My Recent Discovery.

Miso Soup With Tofu

Since I have been in Japan , I have used both European as well as Asain Ingredients for my 

cooking. I had to make some research, not only to know how the Japanese use certain Ingredients, but also to know how I could use them in Fusion Recipes using the best of both worlds. 

It so happens that I am a cheese lover. Cheese is not only prohibitively expensive in Japan, but also available in very limited variety, compared to what I am used to, that is. This led me to turn my attention to Tofu.  Tofu is not only available in many different textures, flavours and varieties, but also relatively cheap. Weight for weight, it costs approximately 80 percent less than PROCESSED cheese.

When I looked at the manufacturing process of Tofu, I noticed that it is quite straightforward, so anyone who wants to make their own should get right down to it, not only for economic reasons, but also for the ability to add any flavours like herbs and spices, which you might take 

your fancy.

Tofu is much healthier than cheese, Mascarpone or Ricotta. It is made from Soy Beans, which are known to reduce cholesterol and counteract hypertension. Actually, even Soya Milk is very easy to make. Both Soya Milk and Tofu are practically tasteless

but they will absorb any flavour with which they are mixed, and this makes them quite versatile both in savoury as well as sweet dishes.

Another Soy Based product which I like to use here is Miso . Although this can also be bought in powder form, I prefer to buy it as a paste. I add it to dishes instead of stock cubes or Salt. It can also be diluted to form soup.The neat thing about Miso is that although it IS salty enough to add flavour to your foods, soups, sauces, the Soy Bean content in it neutralizes the effect of the salt in the body, and also counteracts the effect of salt consumed through other sources.

Both Tofu and Miso can be bought from Asian Friendly stores, but do NOT take my word for it. Make your own research and come to your conclusions. 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-tofu

https://www.google.co.jp/search?hl=en&authuser=0&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=&bih=&btnG=Search&q=tofu

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-miso

https://www.google.co.jp/search?hl=en&authuser=0&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&

15th June 2017
Musings In Japan 1

Write it ( and send it to me )




It doesn’t always have to be something deep and profound. The

importance is that something is written. Some form of daily

communication is important to keep the friendship going. Just a few

twigs to keep the embers nicely hot. It doesn’t have to be a furnace

every time.

I love analogies, examples, parables and fables.

These are great ways of how to explain some emotions or abstract

thoughts. You have to be careful not to over-simplify your examples to

an infantile level though.

I love forms of speech. I enjoy playing with words using puns or

double entendre.

I do believe that learning a new language, or learning a language

which you already know better should be funnily interesting.

I also know for a fact that practice makes perfect, but that does not

mean just listening to phrases but also using them. A student, at

One of my hobbies is humour. I love reading jokes, hearing jokes,

whatever level, must be given an opportunity to use what he/she has
learnt because that way it will remain imprinted in his mind.


A question that I am usually asked by friends is how I manage to

telling jokes, learning about jokes, and watching stand up comedians.

remember so many jokes. My answer is simple. As soon as I hear or read

soon ( or write it down ) and that helps for it to be saved in mymind’s database.

a new joke which I find really funny, I have to tell it to someone

So, when you learn something new, use it soon, try to explain it to

someone else, or write it down. That will help you to never forget it.




I want to share with you my views on quotations.

Mostly, we like to read quotations because they sound like the little

voice in our heads.

didn't I think of it before 

When we see most quotations we are thinking " yes, that is true, why

portray a thought from a different perspective. Although most public

Actually, some quotes do not convey any new thoughts, they just
speakers use quotations to add strength to their arguments, the

The best way to win an audience is by a witty humorous introduction

audience should realize that a good quote is not an end in itself. It
does not prove anything.


about anything is when you have to teach it, because while you are
and a sound logical delivery which makes sense and appeals to the
emotional ( as opposed to rational ) part of the brain.

Writing about a subject enables you to sort ideas in your head so you

can actually see things more clearly, but the most that you learn

subject and discovering more about it along the way.

passing on information, you are actually getting deeper into the

Sometimes, our work gives us so much satisfaction that we are not only

exhausted, but also

completely fulfilled by our role in society and the world.

Are we fooling ourselves ? Is there more to life than just meeting

deadlines and paying all the bills ? How can we find out ? What is the

magic formula ?

Is it okay to look further when you feel you are already settled, and

you feel that nothing will happen to disrupt your daily / weekly

routine ? Sometimes, questions are more important than answers. They

make you think .

Toyama Travel Guide 

Keep your camera constantly at the ready!

Words By ERIC BUGEJA

Have you ever dreamed of a place which gives you the possibility of exhausting your camera by the continuous flow of scenic spots which shout at you to capture them and share them with your loved ones back home? No one could blame you if you feel enthralled by The Japanese Alps, which have been dubbed as the roof of the world.

Toyama Prefecture, here we come.

The location of Toyama Prefecture is in central Japan. Noteworthy mountains on three sides, and opening on to the majestic Toyama Bay and the Sea of Japan surround it. There are ten cities within this mini Prefecture that forms part of Chubu on the main Island of Honshu. Things to do Your visit to this Prefecture can be as varied, exciting, laid back, culturally enriching as you care to make it. In between playing Golf, there are loads of attractions for you and family members.

You may wish to relax and vegetate in a sand bath at the Hanayama Onsen Hotel, where they cover most of your body with the sand while listening to relaxing Zen music. Following this you may choose to immerse yourself in the natural hot spring (Onsen) at the same hotel. One trip, which is really worth taking, is the Tateyama Korube Alpine route. This usually operates from April to October and besides passing through one of the most impressively scenic mountainous routes you will be able to walk on a snow walled passageway. You will take in snow-capped peaks, gorges, dams, lakes, tunnels, bridges, greenery, flowers, highs and lows on this spectacular bus trip. There are also numerous pistes for skiing and snowboarding for those interested in these sports.

Between March and June, you will be able to visit one of Toyama Bay’s Beaches in the early hours of the morning to witness one of the most electrically charged natural phenomenon on the planet. Firefly Squid, which come up from the depths of the Japan Sea to the shallow beaches to mate, offer an intriguingly unusual spectacle of a deep blue twinkling luminescence. It will probably be one of the most unusual and rewarding sights of your entire life.

For art and Nature/Science lovers, there are quite a few Museums to visit, such as the famous Toyama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Toyama Science Museum of Natural History or the Toyama Glass Art Museum. The Suiboku Museum showcases both ancient and recent Chinese art, while the Fukumitsu Museum, exhibits works by Japanese Wood Block artist Munakata Shikoh. For opening times and locations of all the different Museums, you may wish to contact the Toyama Museum Association.

Another attraction, which falls under the Toyama Museum
Association, is the Uozu Aquarium. This was the first Aquarium incorporating marine life from the Japan Sea and although the structure is a tad dated, it is still worth a visit. Within walking distance of the Aquarium, you will find the Mirage Land Amusement / Water Park where, besides a number of rides and games for all the family, you may also opt to snap some aerial shots of the park itself by riding the giant Ferris Wheel.

Throughout summer between June and September, you will be able to participate in various folk festivals with different themes, such as the Bamboo Pole and Lantern highly decorated artistic floats in the Jankotoi Uozu Festival. You may remain for the Kokiriko Festival in Gokayama, which is held in late September. A number of Fireworks festivals in different locations are also the norm in this region during summer.

Flavors of Toyama

It is an undisputed fact that one cannot fully appreciate the culture of the people, which one is visiting without savoring the culinary diversity of which the locals partake. In Toyama, as in any other Prefecture in fact, you will be able to choose from themed ethnic eateries to traditional ones, with a special accent on the ingredients associated with a particular locality. Firefly Squid Tempura can be eaten near the bay; Traditional Tea Ceremonies can be experienced at the Gokayama Gassho-style Houses in the picturesque valleys, which are a veritable world heritage. You may wish to indulge in Japan’s finest delicious seafood from the deep Toyama Bay after experiencing the auctioning of Crabs, which takes place in Shinminato at around 1300 Hrs. The types of restaurants in this Prefecture include Indian, Vietnamese, French, Cantonese, Vegan, Pakistani besides the traditional Sushi, Ramen and Japanese BBQ.

What to bring back:

Depending on which cities and places you decide to visit, you will find an abundance of Traditional Japanese Craft Items which you may wish to take home as a souvenir. These include Bronze and Copper Utensils, Decorative Glass Art, Washi Paper and Laquered mini works of art as well as Wood Crafted Sculptures. Having said that, the best souvenirs will be in your heart, on your mind, because they will consist of the pleasant positive experiences to which you have been exposed by the places and courteous locals you have met.

Where to stay:

For a truly memorable experience why not stay in the UNESCO world heritage site at Gokayama? Gokayama Gassho-no-Sato Gassho Cottage for groups up to 16. Stay in the cottages and get a true feeling for this incredible and remote location. Find out more on their website. Another traditional and luxurious experience can be had by staying at Etchu Yatsuo Base OYATSU enjoy the lovely garden and historic architecture.

How To get There:

From Tokyo, Ride the Hokoriku Shinkansen in the direction of Kanazawa to Toyama Station. Total Journey 2 hrs 08 Min Cost 12530 Yen From Osaka Ride the JR Thunderbird 17 For Kanazawa. Transfer to Hokoriku Shinkansen Tsurugi 712 (2 stops) to Toyama Station. Total Journey 3 Hrs 9 Mins Cost 9130 Yen