The Tram

A note from the editor – Catherine Danley

Photo by Kai Ching

The Final Step: A Note from the Editor

Hello Toyama JETs! Welcome to the 2012 Leavers’ Edition of the TRAM! First off, thank you to everyone who contributed to this

issue and helped make this possible (and my job a little easier). And to all of the leavers who will soon be departing, thank you for

your responses. I have to admit that I got a bit nostalgic reading those questionnaires, just as I’m sure many of you did when you

wrote them.

As this issue was coming together I couldn’t help but think about my preparation to leave the US and come to Japan. Just one

year ago, I was getting ready to board a plane to start my adventure here. Sometimes that seems so long ago, and sometimes it

feels like yesterday. It’s certainly one thing every JET has in common – every one of us has had the experience of packing up and

moving across the globe; of learning more about yourself than you could ever imagine; of taking that final step towards an

unknown future.

When I was learning to scuba dive last winter, one of the first things I had to learn was how to walk off the boat into the water. It

is, and isn’t, as easy as it sounds. I expected to just, you know, walk off the boat (or jump for fun), but my instructor gave my

some key points that had to be observed. After edging to the side of the boat with all of my gear ready to go, I simply had to

breathe in and step forward, keeping my eyes on the horizon as I took one last step off of the boat.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about that boat and that final step – keeping your eyes on the horizon. Most of us will automatically

look at the dark ocean below, wondering what great or terrifying things we’ll face. But instead, we should always look to the

horizon. To those who are leaving or staying, there are great adventures ahead; some that will test and shape us, some that will

provide stories for grandchildren (“one time, I climbed Fuji – that’s right, Fuji!”), and some that we will simply never forget. No

matter what’s up ahead, just keep your eyes on that horizon and smile as you take that final step.

Best wishes,

Catherine Danley

In this Issue…

Leavers’ Letter by James Floyd

Leavers’ Responses

Tabemono Time – Leavers’ Japanese

Recipes

Toyama Memories – A Year in Pictures

Cover Art by Catherine Danley

Comics by Randy Higashi

Quote Bubbles from various Facebook

statuses from 2011-2012

Dear Leavers, locals, returnees and other readers:

I’ll admit it. I’m a Toyama fan. There, I said it, and I wasn’t even pinching my nose to help it go down. Toyama

has often been the butt of the joke, the kid at school that always gets picked on and no one stands up for him.

Sometimes it’s almost too easy to blame it on Toyama. Rainy, humid, conservative, backwards Toyama. I mean

just on my less-than-2 minute bike ride to work this morning I saw a crow take off with a mouse in its mouth, drop it

and then pick it up airborne, then I saw a 90 year old man trying to lasso a bush while laughing. And I live in the

city! But when it comes down to it, gaijin come here and they stay awhile. Why ever think of re-contracting to live

in such a down-trodden place? Because perhaps it’s not so bad at all. Maybe it’s kind of cool.

Yeah, Toyama can be tough, but I love this place. I have two reasons. For one, the natural surroundings are insane.

Now, I don’t come from a part of the world where such natural diversity exists. Sure, most Japanese fetishize this

notion of Canada as one big National Park in the Rockies of Alberta. But in Ontario, it’s kind of flat. We certainly

can’t visit alpine mountain ranges and coastal seashores in the same day. When we think about Japan’s population

density, it’s easy to imagine it as an overdeveloped country covered in urban sprawl. But Japan is by and large

sparsely populated or completely uninhabited, and we can see this from any beautiful drive through the mountains

and valleys that surround us.

Secondly are the people we have met while here. While I am ever grateful for the Japanese friends I have made

here, I want to write for a minute about our fellow “gaijin.” What amazed me the most about the relationships

between the non-Japanese English speakers here is how quickly barriers disappear. While back in our respective

home countries, the difference between an American and a Canadian, an Aussie and an Englishman, or anybody and

Martyn, might be quite apparent and taken notice of. However, when the same group of people are thrown into

Toyama and a sea of 1 million Japanese people, most of which look at us all as equally alien, we bond over our

similarities rather than divide over our differences. And that’s just aboot the best thing about this little group, eh?

Having been through this experience for five years, I can tell you that the most heart-wrenching and yet

soul-hardening aspect of life here is the temporal nature of relationships. I remember moving one town over after

junior high school. The thought of not attending the same school as my friends I had grown up with seemed

impossible to fathom, no less the idea of starting high school and knowing absolutely no one. Living in Japan as an

ALT, we go through this experience every year. We meet new people, make fast friends, travel with them, laugh

with them, cry with them, gorge ourselves silly with them, and then say goodbye. It’s crazy when you think about it.

I have made so many memories in Japan over these last five years, yet if I were to talk to almost any of you about the

people I hung out with 4 or 5 years ago, you would have no idea who any of them were. One little project I am

most grateful for is the wall of photos at Pot Still. I don’t go there much at all anymore, but when I do I am always

taken aback at this wall posted end-to-end with polaroids of former and current customers. I am at once reminded

of all the people that have been in my life at some point during my time here; My best friend from university who by

some insane turn of luck got placed in Toyama City as well, my sister who made the trip out to see me all by herself,

and countless other faces that surface when I think back to the time I have spent living here. Definitely some of the

coolest, funniest, craziest and most interesting people I have ever met in my life.

I guess these experiences of saying goodbye over and over, and not being able to share your memories with

everyone helps to prepare you for the ultimate reverse culture shock: Going home and not being able to have

anyone relate to anything you did for a year, or years. It will be tough, no doubt, but always remember the global

network of friends that you made here in Toyama and throughout Japan. People that will open their doors to you

the next time you get the travel bug and want to venture out and channel your global citizen. And the certain

vulnerability we share that comes with baring oneself and braving the adventure of living in such a foreign place I

believe makes those bonds of friendship even stronger and longer-lasting.

The crazy but true thing about Toyama life for us is that it cannot be replicated. It is ever-changing and people

come and go. But this is also true about all things in life: they don’t last forever. Don’t ever discount the

experience itself, though, and how you have grown from it. It’s an experience that will be with you for life, and I

think we are all better for having had it. Peace out to the leavers, a big “ganbare!” to those staying on (make the

most of it,) and I wish all of you happiness and success in the future.

James Floyd, JET Programme Graduate of 2012

Photo by Kai Ching

The best place you visited in Japan was: For me it all has to do

with great snowboarding! I would say Hakuba, just for the

memories and easy access from Toyama, and Niseko, Hokkaido,

for the amazing snow and tree runs.

The best place in Toyama: I would have to say Raicho Valley

for the snowboarding. Every time we went there the

conditions were perfect and we always had a great day.

I will miss…The lifestyle that we’ve developed. Some of the

stuff we do here seems inconvenient but it’s so good for

ourselves and the environment. Biking to work (well,

everywhere really), hanging our laundry to dry, having a small

balcony garden… Oh, I’ll also miss having a secure and steady

job!

I won’t miss…The passive aggressive pressure to conform;

ignorant racism; and being stared at everywhere I go.

Advice to those staying one more year: Find something you love to do, which can also get you more involved with your

community. It will help you feel less like an outsider and more like a part of your town. For me it was making pottery with a

club of people and going to the gym every week. I didn’t go to “International” events (which just made me feel like an outsider)

but I got involved in the community in other ways.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… walking

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The ignorance that people have with regard to racism, feminism, and other

social issues. Japan, speaking from a socially progressive standpoint, seems about 20 or 30 years behind other developed

countries.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? How can I choose just one! Our Honeymoon in Hokkaido & every other

snowboarding trip ever; Camping at Babadani onsen in Kurobe Gorge and finding natural onsens in the river; Learning how to

make Japanese pottery… the list goes on.

What are you doing after Japan? Trying to get a job; preferably as an art teacher or a potter, and selling my work. It’ll take a

few years and a lot of part-time jobs in between. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure.

Amy Derrah Noel

Canada – Uozu-shi – ‘09

“This morning I am creating a fictional dialogue for a listening test.

The two characters are Lady Gaga and Barack Obama and they will

be talking about food and injuries. They better not veto me!”

-Eric Wahlrab

The best place you visited in Japan was: Arashiyama, Kyoto: bamboo, forest,

moss..

The best place in Toyama: Duck’s Farm, Nyuzen.

I will miss… Riding trains, and beautiful architecture..

I won’t miss… Jingles.

Advice to those staying one more year: Travel at every opportunity, because you

won’t have those opportunities when you go home.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Manifold.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The need to drive. Last time I

was in Japan I went four months without getting into a car, so I expected to do the

same in Toyama.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Riding farther than I ever thought I could, coming across a beautiful

bridge, hitting a dragonfly with my bike, flying down a huge hill, finding a super cool little art museum in the middle of the rice

fields.

What are you doing after Japan? Moving to Seattle, taking classes, and figuring out what to do with myself.

The best place you visited in Japan was: The Kinkakuji in Kyoto!

Absolutely Lovely! When the sun comes out at the right time

and hits it at the right place… sigh! Kodak moment!

The best place in Toyama: Hmm, so many! I’ll choose something

simple…The Tulip Park at its peak during the Tonami Tulip

Festival! Amazing! I never really paid attention to flowers until I

went there.

I will miss… Uncle Yotchan, a Japanese restaurant within walking

distance from my apartment.

I won’t miss… the sounds of frogs and other bugs that rock me

to bed at nights during the summer.

Advice to those staying one more year: Don't forget to enjoy every

moment of it! Even the little insignificant things! From toothless grins to little kids staring at you in awe! It ends too soon!

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…DEFINITELY WORTH IT!

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? CUSTOMER SERVICE! I don't’ think any country can hold a touch to Japanese

customer service.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? At the risk of sounding mushy, I will say when I found out the flattering

things my students say about me through a random third person at a random event! Tear! Yup it was worth it being here!

What are you doing after Japan? First, I’ll live the life of a Caribbean tourist brochure come true by soaking up sea, sand and sun!

Then, I’ll job hunt and hopefully find a position in a protocol office or the like.

Avernel Romeo

Trinidad & Tobago – Tonami-shi – ‘10

Allison Acosta

USA – Nyuzen-machi – ’11

The best place you visited in Japan was: Winter: Hokkaido (Niseko) for

snowboarding! Summer: Hiroshima for sight seeing.

The best place in Toyama: Ishida beach (Kurobe) on a sunny Saturday afternoon

with friends.

I will miss…vending machines, convenience stores, drinking beer on the street,

yakiniku, and izakayas.

I won’t miss…being stared at all the damn time.

Advice to those staying one more year: You’re gonna blink and it will be over.

Make sure you enjoy every second of it and regret nothing.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… transformation.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? Japan: The frequency and

reliability of trains in major cities. Toyama: The infrequency and unreliability of

trains!

What was your most memorable experience in Japan?

My two week honeymoon in Hokkaido snowboarding with my wife in the world’s most amazing powder! What a trip!

What are you doing after Japan? Moving back to Canada, looking for work, and starting a family!

The best place you visited in Japan was: Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto

The best place in Toyama: Japan’s No. 1 Finest V-shaped Gorge

I will miss…the constant reassurance that my daily chopstick practice is

evident to and appreciated by those around me and being the undisputed

authority in my field of work.

I won’t miss…paying extravagant sums of money to be at parties where I

don’t even get to choose what to eat and carrying trash around in my pocket

wherever I go.

Advice to those staying one more year: Give more hugs.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…

wouldsomebodypleasejusttellmewhatsgoingonokay?.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? I can’t even begin to answer this question.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? I will never forget braving Mt. Fuji with the ill-prepared, hapless lot that

went on the AJET excursion last August.

What are you doing after Japan? I’m moving to Appalachia where life moves at a steadier pace.

Chris Noel

Canada – Uozu-shi – ’09

Cory Caldwell

USA – Kurobe-shi – ’11

The best place you visited in Japan was: Hokkaido

The best place in Toyama: Taira

I will miss… vending machines.

I won’t miss… The Johana line

Advice to those staying one more year: Stay positive.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… fast.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The mundane-ness of the

vending machines. I was expecting much more strangeness.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? There’s too many to

decide.

What are you doing after Japan? ...Study.

The best place you visited in Japan was: A reggae club in

Fukuoka

The best place in Toyama: My apartment

I will miss…yaki soba and the multitude of sauces

I won’t miss… living in Toyama or trying to get anywhere

in/outside of Toyama

Advice to those staying one more year: Get out as soon as you

can...in fact get out of Toyama as often as you can.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…A test of

self-will and determination.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The lack of

transport options in the inaka.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Arriving

and now.....leaving.

What are you doing after Japan? Starting life – for real this

time.

Fay ‘Chante’ Samuels

Jamaica – Fukuno – ‘09

David Sullivan

New Zealand – Inami -shi – ’10

“Went to Okinawa...fell in

love :P ”

-Leila Mitsunaga

“Osaka for the weekend.

Time for a Toyama-cation.”

-Kellie Petruzzelli

The best place you visited in Japan was: Hiroshima

The best place in Toyama: Fukuno on Yotaka Matsuri night.

I will miss…Karaoke… baby.

I won’t miss…the recycling/rubbish system.

Advice to those staying one more year: Stay open-minded and

be friendly to everyone.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one

word…wakaranai.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The humidity

and the snow.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Lots. I’ll

probably never forget riding the Maroon Machine, the

Johana-sen, which basically separates me from civilization.

What are you doing after Japan? I’m going home.

The best place you visited in Japan was: Beppu in Oita-ken, Noto

Peninsula, Izu Peninsula, Kanazawa, Nao-shima, Mount Koya (Koya-san),

Echizen coast in Fukui

The best place in Toyama: The Tateyama Mandala Museum – it’s

absolutely unreal.

I will miss… this place, man! Didn’t you read the intro?.

I won’t miss…Making my own lunch. Seriously, I’m the only guy in the

office who does it. Everyone else has some beautiful bento made by

their wife, their mom, or her mom. Then there’s me with a smoky

Tupperware filled with last night’s dinner. I mean, come on!

Advice to those staying one more year: You’re radioactive, do something

with it.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…“Whoa!”

(beautiful whoa, awkward whoa, I can’t believe they just did that whoa,

that’s effing disgusting whoa, ohhh hellllz no whoa).

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? That it could rain so much here and be fine elsewhere. Seriously, what is up

with the weather in this place?

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Going to the Philippines. … just kidding. I’d say, in general, it would be

feeling like I’m in paradise. And it has happened many, many times.

What are you doing after Japan? Huh?

Finn O’Brien

New Zealand – Fukuno, Nanto-shi –

James Floyd

Canada – Toyama-shi – ‘07

The best place you visited in Japan was: Osaka!

The best place in Toyama: Toyama city herself!

I will miss…all of the wonderful friends I made here, and my yoga and belly

dance teachers.

I won’t miss…freezing in the winter and sweating to death in the summer.

Advice to those staying one more year: Make the most of it, for sure!

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… unforgettable.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The lack of vegan-friendly

Japanese- style places

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Being accosted by

deer in a park in Nara!

What are you doing after Japan? Hopefully working as an adjunct Spanish

lecturer at a college in New Jersey, and applying for my PhD in Comparative

Literature.

The best place you visited in Japan was: the Chinatown in Osaka.

This the cleanest Chinatown ever! And the food is bomb.

The best place in Toyama: Burning Rocks bar in Toyama City. Amazing

raw guitar sound and the people to appreciate it! Rock!

I will miss… the UFO catchers and not having to tip. Awesome service

for “free”!

I won’t miss… how expensive some things are. $4 for an apple? $60

for a DVD?!

Advice to those staying one more year: Make the most of your time

with the people you want to make the most of your time with.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Fast.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? They have so many

polite expressions but no “bless you.”

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? It might be all those times I made my students cry. Or that one time I

threw a party with my students. And it could very well be that time a student told me, “I never cared about school before you

came.” But the most memorable experience will probably be how I feel when I have to board that flight home.

What are you doing after Japan? I’ll be scheming more podcasts, writing a book with my Mom, and volunteering with Make a

Wish!

Janette Nancy-Anne Hendrix

USA – Takaoka-shi – ‘11

Jonathan Dao

USA – Nyuzen-machi – ’09

The best place you visited in Japan was: Tokyo Dome

The best place in Toyama:

The Starbucks by the lake in Toyama City

I will miss… Johnny’s boys, especially KAT-TUN.

I won’t miss… my summer electricity bill.

Advice to those staying one more year:

Grow a plant. It’ll make your place feel more like home.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… bubbly

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The size of cockroaches.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Going to the KAT-TUN concert. I still get teary-eyed just thinking about it.

I think it’s coming now.

What are you doing after Japan? Grad school!

The best place you visited in Japan was: Yokosuka

The best place in Toyama: Himi, obviously. But the best place I visited

outside of Himi was Omaki Onsen. I highly recommend it.

I will miss… the Himi crew and Manyo’s sushi.

I won’t miss… riding my bike to school in the rain.

Advice to those staying one more year: Don’t forget that you’re

having a great adventure.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…Heartwarming.

I’ve met my best friends in Himi..

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? I don’t know how I

never heard about there being no central heating/air conditioning.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? I’ll always

remember visiting Omaki Onsen and seeing a fertility festival in Kawasaki.

What are you doing after Japan? I’ll be attending law school in Seattle and missing

the Himi crew.

Kara Suddock

USA – Himi-shi – ‘11

Julia Kim

USA – Uozu-shi – ‘10

“I don't even remember sitting

down, much less lying down.

Ninja nap strikes again.”

-Matt Dowd

The best place you visited in Japan was: Kobe. My God, Kobe. The city of my

heart. I love everything about it and wish I could live there forever. Also,

Mitaki-dera just outside of Hiroshima is one of the most beautiful places I have

ever been to in my life.

The best place in Toyama: Probably one of the mountains. Tateyama or maybe

Toga, or hell, even the outskirts of Johana are pretty nice. Also, the 6 foot

square space directly under my air-con/heater. Hm. The cheese counter in

Toyama’s Daiwa is pretty high up there, too.

I will miss…The friends I’ve made. If there’s one thing I’m grateful to JET for, it’s

giving me the opportunity to meet you guys. I’d drag you all back home with me

if I could. Less sappy answers include: public drinking, how clean the public

toilets are, tsukemono, and how easy it is to travel to other Asian countries.

And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ll miss some of the perks being a

foreigner in Japan offers.

I won’t miss…The weather, not having a car, and the God-forsaken Johana-sen. I also won’t miss the ridiculous amount of

social maneuvering involved in living here, both in my work and private life. Also there’s a lack of options for going out to

breakfast.

Advice to those staying one more year: When we first get here I think we spread ourselves out, trying to meet everyone and

experience everything. But I think your last year here, or at least the last few months, you should really focus on the people

and things that are important to you, and cut out the rest of the bullshit.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…Tempering.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? How difficult it was to make friends, or even have open conversations with

people. Also, I’m gonna agree with Matt, I’m surprised at how much I didn’t mind living in the inaka, as opposed to a big city.

I think if I had a car it would have even been downright pleasant. That being said, I’m looking forward to living somewhere

more liberal, and I will admit that I was shocked at how just conservative Toyama is.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Fuji was pretty memorable, for better or for worse. Best memorable

experience though would be Golden Week 2010 with Matt and Chris Davin. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been while living here.

What are you doing after Japan? Heading back to NY for a bit, spending time with family and friends, traveling around the States

for a while, doing my best to get fat on pizza and bagels, and then eventually moving to Seattle because I’ll miss all the rain.

Kellie Petruzzelli


The best place you visited in Japan was: Noto Peninsular

The best place in Toyama: The onsens in Nanto

I will miss…The onsens, the sushi, the ramen, the view from our unit, the friends we

made, the okonomoyaki, the trips to takayama and to see the whale shark on Noto

Island etc etc etc.

I won’t miss…Being in the same country as a lot of Natto.

Advice to those staying one more year: enjoy it, it goes way faster than any other

year (unless you are bitter and twisted, in which case, drink).

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… family.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The food was so different from my

time up in Iwate and the fact that the view changes out our unit window every 2

weeks or so.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? My children doing entrance ceremony.

What are you doing after Japan? Finishing my Phd and working as a researcher/lecturer.

Kieran Murphy

Australia – Inami – ‘07

Top Ten Restaurants to Enjoy Before You Leave…

1. Manyo Sushi – out in Himi, this sushi chef speaks English and

loves chatting with ALTs.

2. Yoshimune – a delicious, heaping bowl of curry udon for 900 yen.

The restaurant is near hospital in Hirokoji, Takaoka.

3. Pizza Jamboree – (aka Pole Pole Jamboree) serves some great

pizza up in Kurobe.

4. Maruna – soup curry near Takaoka Station. Vegetarian friendly.

5. Cashmir – a Fantastic Nepalese curry restaurant out on road 231

in Kosugi. Warning - it looks like a creepy warehouse, but it has

some of the best curry in the ken.

6. Majima – a family owned combini in front of Kogei SHS in

Takaoka. They serve jumbo sized soft creams for 150 yen.

7. Arupese – a Korokke cafe in Takaoka (in front of Masashi). You

can get 50-100yen korokke, 500yen meals and 250yen cakes (with

ice cream!). Best meal deal around.

8. Somedays – this tasty American grub is in Fukuno, and there’s

even live music some Saturday nights.

9. La Yuki – comfy little Mexican restaurant in Toyama.

10. Tsukushi Ramen – located in Toyama city, it is "THE best ramen

in the prefecture."

Photos by Leila Mitsunaga

The best place you visited in Japan was: Osaka...specifically El Poncho during

happy hour.

The best place in Toyama: My apartment...and the playground in my

neighborhood with a zip line.

I will miss… Purikura, Julia stories, the beautiful mountains, feeding Susan,

drinking in the street, and Curry Soup.

I won’t miss… WINTER. The Johana line. Almost causing traffic accidents

because people are too busy gawking at me. Never knowing what's going on.

Pachinko. Being illiterate, mute and deaf. Going to pastry shops and being

fooled into thinking that the pastries actually taste good because they're

pretty. And sink condoms, I hate those so much.

Advice to those staying one more year: Do your thing. Don't get involved in

the social drama. Don't worry about pleasing everyone, cause it's not

possible, or important. Your experience here is your own, and you need to

focus on making it right for you, and getting everything you can out of the experience. Also, the foreign buyers club website

has sliced turkey breast. You can make sandwiches forever!

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Adventure!

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? I came here not really knowing anything about Japan, and I honestly am still

trying to wrap my head about even the basics of the culture. In Toyama specifically, rice fields with little hunched over old

ladies next to giant shopping centers.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? The Friday after arriving in Toyama, my BOE had a welcome dinner in the

mountains for me. I remember feeling welcomed, and excited to be at the beginning of a new adventure. It was my first real

glimpse into the culture. As I watched the sun set while drinking copious amounts of beer, I remember thinking “This is exactly

what I want right now in my life.” And I was happy :) Fashion Show and Charity Show, 2011 get an honorable mention here as

well!

What are you doing after Japan? I'll be teaching math at a University and a Community College in Jacksonville, Fl, as well as

beginning work on my second B.S., computer science. After I save up enough money, I'll have some more adventures...I'm

seriously considering trying to work in Australia for a year. We'll see what happens. Whatever I do, it'll be an adventure :)

Kristyn Galane

USA – Tonami-shi – ‘10

“I was ok with the snow this

morning. That is, until I got hit in the

face by a sprinkler. Now I am ready

for cherry blossoms.”

-Meagan Connor

“This week's goal: To have

more Facebook photos of

myself running than Randy

Higashi.”

-James Floyd

The best place you visited in Japan was: Mount Rokko in Kobe

The best place in Toyama: Canal Park

I will miss…my students, my apartment, and traveling around Japan with

friends.

I won’t miss…the last train being at a ridiculously early time. I also won`t miss

the weather.

Advice to those staying one more year: Live it up and don`t ask me for advice

about Japan.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… speedy.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? How quiet the trains and

subways can be when they are packed, and the price of fruit.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? This question is really

difficult...but going to the National Sumo tournament in Osaka, being lost in the Nagano mountains at night with no gas, and

experiencing Japan with family and friends who visited are sticking out at the moment.

What are you doing after Japan? Applying to graduate school and eating burritos.

The best place you visited in Japan was: Tenryu-ji, Kyoto

The best place in Toyama: The big Buddha, Takaoka

I will miss…Eating Coco Curry, traveling to temples and castles, being able to travel at the

drop of a hat (albeit an expensive one).

I won’t miss… being out in the inaka. I also won’t miss people staring me down like I’m

about to spontaneously combust or rob them. I am also not going to miss the congested

trains, and how it takes a long time to travel if you want to go anywhere outside of Toyama

Advice to those staying one more year: find a hobby, quick. Also, travel lots, it’s really

cathartic.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… educational. I would explain but it

would be more than one word :P.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? How different the people are from prefecture to prefecture. I didn’t realize that

before since I had been mostly in urban areas (or one with close access to foreigners. For the big foreigner base in Takaoka, you

don’t see them, because people continue to stare (which is fine), I just wish they wouldn’t be so obvious about it. (IE I stare at

them, realizing they’ve been caught, and they continue to stare. In other prefectures, no one even bats an eye at you. I know I

shouldn’t have been irked by the experience since I’ve been here before, but I believe it’s the length of time that I stayed that

managed to make me surprised.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Traveling outside of Toyama prefecture.

What are you doing after Japan? Going back to school, working, and gaining capital to open up a video game / internet café.

Kyla Lew

USA – Toyama-shi – ‘11

Lauren Gasman


“We won the baseball game and

we are heading to Koshien!!

Well done Shinminato, you made

me extremely proud and happy!”

^_^ -Leila Kardan

The best place you visited in Japan was: Okinawa…for its awesome food, warm

weather, and laid-back lifestyle.

The best place in Toyama: Toide! To be honest, there’s not much there, but it’s

where most of my schools are. I’ve gotten attached, and I’ll miss being part of the

Toide community.

I will miss… 38 yen tofu! OK seriously, I’ll miss everyone who has helped to make

the past two years awesome (you all know who you are!)

I won’t miss… my “kitchen.”

Advice to those staying one more year: “Follow your heart.” :P

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Enlightening.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The weather extremes. I

thought my teachers were joking when they told me about the shoulder-high

corridors of snow on the sidewalks. And I used to think Hawaii was “humid” until

stepping off the plane in Narita.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? When my family came to

visit. It was great to enjoy the company of loved ones from home and share my

experiences of the place that I have been living in for the past two years.

What are you doing after Japan? I’m going back home to study Clinical Psychology

and enjoy catching up with friends and family in paradise. Aloha!

5 Places to See in Toyama, Before You Head Home

Leila Mitsunaga


Gokayama: An old Japanese folk

village with "Gassho-zukuri" thatched

roofs. 30 minute bus ride from Johana

JR Station.

Himi Coastline: Surprised to wake up

to the sunshine? Make the most of

your day by heading out to Himi for

gorgeous mountain views and

delicious sushi.

Toyama Folk Craft Village: a museum,

500 Buddhist statues and bamboo;

and it’s only a 15 minute bus ride

from Toyama JR Station. Zuiryuji Temple: Famous Buddhist

temple in the heart of Takaoka. 10

min walk from Takaoka Station.

Unazuki Onsen: Toyama's top

onsen spot in the beautiful Kurobe

Gorge. Get off at Unazuki Onsen

Station, Kurobe.

The best place you visited in Japan was: Kobe, hands down. I like the

atmosphere there better than I like anywhere else I have ever lived.

The best place in Toyama: Raicho Valley and the greater Tateyama area.

Beautiful year round.

I will miss…A lot of the people I met here, you know who you are. I'll also

miss the food, the clean air, the pace of life, and even the oishii mizu, for

real.

I won’t miss…Getting run into by a car once every 9 months, or nearly

run over once a week.

Advice to those staying one more year: Buy a bicycle helmet... Also, if

you haven't joined a social group, an association, a sport, a cultural class,

taiko, kyuudo, ikebana, cooking course, anything: Do it. I regret not making myself trudge through the snow to some of these

things that are out there and that I won't get the opportunity to do it again.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word…Instructive.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The difference between Toyama and Tokyo, and about how much of me prefers

Toyama over Tokyo (although I am really looking forward to living in a big city for a few years).

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Golden Week 2009 with Chris Davin and Kellie, and particularly

Usagi-shima.

What are you doing after Japan? I plan on spending a month doing some miscellaneous travel throughout North America, then

will be moving from New York to Seattle, where I plan to start two careers at the same time.

The best place you visited in Japan was: Toyama

The best place in Toyama: A patch of remote rice fields

with no buildings around where I can relax and enjoy the

fresh Toyama air.

I will miss…Toyama Nishi SHS I won’t miss…I’ll miss

everything

Advice to those staying one more year: Don’t expect cars to stop

for you – they will ignore you 90% of the time.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… enlightening.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? There’s too many

cars, and not enough public transportation.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? My

daughter being born here in Toyama

What are you doing after Japan? I am staying in Japan. This is my

home now, I am not leaving.

Matt Dowd


Nelson Howe

Canada – Toyama – ‘07

I enjoy drawing pictures of the Japanese countryside

and culture. It is both challenging and fun. This is a little

shrine on my way back from Chuo Nogyo SHS on a

particularly nice day.

The best place you visited in Japan was: It’s tied between

Miyajima and Hokkaido.

The best place in Toyama: Kojo Park in cherry blossom season

and/or fall, or the counter seats at Atto’s House

I will miss… the great friends I’ve made; my students past and

present; everyone at my base school, but especially my JTEs,

my ex-supervisor, and all the music and good times the four

of us shared, the Koryo Karaoke Gundan, and Kyoto-sensei

(my BFF); Toyama-ben; Yacchin’s okonomiyaki; conbinis;

cheap healthcare; lax public drinking laws; 紅茶花伝 milk

tea; collecting cell phone charms; kawaii everything; and (of

course) going to karaoke.

I won’t miss… walking everywhere, the rainy season/slushy

wet winters, earthquakes, everything closing early, not having

AC or heat in my bedroom (or classrooms!!), not being able to

buy clothing and shoes in regular stores, getting stuck with

rice kyuushoku every single day, and the phrase “____ jouzu.”

Advice to those staying one more year: Don’t take anything or

anyone for granted, and be thankful for the time you have here – it goes by faster than you can possibly imagine.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Rollercoaster.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? I can watch TV, play games, and read books on my cheap-ass flip-phone keitai,

but I can’t get a Wi-Fi connection anywhere. :|

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? When my student won the Toyama division of the National JHS English

Speech Contest for the 2nd

year in a row, and my school convinced the BOE to let me go with her to Tokyo for the regional

competition. I was so happy to have my hard work appreciated and rewarded!

What are you doing after Japan? I’m entering the University of Pennsylvania’s MS.Ed in Intercultural Communication program.

In the future, I’m hoping to teach ESL and help develop multicultural/diversity education programs for schools in the States.

Nicole “ニコニコ・ニコール” Meanor


“Fuji - you fought me every step

of the way, but I made it to the

summit!”

-Catherine Danley

The best place you visited in Japan was: Kyoto

The best place in Toyama: Maunten

I will miss…Ramen and good supermarket sushi.

I won’t miss… Snowy winters and humid summers.

Advice to those staying one more year: Enjoy it? Japan can be a pretty damn

great place to live.

Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… bigfoot.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The floppy drives. Definitely the

floppy drives.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Squid eyeball spitting

contest. Or winning Nagoyahammer.

What are you doing after Japan? Spending a month in Europe after which I’m

returning to Portland, Oregon for a daunting period of job hunting.

The best place you visited in Japan was: Takaoka Daiichi High School

The best place in Toyama: Takaoka Daiichi High School!

I will miss…my students’ smiling faces and running into them around town.

I won’t miss… the nosey Takaokan police.

Advice to those staying one more year: Go watch your students’ sports matches

if you haven’t already!

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… happy.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The use of water to clear the

snow.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Graduation day of my

very first 3rd

year students. The choir singing Haruka by Greeen made it all the

more sad.

What are you doing after Japan? I will be working as a software programmer.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saba Sanatgar

Canada – Takaoka-shi – ‘10

Revan Williams

USA – Nyuzen-machi– ‘09

The best place you visited in Japan was: NAOSHIMA! A nutty little 'art island' in the

Seto Inland Sea. Sculptures on the beach, I'm sold.

The best place in Toyama: Maruna Soup Curry in Takaoka, the antithesis of Winter.

I will miss… many things, but primarily the people I have met. The ALT contingent

and my lovely students. Eating zaru soba (the antithesis of Summer) and riding the

Johana Sen.

I won’t miss… when riding the Johana Sen: having to ask people to move their bags

off of seats on a packed train. Also, the response eating an apple WHOLE illicits (on

the Johana Sen).

Advice to those staying one more year: Try not to expend too much energy on the

negatives of living here and GO ON TRIPS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND. Even if you have

not a yennie to your name, find a way.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Psychedelic.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? It sounds a bit lame, but I'm going

to say the fashion. I was looking forward to people watching and having my mind

blown by creativity and variety...didn't quite work out that way. On a more positive note, I was pleasantly surprised by how

much I enjoy inaka life. Oishi mizu, indeed!

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Some point over the summer of 2011. Multiple music festivals and a

whistlestop tour to Singapore <3

What are you doing after Japan? I am going to take up residency in a library and glut myself on all the English language books

that I couldn't get my hands on here.

The best place you visited in Japan was: My love for Kyoto never fades.

The best place in Toyama: By the sea in Namerikawa and Gokayama.

I will miss…Namerikawa, many of the people I have met, obachans, riding my

mamachari bicycle, Plant 3, rice fields, my Japanese teacher, my co-workers, my

students, my J.H.S., receiving omiyage at my desk, running in the Uozu, Kurobe

and Namerikawa marathons, あいさつをする

I won’t miss…Toyama winters, oblivious drivers, and biking in the rain.

Advice to those staying one more year: Enjoy every moment and don’t

complain too much.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Memorable.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? How much I enjoyed inaka life.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? There are many small moments, so honestly it’s too hard to pick just one,

but receiving sake from a monk on top of Mt. Tateyama was spectacular, as was getting on a boat at 3 a.m. to see hotaruika

(firefly squid) light up in the middle of the pitch black sea.

What are you doing after Japan? Immediately after JET I’m completing an intensive summer course in peace and conflict studies

at Hiroshima University. I am applying for various jobs and will hopefully be going to graduate school within the next two years.

Sheila Burt

USA – Namerikawa-shi – ‘10

Sally Harrild

UK – Takaoka-shi – ‘10

The best place you visited in Japan was: Hokkaido

The best place in Toyama: At-House in Takaoka

I will miss… the polite service, Japanese food, and peach Fanta.

I won’t miss… the lack of parking, mayonnaise on everything, and Toyama’s

weather.

Advice to those staying one more year: Travel as much as you can, both in

Japan and outside of it.

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Growth.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? How expensive everything

is.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? It’s a three way tie

between going on the HAJET Yuki Matsuri trip, a weekend in Takayama, and

Ryan Pruitt’s birthday’s in Osaka.

What are you doing after Japan? I’m going into a Masters of Psychology

program at Brandeis University outside of Boston.

The best place you visited in Japan was: Osaka maybe. It’s nice and grimy. But

I haven’t finished travelling yet!

The best place in Toyama: Nanto! There’s lots of old buildings, temples,

festivals, live music in Somedays, and hanami along the riverside in Fukumitsu.

It’s lovely.

I will miss… phone straps, students saying “Oh my goddo!!”, skiing, mountains,

soba, purikura, the feeling of amazingness when you recognize a kanji,

green-tea flavoured stuff, sake, bowing, gaijin powers, weird Kit Kats, village

vanguard, tofu, trains running on time, kindly grannies, conbinis, yukata at

summer festivals, sakura, complaining about everything, nashi, and getting

paid. So yeah, I’ll miss lots of foods.… but mainly phone straps.

I won’t miss…sweaty, sweaty summers and sitting seiza.

Advice to those staying one more year: Stay positive!

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… nomisugita.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? Vending machines that

speak to you…that’s scary.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Climbing Fuji…for all

the wrong reasons. I will never forget it.

What are you doing after Japan? I’ll be getting my stupid dog to remember

my face, and trying to stop my mother giving it cream. Hopefully I’ll also have

a job.

Susan Pollock

UK – Fukumitsu – ‘10

Shelley Barber


The best place you visited in Japan was: Shirakawa-go

The best place in Toyama: The Cotton Club

I will miss… the many friends I’ve made here, both Japanese and

foreign.

I won’t miss… waking up at 6am to catch a train to work, wearing a

suit every day, choosing between going home before 11pm or

staying out all night, or wading through waist-deep snow in the

winter.

Advice to those staying one more year: Spend as much time

interacting with the people you meet here as possible. The

opportunity for cultural exchange is a point everyone makes, but also

keep in mind that the other foreigners you meet here really are

larger-than-life. How many people in your hometown do you know who at one point dropped everything and went to live and

work in a foreign country?

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… hilarious.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? I was surprised to find it was just like anywhere else. Moving to a new

apartment in a new area every year for the past 6 years has probably changed my perception of place, but it always felt like it

was just one more move. Just like anywhere else, Toyama has its advantages and disadvantages.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? My most memorable experience was my first night at Kyokushin Karate

when they let me spar with everyone. I have some experience in MMA, so it wasn’t totally unfamiliar to me, but I was used to

light sparring with 16oz boxing gloves, mouthguards, shinguards, and headgear, and taking 1-minute breaks every 3 or 5 minutes.

This was full-speed, full-power, bare knuckle, knockdown karate, with about 10 second breaks in between 2-minute matches.

Around 6 minutes in, I realized that I was the only one in the room who looked tired. I learned a lot from that night and training

there in general, most importantly how to only move forward, even when it hurts.

What are you doing after Japan? I will be teaching children’s martial arts classes part-time and playing bass in D.C., Philadelphia,

and New York while practicing and getting back in shape for graduate school as a classical bass performance student.

Long-term, there are still a lot of places in the world I would like to see and play music in. I have some friends in Amsterdam

and other parts of Europe, so that’s high on my list. I would also very much like to come back to Japan to play sometime, but

with my own band, playing my own songs, and in good playing shape.

William Dahni Scally

USA – Toyama-shi – ‘11

“Ever woken with a start at

7:30pm, mistaken it for 7:30am

and started getting ready for

work? Yeah. Don't do that.”

-Chris Beeton

The best place you visited in Japan was: Toyama-ken (yes I am being cheesy).

The best place in Toyama: Tateyama (but my apartment comes at a close

second).

I will miss… people, the food, the 24h combinis, the warmlets, and the

tatami mats.

I won’t miss… the lack of central heating in winter, the hot stickiness in

summer, the crow choir at 5am, the frog concerto at 2am and the cicada

symphony the whole summer. In other words, the weather.

Advice to those staying one more year: Please try the new flavors of Kit

Kats, ice teas, ice cream and Country Mama cookies for me. =)

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Eye-opening (I am

talking about that third eye at the back of my head).

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? The size of the houses in

Toyama vs. the size of the apartments in Tokyo. Although I have to say that

the supernatural power of the Japanese to read minds is also a good one.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Traveling on my

own for the first time during Golden Week. Or that first walk down the

food aisle at Jusco. Only time will tell which one was most memorable.

What are you doing after Japan? Going to graduate school and coming

back to Japan for “research purposes.” ;)

The best place you visited in Japan was: Fukuoka! The best ramen I’ve ever

had.

The best place in Toyama: Fukuno – it’s how I imagined suburban Japan

I will miss… being an instant celebrity when you walk into a room.

I won’t miss… humidity in the Summer

Advice to those staying one more year: Do you!

If I could sum up my experience in Japan in one word… Contradictions.

What surprised you most about Toyama/Japan? How shy people were.

What was your most memorable experience in Japan? Randomly coming

across a low-rider car show.

What are you doing after Japan? Making dreams come true.

Zipozihle Chuma Noimbewu

South Africa – Takaoka-shi – ‘10

Xue-Rong Jia

Canada – Takaoka-shi – ‘10

Additional Leavers: David Chang Hsing Chen (USA)

Matthew Myers (USA)

Tin-Lok Shea (CIR, Australia)

Tin-Lok Shea

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that

you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail

away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.”

— Mark Twain

Ce n'est pas qu'un au revoir By Xue-Rong Jia

I wish I could lay my ideas on this blank paper as swiftly as the eagle soaring through majestic blue skies. But I can’t.

The ink wouldn’t flow as freely as before, and my hand wouldn’t be able to put into words what is haunting me. What

happened to what I was once so proud of? I can’t tell. Memories are fleeting things indeed, and mine are

especially short-lived. People come and go in my life like passing trains, leaving marks on the rails of my life that will

soon be wiped away by new ones.

In French, we would say to the ones from whom we part: “Ce n’est qu’un au revoir”. What a sad joke it is. It is never

just a goodbye, but rather a definite farewell. The next time we will meet again, if we ever do, we will be strangers

who happened to share the same memories. Yes, I am being cynical, but there’s no denying that my words must ring

true to whoever had the difficult experience of parting with loved ones. After all, doesn’t it feel as if something inside

of you dies every time you have to bid adieu?

Times flies so quickly that no matter how hard I try to desperately hold onto it, it is never within my reach. Maybe it’s

just that I don’t care enough, but I feel that people are leaving me like fall leaves, and that in the end, I am left with

only myself. Do not mistake me; I care a lot about my loved ones, but it is just that I am not able to express it. I am

indeed a different person from the one I left in the country I used to call home, to a point that I don’t even know

where true home is anymore. In fact, I don't believe I can ever call only one place “home” anymore. I have scattered

so much of myself in so many places that it is too hard for me to settle now. Nevertheless, no matter how painful it is,

I will continue to share bits of myself with people around the world, even if they were to become nothing but a

fleeting memory. We might not recognize each other the next time we meet, but as surely as parts of who I was will

live inside of you, I will cherish you as the important person that you were to me.

Au revoir.

Chuma’s Tofu Patties

Ingredients:

1 onion

300g pack of cotton（もめん）Tofu

Yuzu Ponzu (ゆず)

Panko

First drain the water from the tofu. Then heat in the microwave for a minute it to drain any excess water.

Finely chop up onion and fry until golden. While you are doing this water will still be draining out of the tofu.

Once you are done with the onion pat dry tofu with paper towel.

Place tofu in a bowl. Add onions, mix together with spoon or your hands.

Then add panko into mixture. The amount you add is up to you. I wouldn’t add too much but enough so that the

patties don’t break. Also add salt and pepper. Finally make the tofu into patties, and fry in a pan until golden.

Matt’s Butaniku no Misozuke (Or, real pork, fake ham)

I basically grew up in a NY deli, and I love ham. The reason I originally found this recipe so appealing is because I find

most of the ham here to be lackluster, if not just slimy and gross. This recipe acted as a stand in for what had been a

staple in my diet. It doesn't actually taste like ham, mind you, but the salt content is right and the natural sugars turn

into a glaze that is really quite nice. It's a completely Japanese recipe, and has a flavor fitting for that distinction, but

at the same time had a bit of the taste of home mixed in. Despite the fact I will be soon living in a place where I can

get ham any time, this is significantly healthier (no nitrates). This recipe is a keeper. It also makes enough for 2 to 3

bentos.

Ingredients:

**2 thinly cut boneless pork cutlets, each about 100g /

3 oz

3 Tbs. white miso

3 Tbs. red miso

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

2 Tbs. sake

1 Tbs. sugar

Put all the ingredients in your marinading bag and shake it to mix. Add the pork cutlets and press out as much air as

you can. Shake and then massage the bag to ensure the pork is totally coated. Let it marinade for at least 3 but no

more than 24 hours. Too long and the pork ends up being too dry (due to the salt in the miso). After marinating,

make sure to remove excess marinade to prevent it burning in the pan, especially true for miso with mugi in it. Since

this is usually for a bento, I cut the meat into small chunks, and then fry the lot in oil on medium heat for a little

under 3 minutes. You can also go lower heat for longer to ensure that the miso doesn't burn and the juices stay in the

pork (lower heat is generally better for pork, as long as you cook it through). The meat should look shiny glazy brown.

Freezes easily.

**A cut with a bit of fat marbling will be tastier, but lean filet is ok too. A very fatty cut such as pork belly would be

too much. (Recipe originally found at Just Bento)

It’s tabemono time. Before you head home

to lovely bakeries, Mexican restaurants,

and steak houses, be sure to get your fill of

delicious Japanese foods (if you haven’t

already). Here are some favorites from the

leavers.

Xue’s “Better Than Your Omurice!” Makes 2 servings.

I always try to “healthify” my recipes, so the rice here is mixed with the filling only, and not stir-fried (because it

would require a lot more oil). The tricky part is to make the omurice shape, but even if it doesn't look good, it still

tastes awesome!

1 1/2 cup cooked Japanese or Chinese rice, cooled

down.

100g chicken breast, in small pieces

1 onion, chopped

1 cup frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)

1/4 chicken stock

2-3 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp Japanese Worcestershire sauce (if desired)

1 tbsp and 1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp mirin (or sake with a tsp of sugar)

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 eggs

Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and the chicken breast and fry until golden. Add the

vegetables and the chicken stock (and salt) and cook for a minute. Set aside.Add the rice, ketchup, a tsp of olive oil

and Worcestershire sauce to the other ingredients and mix using a spatula and a cutting motion. Set aside.

Beat the eggs with the mirin (and salt). Pour half of the eggs in a heated pan and let it set a little. While it is set but

still runny on top, pour half of the rice mix on top. Fold the omelette over the rice and flip the omurice over a plate.

Repeat with the other half of the ingredients. Serve with ketchup (and mayo) and enjoy!

Kristyn’s Tofu and Company Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

6 Sweet Peppers

Half a block of firm tofu

1 cup or so of couscous or brown rice

1 can Black Beans (optional; if you do this, only make

half a cup of rice or couscous)

3/4 cup tomato sauce

Cooked Spinach

Half an onion, cut up into small pieces

2-4 cloves garlic (depends how much you like garlic)

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

Other vegetables, cheeses, herbs, etc, can be added to

your heart’s content.

Marinate the tofu in a tasty sauce of your choosing (though plain tofu is fine). Cut off the tops of the peppers and

take out the seeds. Put them face down on a baking pan with a layer of baking paper, and cook them at 200 C (400

F) for 20 minutes. While they're in the oven, prepare the rice, vegetables, and cheese. When the peppers are done

cooking (they should be a little browned), take them out and lower the heat in the oven to 170 C (350 F), for

later. When the rice or couscous is done cooking, put the heat on low, add the beans, sauce, garlic and onion

first. Let cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the spinach, salt, pepper, and herbs. Let cook for

another few minutes, stirring occasionally. Fill each pepper with alternating layers of the the rice mix, and tofu and

cheese. Top it off with a little bit of cheese. Then, cook in the oven for 7-10 minutes. Take out, top with Rainbows

and Love, and then stuff your face with the resulting deliciousness.

Janette’s Udon with Tofu, Spinach, and Mushrooms Serves 6-8 (make more udon as needed)

Ingredients:

For the Kombu dashi:

2 pieces dried Kombu seaweed

3 or 4 dried shiitake mushrooms

2 tablespoons cooking sake (or to taste)

2-3 tablespoons sweet shoyu (or to taste)

Dash of rice vinegar

For the soup:

1 or 2 ladles full of kombu/shiitake dashi (pre-made)

1-2 servings of udon noodles

1 medium bag bean sprouts

1 large bunch of spinach, roughly chopped and stems

removed

2 packs each shiitake and maitake mushrooms, sliced

1 pack grilled tofu, drained and lightly blotted with

paper towel

1 bunch spring onions, diced

1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Tamari or dark soy sauce (to taste)

Toasted sesame oil

Pepper

Cayenne pepper flakes

Garlic powder

Preparation:

In a large pot, combine the dried kombu and shiitake with just enough water to nearly fill the pot. Let soak for about

10 minutes (you can prep your veggies at this point), and then boil for about 30 minutes to an hour, adding the shoyu,

sake, and vinegar at the end (just before turning off the gas). In the meantime, slice the grilled tofu in half and dice

into cubes. Lightly heat the sesame oil in a large wok and add the tofu, cooking until golden brown on all sides. Add

pepper and garlic powder to taste, and then a few splashes of tamari. Next, add the remaining vegetables, and sauté

until the mushrooms are cooked through and the spinach has wilted. Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper (to taste).

While your veggies are cooking, cook the udon according to package instructions and drain. Place a handful of udon

into a bowl, top with the tofu/mushroom mixture and ladle on the broth. Enjoy!

* Remove the shiitake and kombu from the stock before refrigerating. It will keep in the fridge for a few weeks.

Leila’s Ponzu

Ponzu is a Japanese shoyu citrus sauce that is used with a variety of dishes. As one of my teachers told me, “Ponzu,

ponzu, ponzu!” because he says that he pretty much puts it on everything. I love ponzu because it is so simple yet

versatile. You can find ponzu in all grocery stores throughout Japan, but you can also easily make it yourself.

Here’s a recipe that my Japanese grandmother has been using for many years:

1 cup lemon juice

2 cups shoyu

1 cup rice vinegar

½ cup mirin

1 tsp hon dashi

Mix and enjoy as a dipping sauce for nabe, sashimi, and more! I enjoy ponzu the best with grated daikon and green

onions.

Xue’s MiSo Good Eggplant Stir-Fry Serves 4 (or 1 with a big appetite such as myself)

It’s not typical Japanese fare, but it uses plenty of Japanese ingredients. Hey, as long as it tastes good, it's all that

matters, right?

Ingredients:

2 globe eggplants or 3-4 Japanese eggplants

100 minced chicken or pork

a bunching onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic

1 tbsp peanut/canola oil

1 tbsp sake

1 tbsp miso

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp corn flour

3 tbsp water

salt and pepper, to taste

Cut the eggplants in cubes. Steam for 5 minutes or microwave for 1 minute. Pat dry.

In a frying pan, heat the oil. Add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic. Add the minced meat and cook through.

Add the eggplant and sake and cook for a minute. After, add the miso, soy sauce and sugar, and cook until the

eggplant becomes tender. Add salt and pepper if necessary.

Mix the corn flour in the cold water and add to the pan. Season to taste. Serve garnished with the bunching onion.

Revan’s Buta no Kakuni (Japanese Pork Belly Stew)

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs pork belly, in large cubes or thick lengths

1 daikon, cubed

1 cup sake

1/2 cup mirin

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 inches of ginger cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 tbsp sugar (brown works fine too)

green onion

water

salt and pepper

In a large pot, brown the pork belly on all sides before (along with a little salt and pepper).

Add sake, ginger and green onion to the pot along with enough water to cover. Bring it to a gentle boil before

lowering the heat to a simmer and covering. Let it cook for about 2 hours.

Set aside the pork belly (this might be difficult as the pork belly should be very tender) straining the ginger and green

onion out of the broth. Return the pork to about half of the broth along with soy, mirin, sugar and daikon.

Let simmer, uncovered for an hour or until the sauce is reduced and the pork and daikon ate cooked to your

satisfaction.

Eat with rice.

Buta no kakuni is a rich Japanese stew that uses common Japanese ingredients. It is heartily recommended for a

cooler fall or winter evening.

Toyama

Memories

Toyama

Memories

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