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Jipangu!!

Wed, 21 November 2007

In the 15th century, Marco Polo, the explorer from Italy, mentioned there was a mysterious island country called, Jipangu, far east. That is actually Japan. Back in that time, they believed Jipangu was a country of Gold and they believed every building in Jipangu was made of gold. People there were rich and polite though they ate human flesh. So I guess Marco Polo got lost in wild fantasies. It was almost 100 years after that (1549) when Japan had started import/export trading with Portugal. Eventually with Holland. Anyway, this is the 21st century but Japan can be still mysterious for some and it's still far east for those who live in the west. Even for me, Japanese, this country can be mysterious. Here are some.
1...I went to Izakaya last night and I saw "kids' menu" and actually saw 5 year old boy talking loudly in the middle of night around 11 o'clock... WTF?
2...I went to have dinner with my blog friend, Rose from LA as she just came to Tokyo to see me kidding. We had "Oyster stew/pot?" (as shown in the photo) which is a very popular thing in cold winter in Japan to warm up. If a couple eat lots of oysters, some might think we have it for a "later" activity. Well, I am not capable of that activity with a lady anyway :-P
3...People who can sleep standing in the packed rush hour train should be one of the mysteries. Thankfully, I live in the central area of Tokyo. The train is outbound and empty :-)
You have a fantabulous Wednesday! PS Holiday Campaign entry is still being accepted. (The gift will be cheapy neo-Japanese so if you hate Japan/cheap, I am sorry :-() 21applicants and 12 disqualified applicants so far!!! Make sure you read every rule on the application form.

12:35 AM Neo-Japanese | Permalink | Comments (7) | (0)

Comments

I sure can't make an oyster stew, but I'm gonna try to make oyakudon this week. Hmmmmmm!

Posted by: Mark at November 21, 2007 02:47 AM

1. Ugh, loud children late at night! What a bad combination.

2. I'm afraid I'm not a big oyster fan.

3. I'm far too uncomfortable on a packed train to sleep. I'd be afraid I would accidentally touch someone the wrong way in my sleep too.

I hope I did not disqualify myself, I am excited about Japan/cheap!

TK

Posted by: T. Kevin at November 21, 2007 08:02 AM

*tee hee* Shigeki called me a "lady"! I'll have to brush up on my etiquette and manners to really earn that right!

I'm glad your schedule finally worked out to allow us to have a meet up and I look forward to returning the hospitality some day, be it in L.A., Kobe, Shimane, or other...

MUWAH!

Posted by: Gaijingirl at November 21, 2007 04:21 PM

Perhaps live oysters would have done the trick. :P

Posted by: William at November 21, 2007 04:29 PM

Hmmm. Cheapy Neo-Japanese stuff? What could it be?!! The mind boggles!! ;)

Posted by: TigerYogiji at November 22, 2007 02:37 AM

1) I agree heartly, what are kids , especially a five year old , doing up at such an hour!!
Blame the parents, they are the numnuts!

2) I love oysters and that stew looks devine!! As for oysters being a
*aphrodisiac *, I guess it depends on who you are interested in! :-)

3)That must be a mystery, I have a hard time sleeping horizontal sometimes when I'm tired.

PS I love *cheapy neo-Japanese*. As a matter of fact, I love anything that comes in the mail, in a package.!!
Hint ! Hint ! :-)

Posted by: Maggie at November 22, 2007 05:59 PM

Hi Mark,

It's actually very easy to make but the taste is very very unique so I am not sure if a lot of non-japanese would like this. Rose is almost Japanese. So :-) You have a fantabulous weekend!

Hi T.Kevin,

Yup. Loud children but the thing is that place had kids' menu!!!! I couldn't believe it. Nope. You are very qualified and you will get it so don't worry. I was referring to those who never posted their comments when I clearly stated that :-( anyway... You have a fantabulous weekend!

Hi GaijinGirl,

Well, you will have to act like one if you are not for your future job in Japan! Don't spread your legs and fall asleep in the train like some working women :-) It was a great night! I enjoyed it. I hope you did too! You have a fantabulous weekend!

Hi William,

hahaha. I don't think live oysters turn me straight. You have a fantabulous weekend!

Hi TigerYogi,

Yes, cheapy. But you have to wait for it. Don't be disappointed :-) You have a fantabulous weekend!

Hi Maggie,

Yup. Their parents and that drinking place's manager... They are both not that smart. Oysters rock! :-) hahaha. I am glad you love them. Does that make you wanna do something? Wait for the cheapy neo-Japanese thingies. Don't say ugh. You could say it in private :-) hehehe. You have a fantabulous weekend!

Posted by: Shigeki at November 23, 2007 09:28 AM

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