Life Style

During the pandemic, it was virtually impossible to see what was going to happen in the near future. Some things were occurring at a blinding pace, and we simply did not have any control over certain situations. When our minds are in turmoil, a firm awareness of our feet as the center of our axis can actually help calm our thoughts and strengthen our minds. A Buddhist monk once told us that when our mind is in turmoil, we should be aware of the soles of our feet, to help feel and calm our own presence. “Feet on the ground” is a Japanese idiom meaning a stable, steady, and calm …

Japan is a country that is aging rapidly, and possesses one of the oldest populations. 40% of Japan’s population will be 65 years and older by 2060. The median age in Japan is around 48 years old as of 2020. The population continues to shrink because many people have decided to stay single, birth rates are decreasing, the average marriage age is going up, and the elderly are single again after their partners have passed away. Japanese people are generally very respectful and polite. They sincerely want to coexist with others, trying to live peacefully and safely with each other. This probably stems from a large population living close together …

Many of you may have already learned about the job of a charcoal-burner, from the popular anime ＆manga; Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Or you may have learned this from our own article. In Japan, people started using charcoal in their homes 2,000 years ago. Charcoal was an important part of the Japanese economy, and it was a necessity to Japanese life until the 1950s.  Charcoal was an essential commodity that was used in many aspects of Japanese culture, including cooking; heating; distilling sake; blacksmithing; medicinal & cosmetics purposes; and painting. Charcoal was also used in one of Japan’s most famous tourist attractions, the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, …

Farmers’ markets are held throughout Portland and people’s lives are closely connected to the local produce. The markets are crowded with students, business people, and travelers during lunchtime, and chefs from the local restaurants frequent the markets to stock up on organic vegetables. Obon Shokudo, a vegan Japanese restaurant, has its roots in the farmers market. They sold their food at the market for seven years, built their reputation, and opened a restaurant in the summer of 2021. They decided to create a menu with new items as vegan and Japanese food had been already well-established in the area. This attempt led them to introduce Japanese home cooking. The restaurant …