Japanese Cool World

Alibaba.com and B2B Trade

2010-04-19T11:21:00.000+09:00

In February I took part in a seminar in Osaka organised by Alibaba.com, which is one of the biggest BtoB business matching companies. Alibaba.com is an international company based in China. So besides we Japanese, it was mostly people from other Asian countries that participated.

I exchanged business cards with a Chinese woman sitting next to me. She worked for a trading company and spoke Japanese and English fluently.

We have received a lot of inquiries from various countries since we registered with the Alibaba.com site in 2006: The United Kingdom, China, Iran, Cameroon, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ghana, Mexico, Jordan, Singapore, South Korea, etc.
But, in the beginning, the content of the inquiries and quality of the business information were a jumble of good and bad. Nowadays, however, the bad information is gradually decreasing with Alibaba.com's help. Alibaba.com is a pure business matching company now, but in the near future it might begin to manage payments and provide a shipping service as well.

Anyway, we are entering a period in time in which individuals and small businesses can act freely, without undue government interference, in a similar manner to big companies. Information technology has made it possible. However, catching business chances worldwide requires creative power and information-gathering capacity, together with superb language abilities like those of the woman who sat next to me at the seminar.

Japanese Goods Selection Store - 1st SELECT.com

The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

2008-08-31T10:24:00.001+09:00

We visited "The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum" in Osaka the other day. Mr. Ando, who was the founder of Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd., was a great manager, and an inventor of the instant noodles(Chicken Ramen and Cup Noodle) that are loved all over the world. I think that the instant noodle is one of the best inventions in the 20th century.

The instant noodles that are currently in the market were exhibited in the museum. There was also a workshop where participants could experience the cooking of Chicken Ramen.

We tried to "My Cup Noodle Factory". You can obtain only one original ramen in the world there. First of all, you freely design the cup, then choose your favorites from four kinds of soups and a lot of ingredients. We adults really enjoyed it and had a great time, to say nothing of our daughter.

Mr. Ando left the following words during his life.
"It is never too late to do anything in life."
"Create change instead of adapting to the changing times."
"Do not try to sell instant noodles. Sell food culture."
"Organizations don't get the work done; people do,"

And the last one,
"Human beings are noodle beings."
Those words are not armchair theories, but words of the person who made the instant noodle known to the world by the constant endeavor. I felt that there are a lot of things that we learn from his way of life.

Special thanks to Henry.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Thinking about Kyoto

2008-08-23T00:57:00.000+09:00

I went to Kyoto International Manga Museum with my family in the Bon holiday period. The museum is located between Nijo castle and Kyoto-gosho. The building used to be an elementary school. But now, it has become a place where Japanese culture, Manga comics, and various cartoons from around the world are on display. I enjoyed reading "Astro boy" written in English on the lawn of a garden that was the schoolyard before, and I felt some nostalgia for it.

Next, we headed to Toei Movie Land (Kyoto Uzumasa Eigamura) on foot and by train. It is a movie theme park and there are studio sets of the Edo period films. We enjoyed various attractions and took pictures with samurai and ninja.

Kyoto is certainly a wonderful city with a lot of landmarks and excellent examples of traditional culture, but I think that Kyoto is a place to visit rather than to live, because I occasionally experience some inconveniences in Kyoto. The roads beside the main streets are very narrow . There aren't many stores with parking lots. The network of streets sections off the city as neatly as the grid on a go board, but it is inconvenient to move diagonally. The main method of transportation in Kyoto is by bus, but the busses are often delayed and the routes are complex.

I think Kyoto might be a town of LOHAS, so maybe it is an attractive town for people who like such life. Actually, there are a lot of foreign people who like the atmosphere of Kyoto and settle down there too. However it would be difficult for me to give up the convenient life style I have at present.

Henry, thank you for your help.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto

2008-04-05T13:17:00.004+09:00

Cherry blossom viewing
(The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan, and many people enjoy eating and drinking around the cherry trees when they are in full blossom.)

These are pictures about the scenery of cherry blossoms in the temple in Kyoto.

Most Japanese really like enjoying seeing cherry blossom. When cherry blossoms begin to bloom, people get more and more excited. They expand the seat around the cherry trees, and get into swing with their friends and colleagues as it enjoying themselves over sake and dishes.
As the best time to go see the cherry blossoms is about two weeks, people pray in the meantime that the flower doesn't fall due to rain.

In April, there are a lot of entrance and initiation ceremonies, and they make people have a presentiment of a new coming at the season.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Our trip to Guam 2008

2008-02-02T12:31:00.000+09:00

Our family visited Guam from Jan. 23 to 27th. The travel from cold Japan to hot Guam, it was very hard for us.
The purpose of the travel was sightseeing, and especially, shopping of my wife. My role was to carry their luggage and to take a lot of photos and videos.

I had looked forward to the conversation in English with a local person before I went to Guam.
I started speaking in English to them, "Excuse me, sir?"
But they answered in Japanese fluently, "Nihongo de OK desu!"

The town in Guam was full of Japanese beyond the reach of my imagination. Conversations with clerks, signboards in the downtown area, menus of restaurant, sightseeing maps, etc.

After all, I had relied on Japanese and easy English while traveling. I regret a little that I should have made the effort to speak in English more positively.

I stuck to correct English too much. Of course, I think that I should do so in the place of the business. But, in usual conversations, I felt that a little broken English might be friendlier, and be the expression that understands easily for the other party.

People in Guam were very kind and friendly. For curiosity or their business, they tried to understand Japan positively. There were a lot of things that I had to learn from them.

We would like to express our gratitude to all people whom we met in this travel.

We hope that we will visit Guam again, thank you Guam! We left the paradise on earth.

When we returned home to Japan, about 500 E-mail and a pile of work were waiting for me.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Bitter memories at Coming-of-Age Day

2008-01-15T23:28:00.000+09:00

When I turned the TV on getting up yesterday morning, I saw the news of a coming-of-age ceremony. Women dressed in beautiful kimono were reflected in the TV.

I recalled bitter memories of a coming-of-age ceremony.

When I was a college student, I was elected a representative of the citizens in my city. My role was to present new adults the bouquet in the ceremony.
In those days, I belonged to the volunteer group of the city, and was often participating in various events that the city office sponsored. Therefore, I thought the choice as a representative of the citizens, and I was proud of that.

That day of ceremony, the city hall was filled to capacity. I dressed up and waited to be called by the chairperson back in the stage.

After a while, the chairperson said, "Ladies and gentlemen. Now, I introduce the person who represents the citizens. Mr. …"

The chairperson called a different name from my name. I noticed that he made a mistake in the pronunciation of my name, both my first and last name. I was already a complete another person.

Because there was no other way, I went out to the stage, and presented the bouquet to new adult's woman.

It often makes a mistake in my name because it is unusual. But, why did not he confirm my name beforehand though he was a professional chairperson? And, the coming-of-age ceremony became a bitter memory for me.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

My new bicycle and a nearby Shinto shrine

2007-10-21T15:58:00.000+09:00

I bought a folding bike in the Internet shopping last week. I liked the new bike, because the color of British green that I chose was chic and stylish. It is equipped with a six-speed gearshift system by Shimano high reliability, and a rear suspension.

Because it is possible to carry easily by loading into my car, it might be variously useful in the destination.

But, I will worry that the bike is not stolen by someone since it is cool and stands out.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

NARUTO New Comics and 2008 Calendar

2007-09-25T23:18:00.000+09:00

Amazon.co.jp ウィジェット

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Women's Marathon / IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in ATHLETICS Osaka 2007

2007-09-10T21:16:00.000+09:00

We have watched the women's marathon of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in ATHLETICS done on September 2.

"This is a chance that running of top players in the world can be closely seen." My wife of a former track & field team member said eagerly to me like that. The route already attracted a large crowd when arriving at Yodoyabashi in Osaka at about 7 AM in that day. After having obtained flags for assistance, we were booking a seat near the bridge.

It is player Tosa in Japan that runs at the head in the photograph. Players in any country were wonderful running. They ran through at the speed of normal person's sprint by us.

Afterwards, we returned to our house and checked recording the television. Unfortunately, our appearances did not appear in them.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Kimono Style Case for Apple iPod nano 1st and 2nd Generation

2007-05-05T18:50:00.000+09:00

As a cool item arrived, we present it.

Japanese style special case corresponding to of iPod nano the 1st and 2nd generation

Unique case to use cloth of Japanese style pattern for surface. It is a case with good touch made from the crepe cloth. Design that is simple and values easiness to use. A comfortable wheeling is possible.

In a front part that becomes an accent, high-class genuine leather is arranged in surroundings of the wheel and the liquid crystal. There are a press stud and a leather belt in the bottom, and they prevent iPod from falling. In addition, the ring in which the strap and the key ring are installed is sewn in the back. The color is a purple-blue of a purple keynote. Leather is a black with feeling of luxury.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Spider-Man3 and Universal Studios Japan

2007-05-05T09:49:00.000+09:00

This is a photograph in the Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. I have gone there with my family on holiday. My daughter of five years was very pleased. Especially, Snoopy's Playland and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride were popular. As for Spider-Man, The Movie Festival of Spider-Man3 had been held and the movie had been unveiled in advance of the world. The gap between a poor student with a lot of worries and the super hero who saves the world is very interesting. I want to go to see the movie one of these days.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Japanese Festival "Kyoto Gion Matsuri"

2006-07-16T11:14:00.000+09:00

My family and I went to Gion Matsuri of Kyoto. It was filled with tourists though the weather was nasty. The street lined with a lot of stalls, and it smelled very good. Chow meins, Takoyaki, roast corns, cotton candies, cracked ices. My wife and daughter seemed to have been very happy to put on the yukata though I was exhausted with walked a lot.

History of Gion Matsuri
The origin of Gion Matsuri is "Gion Goryoue" in 7th June 869 AD. That is a festival of lustrating epidemic.
Hokos appeared in 11th century. But, turmoil of the Onin war (1467-1477) prevented its continuance.
Gion Matsuri was resuscitated in 1500 A.D. and become established modern style.
Gion Matsuri is a festival of the people, by the people, for the people. It's a Kyoto's spirit.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

eBay Store - Japanese Style Store 1st SELECT

2006-06-18T10:36:00.000+09:00

Our store was opened in the eBay Store.
There are a lot of unusual Japanese products that can be gotten only in our store. We ship it out from Japan all over the world. Please take your time to enjoy shopping!
eBay Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT

About Google Picasa2

2006-06-03T12:47:00.000+09:00

I tried the upload of the image by using the Picasa2 of the Google. I liked this software because I used it easily. It is convenient to arrange a huge amount of commodity image. Moreover, a complex image data processing can be done at a time by the click of "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. This function is very useful when it is busy.
This photo is the one that the window displays of the shop was taken. The fans, the dolls, and folkcraft, etc.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Recipes of Japanese Cooking

2006-05-27T23:28:00.000+09:00

Interesting books were found in Amazon.co.jp. They are books to which recipes of typical Japanese cooking is written in English. Recipes such as the sushi, the tempura, sukiyakis, and miso soups are introduced. Try to cook Japanese food.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Bamboo Mouse and Keyboard

2006-05-27T01:51:00.000+09:00

New products arrived! They are the mouse and keyboards made from the bamboo.
Keyboards to which English and Japanese are written and optical mouse are connected with PC by USB.
Other you can get unique goods of Japan. For more details, Visit our store at 1st SELECT.com.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

The downtown in Japan of 20's

2006-05-13T12:44:00.000+09:00

This photo is an underground restaurant area in the sky building in Osaka. The downtown in Japan of 20's is reproduced in the retro. There is artificial biotope in the ground, and the oasis in the city.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Hot spring of Gero and Japanese restaurant

2006-05-04T08:59:00.000+09:00

It is in the midst on the "Golden Week" holidays now in Japan. It is the week when four of the national holidays happen during the end of April and the beginning of May. Quite a few Japanese are enjoying consecutive holidays of nine days in the maximum.
I went to a hot spring in Gifu with my family over the long holiday. Gero in Gifu is one of the three major hot spring resorts in Japan as well as Hakone in Kanagawa and Yufuin in Oita, and it takes about four hours from Osaka by car.
We took a leisurely bath as long as time permitted. My wife was pleased to say that her skin became so smooth.

After having enjoyed the hot spring, we ate lunch in the inn. The service was very good, and we were very satisfied as the staff in the restaurant prepared the fruit cup for our daughter free of charge. We had a good time relieving our stress.

Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Japanese Food "Okonomi-yaki"

2006-04-23T12:07:00.000+09:00

We cooked the okonomi-yaki at home today. Because I had worked part-time in the restaurant in my school days, I am good at cooking. The okonomi-yaki is the one like country dishes of Osaka, and it is eaten as often as the tako-yaki in Osaka. The recipe of the okonomi-yaki is as follows.

"As-You-Like-It" Pancake Okonomi-yaki
500kcal per serving

INGREDIENTS (4 servings)
3 1/2 oz pork belly, thinly sliced
3 1/2 oz squid (body only)
7 oz cabbage
4 scallions
2 Tbsp red pickled ginger, finely chopped

Batter:
5 1/4 oz flour
5 oz water
2 4/5 oz grated mountain yam
4 eggs
1/2 tsp salt

vegetable oil

Topping:
okonomi-yaki sauce
dried bonito powder
ao-nori (green-seaweed) flakes
mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut pork into 3-inch pieces, slice squid into thin strips, mince cabbage and scallions coarsely.
2. Using a whisk, make batter, combining flour, water, grated mountain yam, and salt. Add beaten eggs, stir lightly.
3. Add squid, cabbage, scallions, and mix well.
4. Divide all ingredients into 4 portions. Oil griddle. Saute pork briefly and pour batter over, then sprinkle with pickled ginger. When the surface bubbles and the bottom is golden brown, turn over and brown the other side.
5. Brush with okonomi-yaki sauce, sprinkle with bonito powder and ao-nori flakes. Serve with mayonnaise to taste.

NOTE
Ingredients may vary. Cook any meat, seafood, vegetables with the batter "as you like it."

Let's challenge cooking!
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The shochu and sake

2006-04-22T15:57:00.000+09:00

I took two licensing examinations necessary for my work in the end of last month. Both were passing as the result. It was hard every day because the time of final tax returns and study was simultaneous.
My wife presented me the shochu in celebration of those passing exams. The shochu is a Japanese clear liqueur (distilled, most commonly, from sweet potatoes, rice, or buckwheat). It is quite good.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

About amazon.co.jp

2006-04-20T12:18:00.000+09:00

Amazon.co.jp
You can search in English on Amazon.co.jp for Japanese books, music, DVD, and more.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Japanese video games

2006-04-09T14:20:00.000+09:00

I like video game. Moderately playing a game becomes the rest of work. I am playing Final Fantasy XII (FF12) now. The graphics and music are very wonderful, and I play frantically.
The Japanese video game seems to be popular all over the world. Resident Evil, Onimusha, and Kingdom Hearts, etc. We are often consulted about from the game freak in each country that wants a Japanese original version.
Please contact me if you are interested in those games.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

Cherry blossom viewing

2006-04-08T20:38:00.000+09:00

My friend and I went to see the cherry blossoms at the park today. Cherry blossoms were at their best.
Sake, sushi, slices of raw fish, yakitori (barbecued chicken on a bamboo skewer), and tempura (deep-fried fish and vegetables), etc. They were delicious drink and delicious dishes. We enjoyed the party till late though it was a little cold.
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Himeji Castle and delicious octopus

2006-04-01T09:09:00.000+09:00

My family and I went to Himeji Castle. It took about two hours from Osaka where we lived by train.
Himeji Castle was built in the Middle Ages. It is called the white egret castle from the magnificent rampart covered with plaster. In the castle, there was a contrivance to prevent the ninja's invasion. It was popular among the tourist from foreign countries, and a lot of people visiting.
This photo was taken with my cell phone camera.
In returning, we stopped by Akashi. It is famous because a delicious octopus can be captured. We ate deep-fried octopus and takoyaki (balls of wheat-flour batter cooked with pieces of octopus) there. As for the sushi and slices of raw fish, the octopus is delicious. Let's try to those menus if you visit Japan.
Spring comes soon in Japan. We are looking forward to have a party with seeing cherry blossoms.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com

SUSHI Mouse Pad

2006-03-14T00:02:00.000+09:00

This blog was started today. It introduces myself first. I run Japanese style Variety Store in Japan. A present hot selling item is mouse pad where 20 kinds of sushis are printed. Besides, there is mouse pad from which the geisha, the sumo wrestling, the ukiyoe, Mt. Fuji and more are designed. The number of items is scheduled to be increased more in the future. Please tell me if you request any items of Japan.
Japanese Style Store - 1st SELECT.com