ‘16

All-You-CanDrink, 6 - 8pm

(Beer, highball and house-pour sake & wine)

PROMOTION Mention WAttention and get

50% off Ikekame bottles

This promotion is limited to one bottle per person. Valid till end of August 2016

Oden .......... $2 - $4 per piece Hokke...................................$36 Chub Mackerel ...................$23 Souhachi Flounder ............ $18

$38++

Mention WAttention for

20% Off

all shochu and sake bottles Valid till end of August 2016

Rausu Sea Perch ................$68 Grilled Edamame with Truffle Salt.................$9 Saikyoyaki Cod Fish ........................................$18 Oyster Miso Hotpot ......................................$18 59 Kampong Bahru Rd | 6222-2983 Mon-Sat 6pm - 1am (L.O. 12am) Closed Sun

#02-01 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road | 6733-7498 Daily 5pm – 12am (L.O. 11.30pm)

春秋

SHUNJUU

Koshinohana Nakagumi Ginjo (720ml)................................$79

Enjoy an evening out with friends over a hearty serving of charcoal-grilled dishes at this trendy sumiyaki restaurant.

Yakitori............................................................................................$2.50~

There are over 70 different types of kushiyaki (grilled skewered food) starting from just $4 a stick. Must-try sticks include their special tsukune (つくね, Japanese chicken ball) and signature Foie Gras, Kaki Buta Maki and Asparagus Buta Maki. If you’re looking for something more filling try the Oyster Omelette, Deep-fried Camembert Cheese or Uni Spaghetti.

Natto, Maguro Sashimi and Fried Bean Curd.............................$9

Stir-Fried Lamb with Konnyaku ................................................$23 Omelette Rice with Octopus and Salted Seaweed ..............$22 PROMOTION Mention WAttention and get

1 for 1 shochu bottle Valid till end of August 2016

There is an equally wide selection of Japanese alcohol here, with more than 80 kinds of sake, beer and shochu available. We recommend that you wash everything down with a glass of Koshinohana Nakagumi Ginjo. A smooth sake with a mellow scent and a wellbalanced taste, it is great for first-timers or sake lovers and matches superbly with any kushiyaki served here.

Riverside View #01-15, 30 Robertson Quay | 6887-3577 | Daily Noon - 2.30pm, Mon-Thu 6pm - 11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm - 11.30pm, Sun 5.30pm - 10.30pm WAttention Singapore

31

Bringing the best of Japan to around the world 2016 Summer issue VOL.20

Nihonbashi SPECIAL FEATURE 1

Bridge To Timeless Elegance

SPECIAL FEATURE 2

Sweets & Snacks Japan Matcha Boom, Fruits Mania, Depachika, and more!

TOKYO ISLAND A Short Trip from Tokyo Harbor

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What is WAttention?

WAttention is a name created by combining “ ĺ’Œ â€? (WA) - meaning all things Japanese - with “attentionâ€?, referring to our mission to bring attention to the best of Japan. “Waâ€? also bears the connotation of “linkingâ€?, which is what WAttention aims to do as a bridge linking Japan and the world.

We are the largest-circulating free magazine to introduce Japan’s unique culture as it is and tourism sights as they are to readers all over the world, in either English or the local language.

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VOL.6 | SITE-SEEING

KYOTO

京都府

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kyoto 嵐山 竹林 , Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama © Sarah Wee

Once the imperial capital and the residence of Japan’s emperors for more than a thousand years, Kyoto is better known now as the cultural centre of the country.

Audio SPOT

二条城

Audio SPOT

Nijō Castle

仁和寺

Ninnaji Temple

An estimated 2,000 temples and shrines can be found in Kyoto, and around 20 percent of Japan’s National Treasures and 14 percent of Important Cultural Properties are located within the area, the largest concentration in the whole of Japan.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto comprises 17 spots in the cities of Kyoto and Uji in Kyoto Prefecture and Ōtsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Amongst them, 13 are Buddhist temples, three are Shinto shrines and the last is a castle. All 17 properties represent a significant period between the 10th and 19th century, and their historical importance was a key factor that led to their World Heritage designation in 1994.

HOW TO GET THERE From Tokyo: 2h 17min to Kyoto Station by JR TokaidoSanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi 231) From Osaka: 29min to Kyoto Sation by JR TokaidoSanyo Line

Home of the first shogun of the Edo Period. The Nightingale floor, which squeaks when stepped upon to alert against intruders, is a highlight not to be missed.

下鴨神社

Audio SPOT

Shimogamo Shrine

© 663highland

© Nekosuki

The luxurious interior of this temple has an impressive painting on the paper sliding door (襖絵 ), while the garden plays host to the 33-metre-tall 5-storey pagoda.

A known power spot in Kyoto, soak in the energy with a walk in the Forest of Correction (糺の森 , Tadasu no Mori). The Mitarashi dango (みたらし団子) also originated from the area.

HOW TO USE

SkyDesk Media Trek

SkyDesk Media Trek is a free voice guidance app provided by Fuji Xerox that uses the GPS position information of your smartphone to automatically play sightseeing audio guides when you’re near a guide point at a location of interest.

➡ <STEP 1> Select a [Book] from the Book Store.

➡ <STEP 2> Tap [Download] to start downloading. Tap [Open] and [Start Guide] to switch to voice guidance screen.

➡ <STEP 3> Voice guidance will automatically start when you are near an audio spot.

<STEP 4> [Book] is automatically saved in your downloads and you can listen to it anytime.

WAttention Singapore

33

JAPAN

TRAVEL

& Beyond

VOL.4 | AUTUMN GUIDE |

PERFECT SEASONAL MOMENTS

Hokkaido 北海道 Taking up 20 percent of Japan’s land area, Hokkaido offers plenty of wildlife and agriculture.

During autumn, there are plenty of seasonal foods and beautiful views to enjoy.

Lake Notoro One of seven inland sea-lakes dotting the coastline of the Sea of Okhotsk, this is where you can find glasswort, a salt-marsh plant used for glass making in the past.

Come autumn, the colonies of glasswort change from green to red, covering the entire area in a crimson carpet.

Odori Park Standing in the middle of a business district, this park is home to the 147.2-metrehigh Sapporo TV Tower, which has an observation deck where visitors can view the entire park.

Flowerbeds are specially arranged to display seasonal flowers, making it a popular spot where locals gather to enjoy a © Y.Shimizu ©JNTO meal or take walks.

© JNTO

Sounkyo Located to the east of Daisetsuzan (大雪山), this narrow gorge stretches for 24km and is flanked by 100-metre-tall cliffs. Delight in the sight of the “husband and wife waterfalls”, Milky Way Falls (銀河の滝) and Shooting Star Falls (流星の滝). © Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Northern Japan 北日本 Less commercialised than most other parts of Japan, North Japan offers travellers tranquillity, unspoiled nature, and omotenashi that is hard to beat.

© Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

Geibi Gorge

Kakunodate Samurai District

The name Geibi means “lion nose”, and is so named because a limestone found at the end of the gorge resembles a lion’s nose. The view along the gorge is particularly memorable during autumn. Many tourists also buy small stones to try tossing into an opening in the cliff for good luck.

Formerly part of a castle town, this street once housed around 80 samurai families, and is considered one of the best representations of samurai architecture in the country. Six of the houses that have been preserved are open to the public so you can catch a glimpse of how the old samurai families lived.

34

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© Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

Lake Tazawa The deepest lake in Japan at 423 metre has water that changes from jade green to deep purplish blue depending on the season and sunlight. This is also where the golden statue of Tatsuko, a legendary princess who was said to have been transformed into a dragon, can be found.

Presented by

Nagoya, Mie, Wakayama & Osaka

Nachi Waterfall This waterfall is located in the mountainous area surrounding Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine (熊野那智大社 ), one of the three sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines. The pilgrimage trails linking the shrines are known as Kumano Kodo (熊野古道), which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.

名古屋・三重・和歌山・大阪 Experience the local flavours of four of Japan’s most distinct regions.

Good food and grand sights are aplenty no matter where you end up!

Bokido Cave

©JNTO ©Wakayama Prefecture

The name of the cave literally means “forget-to-return”, and is so named after the Kishu Lord Yorimichi Tokugawa because the view from the cave captivated him so much that he forgot to return home! This unique hot spring is found exclusively at Hotel Urashima, where you will be treated to the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

Ise Shrine This shrine is divided into two major Shinto sanctuaries and visited by more than seven million worshippers annually. The Inner Shrine (内宮) is dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu (天照). Amaterasu’s Sacred Mirror, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan (三種の神器), is also said to be found here.

Miyajima Island Regarded by many as a sacred Island of Gods on the Seto Island Sea, the serene spot is most recognised for its torii gate (鳥居) that appears to float on water during high tide. The Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社 ), a World Heritage site, is also a star attraction.

West Japan 西日本 Discover the best that the Chūgoku and Kansai regions have to offer — rich culture, cosmopolitan shopping areas and specialty local foods.

Arashiyama

Kurashiki

A nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, the key attraction here is undoubtedly the Sagano Bamboo Grove, where you can admire the sunlight as it shines through the forest. You may also get to see autumn’s colours reflected on the Oi River from Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋).

One of Japan’s oldest merchant towns, this area used to serve as an essential trade center in rice, sugar and other goods. Many of the storehouses lining the preserved canal area have been converted into museums, boutiques and cafes, so you can leisurely explore them at your own pace.

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Presented by

Dogo Onsen

Shikoku

At this rustic onsen town with a history going back 3,000 years, you can unwind while strolling through the classic shopping arcades. Stop by the Dogo Onsen Honkan (道後温 泉本館), a charming traditional bathhouse built during the Meiji Period. You can also find the restored Botchan Train at the retro-styled Dogo Onsen Station.

四国 This large island south of Honshu is made up of four prefectures, where you can find many temples, power spots and other historical landmarks.

Naruto Whirlpools This natural phenomenon occurs when opposing tides meet at the narrow Naruto Strait. Typically, the whirlpools appear every six hours and vary in size depending on the intensity of the tides.

View them up close from the decks of a sightseeing cruise, which brings you right next to them.

Ōboke Gorge Situated upstream of the Yoshino River (吉 this valley was formed as a result of the river flowing down Ehime, Kochi and Tokushima prefectures. In autumn, the beautiful fall colours are reflected in the river, and you can even take a sightseeing boat tour to see the interestingly shaped rocks.

野川),

Kyushu 九州 Made up of seven prefectures, Kyushu is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and boasts an abundance of good food and unique attractions.

Kokonoe Yume Grand Suspension Bridge This is the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in the whole of Japan.

Constructed at 777 metres off the ground and measuring 390 metres from one end to the other, it offers panoramic views of the Kuju mountain range, which is splashed in red and yellow hues during autumn. ©JNTO ©Kagoshima Prefectural Tourist Federation

36

Yabakei Gorge

Ibusuki Sand Bath

A nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty found within the Yaba-HitaHitosan Quasi-National Park (耶馬日田 英彦山国定公園), the gorge was formed over 2.5 million years by the Yamakuni River gushing through volcanic lava.

The natural formations of rocks are a spectacular sight especially in fall.

A popular seaside onsen resort known for its hot sand baths, this is where you can enjoy the benefits associated with a soak in onsen water without getting wet! Guests will be asked to change into yukatas before staff bury you in warm sand heated by the onsen waters bubbling underneath the coastline.

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ing t s e er ら 外国人か い 白 見た面 ！ ！！ 日本語

T od a y’ s W or d

To da y’s Le ar ne r:

ぴかぴか

発音

pika pika

Form

擬態 語[Gitaigo]

Meaning 意味

The English language simply is not as creative when it comes to using sound words to describe things. For example to describe a diamond we could say that it was shiny, sparkling or shimmering but none of them are as playful or evocative as pika pika. The word

Mimetic words/ Phenomime

形

g or shiny’. The ‘Glittering, sparklin eic-like word is po double onomato , states, conditions used to describe h they do not ug ho alt ers nn or ma mselves. make sounds the

かさかさ kasa kasa

Antonym of tsuru tsuru (smooth as an egg), we describe skin condition dryness. e.g. kasa kasa no hada = dry skin

つやつや tsuya tsuya

Tsuya itself has the meaning of luster, gloss – it suggests that something is shiny, glossy or polished. Shiny and glossy hair is often described as tsuya tsuya no kami.

Conductor Aki Loves exploring how culture affects language differently around the world and works as copywriter & editor.

Also has a postgraduate certificate in TJFL (teaching Japanese as a foreign language).

Discover new interesting Japanese words and phrases from a Japanese learner’s point of view with the aid of a Japanese teacher. Let’s get started! ☺

今日の単語

Pronunciation

Japanese Language

in

gs t n i d n I Fin

08

VOL.

Victoria

from Singapore not only describes the effect but also evokes the visual of what it looks like. The term can even be flexible enough to describe sparks – like sparks of electricity – which is how Pikachu got his name!

You c an use thes e terms to describe the cond itions or s tatus o f someth ing e.g. pika pika no kutsu = s hiny sho es

その他の擬音語

NS Ot he r EX PR ES SIO thi ngs to des cri be

きらきら

すべすべ

Originally, kira meant ‘fine clothes’ or ‘gorgeous looking’ and it conveys the meaning of ‘twinkle’ or ’sparkle’. e.g. kira kira boshi = twinkle star

This term illustrates silkiness and smoothness and its synonym is tsuru tsuru. Often used for the term sube sube no hada to describe smooth skin.

kira kira

y’s Toda en Brok ese J a p a n 言葉 の 今どき

ビ ミョー

微妙 bi

myo

Iffy, not sure, don’t know about [Noun/Adverb]

ねばねば

sube sube

neba neba

Indicates stickiness – stems from the word nebaru (be glutinous, to stick). When we eat natto (sticky soya beans), we use this term to express its stickiness.

Originally this term described something that is difficult to explain or express with words and it had a closer meaning to ‘subtle’. However, youngsters have started to use it as an alternative to ‘doubtful’ or ‘uncertain’. In written language, it is better to write it in katakana rather than kanji. It also has a slightly negative connotation.

Have you done the test?

Bimyo (it was not good but I don't want to say exactly) Is it tasty?

Bimyo (it is not bad but it is not so good) Illustration credit: www.irasutoya.com

Looking for a

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Leave-pattern-2.pdf 1 1/8/2016 5:41:57 PM

LIFESTYLE &

THIS ISSUE: Latest trends and enter tainment from Japan

ENTERTAINMENT

WE ARE A PERFECT LIFESTYLE

Manned (and woman-ed) by the passionate Kevin and Kaelyn, Matchaya is a local brand specialising in Japanese teas and desserts made using different kinds of cha (茶). They recently opened their first physical store in Icon Village after first appearing on the F&B scene in Singapore in August 2015 as a pop-up. The modest duo even designed and built their current store from scratch. Every item on their menu is handmade using specially sourced ingredients in small quantities to ensure the best quality, so get there early to avoid disappointment!

7 Fun Facts about Matchaya

The two Kokeshi dolls on display at Matchaya’s store counter are customised to look like Kevin and Kaelyn!

You will not be able to find the same taste from Matchaya anywhere else, because all the products are self-formulated, have gone through hundreds of taste-tests, and are exclusive to them.

Wanting to become trendsetters in the industry, Matchaya started because the owners felt that there was a lack of quality yet affordable Japanese dessert options.

Healthy is the way to go at Matchaya, where tea powders are organiccertified and desserts contain minimal sugar.

The duo from Matchaya usually come up with new ideas when they travel. They have also collaborated with local brands such as Neh Neh Pop to create unique items like the Cha Cha Pop.

Move aside coffee, you have met your matcha.

Matchaya recommends replacing coffee with matcha as a pick-me-up as it contains an amino acid which slows the body’s absorption to caffeine. This means no caffeine crash, unlike with coffee.

Their bestsellers include the classic Matcha Milk and tea-flavoured soft creams.

Look forward to their new launches, including a trio of tea flavoured tarts and black sesame macarons!

MATCHAYA 抹茶屋 Icon Village #01-72, 12 Gopeng Street 12pm - 8pm (or earlier if sold out) | +65 9767 9811 / 9837 3187 info@matchaya.sg www.matchaya.sg matchayasg

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❹ Residential & commercial servicing ❺ Clear communication & explanation

JAL mileage member shop You can earn 1 mileage/$5 spending

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EVENT & INFORMATION | SEP & OC T 2016

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN JAPAN & SINGAPORE

PAST EVENTS

Celebrating 50 years' of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations

July 15 Singapore-Ishikawa Business Exhibition On July 15, Ishikawa Prefecture held a special exhibition at Grand Hyatt Singapore to introduce the beauty of Ishikawa’s craftsmanship and produce. Visitors could admire traditional Ishikawa crafts such as Yamanaka-shiki lacquerware and Kaga Yuzen dye; try Ishikawa-grown fruits and vegetables, sample sake and various other food products, and enjoy a variety of performances.

Singapore & Japanese Short Film Screenings in Singapore & Tokyo

SG: 21-22 Oct - SJ50 Film Festival

Held in conjunction with River Nights 2016, this is part of the celebratory events for the 50 th AnniversarySingapore of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations.

Film(Saturday) Festival will showcase eight Date: 21st October 2016 (Friday), 22ndSJ50 October short films from up and coming directors of both Time: 7:00pm tocountries 10:00pm to promote better understanding between the nations encourage lm-makers to connect, and179555 collaborate.

Venue:and Asian CivilisationfiMuseum, 1 Empress Place, learn Singapore Asian Civilisation Museum | 7pm – 11pm | Free Admission (Advance registration required) www.reddotcinema.com/#!sj50-film-festival/zag7w

Tokyo

Date: 3rd December 2016 (Saturday) Time: 11:00am (Session 1), 3:00pm (Session 2) Venue: ASEAN-Japan Center, Shin Onarimon Bldg., 6-17-19 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004

Traverse the northernmost city of Japan with 45 oN Pass

3N Wakkanai +2N Sapporo-Special with Complimentary 4days-45oN Pass

SJ50 Film Festival is a non-profit project to celebrate Singapore and Japan’ s 50 years of diplomatic relations by showcasing 16Npass.pdf 1 26/7/2016 10:07:08 AM

short films from both Singapore and Japan. This is to promote better understanding of both countries, and to encourage Singaporean and Japanese young film makers to have more exchanges through networking, learning, and collaboration.

Sandwiched between the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, ) is best explored by self-drive as the city is blessed Wakkanai (稚内 More For enquiry please contact hi@reddotcinema.com with picturesque coastal and scenic info （website）http://www.reddotcinema.com/#!sj50-film-festival/zag7w routes leading to more magnificent sights. Cape Soya (宗谷岬, Sōya-misaki) is the northernmost point of the main island of Hokkaido and if the skies are clear, you can even catch a glimpse of Sakhalin Island in Russia across the La Perouse Strait. As a port city, there are ferry services linking travellers from Wakkanai to the Rishiri and Rebun Islands, both of which are home to enchanting sceneries and mouth-watering fresh seafood. The 45oN Pass, also known as the Northern Nippon Island Hopping Pass, gives users unlimited rides on ferries and buses to access Rishiri and Rebun Islands, and comes with discount vouchers for sightseeing tour buses too.

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$998 /pax

7D6N Self-Drive Explore Wakkanai + 2 Island Adventure with Complimentary 4days-45oN Pass

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$1,671 /pax

Rebun Island 礼文島

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稚内空港

Wakkanai 稚内市

Rishiri Island

X-Trekkers #03-59/60 Velocity @ Novena Square 238 Thomson Road info@x-trekkers.com (S) 307683 | 6255 5898 / 9487 6198 For more information on tour packages, visit x-trekkers.com o

Official 45 N pass:

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45npass.jp Official Northern Nippon Island Hopping:

n-nippon.jp

利尻島

Rishiri Airport (Domestic) 利尻空港

Wakkanai Airport (Domestic)

Hokkaido 北海道

BEAUTY BUZZ

VOL.1 | BE AUT Y TREND

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KANPAI

Presented by

VOL.5 | SAKE CULTURE |

Brewery: AZUMATSURU BREWERY 東鶴酒造

Enjoy a sip of this month’s refreshing and fruity sake

SAKEMARU’s special selection of the month is a sweet sake from Saga Prefecture (佐賀 県), Kyushu. Brewed in the only remaining brewery in Taku City (多久市), the quantity of each batch of sake produced is very limited, and the quality is thus easy to control.

The brewery has a history of more than 180 years, and is currently being helmed by the sixth generation owner and brew master, Nonaka Yasunari. After honing his skills in Tokyo and Yamaguchi Prefecture, he returned to Taku City and has since been brewing only junmai sake (純米酒) to date.

Arabashiri Nama has subtle apple notes with a slightly sour aftertaste following each mouthful. Compared with the rich taste of most of Saga Prefecture’s classic sakes, this label is more refreshing.

SAKEMARU is only bringing a limited 35 bottles of this exclusive sake to Singapore, so remember to subscribe and get your hands on one today!

Sake tips

Pair sweet sakes with tart or acidic foods such as a vinegared appetizer or fish such as salmon. Fruity sakes go well with cured meats, such as prosciutto.

Despite his youthful age, the brew master at Azumatsuru has begun to challenge traditional breweries with his fresh brewing style, and his new brands of sake are quickly gaining favour from sake fans.

AZUMATSURU TOKUBETSU JUNMAI OMACHI ARABASHIRI NAMA 東鶴特別純米雄町荒走り生

The Azumatsuru Tokubetsu Junmai Omachi Arabashiri Nama (東鶴特別純米雄町荒走り生) uses Omachi rice from local farmers, which has bold and earthy flavours; and hard water from the Mt. Tenzan (天山), which contains calcium and magnesium, is also used to create a well-balanced sake.

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What is Sakemaru?

Introducing the Singapore’s first dedicated Sake subscription site Sakemaru is a sake subscription service that delivers bottles of fresh seasonal sake from diff erent breweries in Japan. Depending on your subscription plan, you will receive one or two bottles of fresh chilled sake transported and delivered right to your doorstep.

Start your Sakemaru journey off with an exclusive $20 credit only for WAttention readers! Simply use the URL below to subscribe.

To receive the sake of the month, orders must be placed by the 20th of the same month.

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Delivery of special sake at the end of every month; you can specify the delivery date and time.

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