Latest news with #Edo
Time Out
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This display of traditional erotic art is one of Tokyo's most stimulating summer exhibitions
Traditional Japanese erotic art – shunga – flourished during the Edo period (1603–1867), along with the rise of ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Some of the greatest artists of the time, including Kitagawa Utamaro and Katsushika Hokusai, employed ukiyo-e to depict Edo's hedonistic 'floating world' of geisha, kabuki, sumo – and sex. Shunga was in great demand and widely available, despite an official ban, and developed into a highly sophisticated genre in which artists incorporated references to waka poetry and the Chinese classics while tiptoeing around taboos and government censorship. But once Japan opened itself up to the Western world after centuries of isolation, Shunga was deemed 'obscene' and purged from the culture – for nearly 150 years, it turned out. The first major contemporary display of Shunga wasn't held in Tokyo until 2013, but that landmark show cleared the way for similar exhibitions. And now, perhaps the most rousing (sorry) Shunga show to date has opened right here in the capital. On display until September 30, the Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition features around 150 pieces by the likes of Hokusai, Utamaro and Hishikawa Moronobu. Curated from the collection of Mitsuru Uragami, one of Japan's foremost Shunga connoisseurs, the exhibition takes place across two venues: the Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Stage and a disused 'host club' nearby. The hallowed atmosphere of the Noh stage makes a curious setting for the works, which though undoubtedly erotic also contain a strong element of humour. In fact, Shunga were sometimes referred to as warai-e, or 'laughing pictures'. Making your way through the exhibition, you're bound to notice another unique Shunga element. Both partners are usually fully (well, almost fully) clothed. Unlike in the West, where bare flesh was seen as simultaneously tantalising and taboo, the men and women of Edo-era Japan saw each other in the nude regularly at mixed baths and the like. If anything, it was more appealing to see men and women in Shunga clothed, as it helped to identify the characters' walk of life – and to emphasise the parts that were exposed. In the host-club section of the show, floor-level neon lights lead visitors from one intricate and dainty artwork to the next. The understated decor and layout successfully evokes an era where attitudes about sex were freer and erotica was widely accepted as a prominent art form. A corner of the host club has been converted into a gift shop, where you can pick up Shunga-tastic merch like totes, socks, cushions, cookies and collectible cards, all at reasonable prices. All in all, there's a distinct Kabukicho flair to the Shunga Exhibition, as you'd expect from a show organised by the Smappa!Group. Running an array of bars, clubs and other businesses in the neighbourhood, Smappa is the brainchild of Maki Tezuka, a former top host who's taken it upon himself to combine his core business of after-dark entertainment with cultural initiatives. 'Kabukicho still has a shady reputation, and Shunga is treated as porn,' Tezuka says. 'But both with the neighbourhood and the art form, just scratching the surface reveals a different picture: humanity, humour, soul. I hope this exhibition will inspire people to discover both Kabukicho and Shunga with new eyes.' So keep an open mind, leave your prejudices at home, and make your way to Kabukicho by September 30. Provided you're over 18, that is. Tokyo is getting a Pokémon theme park in spring 2026
Tokyo Weekender
a day ago
- Tokyo Weekender
The Most Beautiful Japanese Gardens Beyond Kyoto
As Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto is synonymous with some of the country's most stunning traditional gardens. However, to limit your exploration of Japanese garden artistry to Kyoto would be to overlook a wealth of serene beauty and naturalistic harmony across lesser known prefectures. In fact, none of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan' are in Kyoto. Read on to discover the most beautiful Japanese gardens and what makes them special. List of Contents: Three Great Gardens of Japan Beautiful Japanese Gardens in Tokyo Traditional Gardens To Visit Across Japan Related Posts Three Great Gardens of Japan Japan's 'Three Great Gardens' refers to Kenrokuen, Korakuen and Kairakuen, each with distinctly beautiful features and landscapes. All three were created by daimyo (feudal lords) during the Edo period, and feature the era's emblematic kaiyu (circuit) style design. The gardens are based around a central pond and meant for strolling, in comparison to zakanshiki gardens meant to be admired from indoor spaces. Kenrokuen Located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kenrokuen was originally developed as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle by the Maeda clan, who worked on it over hundreds of years. The landscape is celebrated for its adherence to the six essential attributes of a perfect garden: spaciousness, serenity, man-made elements, antiquity, abundant water and panoramic views. Hence, Kenrokuen means 'garden that combines six characteristics.' Visitors can wander through a meticulously crafted landscape featuring large ponds, meandering streams, diverse trees and flowering plants that offer seasonal beauty. There are also charming teahouses and iconic elements like the Kotoji stone lantern and the Flying Geese Bridge. Kenrokuen is accessible by bus from Kanazawa Station. Korakuen Located in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, Korakuen was constructed by the Ikeda family of Okayama Domain roughly 300 years ago. It initially served as a place for the daimyo to entertain important guests. The garden's layout emphasizes borrowed scenery, a key aesthetic concept that incorporates elements external to the garden — both natural and manmade — to its design. Okayama Castle and its surrounding hills become one with Korakuen's contours and textures in seamless harmony. A central pond with small islands, artificial hills, a tea plantation and even a rice field are all interconnected by walking paths that boast picturesque vistas at every turn. The Enyo-tei tea house offers a particularly beautiful and calm view of the garden. Kairakuen The third of Japan's Three Great Gardens is Kairakuen in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Kairakuen was established in 1842 by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of the Mito domain. Its name translates to 'park to be enjoyed together,' which reflects its unique original purpose of being open to the public, not just nobility. While the garden is beautiful year-round, with a bamboo grove, cedar woods and seasonal flowers, it is most well-known for its spectacular plum blossoms in early spring. Home to approximately 3,000 plum trees of around 100 varieties, Kairakuen transforms into a vibrant display of white, pink and red from late February through March, and its Mito Plum Blossom Festival attracts visitors from far and wide. The garden also features the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese-style historic residence offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Beautiful Japanese Gardens in Tokyo Among the most popular gardens to visit in Tokyo are the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen. But there are far more spaces to explore — read on for some lesser-known, but equally enchanting Japanese gardens in Tokyo. Rikugien One of Tokyo's most beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, Rikugien exemplifies the tranquility of Edo period landscaping. It was designated as an important cultural asset and a site of exceptional beauty by the city of Tokyo in 1953. Compared to some of Tokyo's larger and well-trodden parks, the space retains an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Depending on the month, the garden highlights the season's charming flora and fauna. Rikugien is known in particular for its weeping cherry tree, which typically blossoms in late March. There's also a Meiji-era teahouse, Tsutsuji-no-Chaya, which is surrounded by fiery red maples in the fall. Togetsukyo, a stone bridge named after a famous waka poem, is another unmissable sight. Hama-rikyu Gardens If you're visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market, we highly recommend stopping by this sprawling landscaped garden. Hama-rikyu Gardens, which stands in serene contrast to the towering skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district, was originally a villa and duck hunting grounds for the shogun during the Edo period. It opened to the public in 1946. The garden's most distinctive feature is its large, central seawater pond, Shioiri-no-ike, which draws water directly from Tokyo Bay. Visitors can enjoy a cup of matcha tea and traditional sweets at the Nakajima Tea House, which seemingly floats on the pond. The garden is also home to a magnificent 300-year-old black pine tree and seasonal flower fields, including plum blossoms, canola flowers and cosmos. Kiyosumi Gardens Located near the trendy, cafe-laden neighborhood of Kiyosumi Shirakawa, Kiyosumi Gardens showcases a glistening pond surrounded by lush greenery and distinctive rocks, referred to as meiseki. Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the garden is known for its Japanese black pine trees and hydrangeas in the summer. In the winter, you will see peonies and camellias. Much like Rikugien, the space sees fewer tourists than more well-known parks, making it a good choice for those who want a private yet scenic setting. Traditional Gardens To Visit Across Japan For those traveling in prefectures beyond Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, we highly recommend stopping by these stunning, treasured gardens. Adachi Museum Gardens The Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi city, Shimane Prefecture, is renowned for its harmonious integration of art and nature. Founded in 1970 by local businessman Zenko Adachi, the museum houses a significant collection of modern Japanese paintings, including over 120 works by the prominent artist Yokoyama Taikan, alongside ceramics, wood carvings and other Japanese artworks. Arguably its most celebrated feature is its vast and meticulously maintained Japanese gardens. Spread over 165,000 square meters, it has various sub-gardens, including the Dry Landscape Garden, Moss Garden, Pond Garden and White Gravel and Pine Garden. When viewed from the museum, the landscape creates 'living framed paintings' and 'living hanging scrolls' through strategically placed windows that blend seasonal scenery with the interior art displays. Suizenji Garden Suizenji Garden is an enchanting strolling garden located in Kumamoto City. Built in the 17th century by the Hosokawa clan, the ruling lords of Kumamoto, it's designed to evoke the 53 post stations of the historic Tokaido Road that once connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto, complete with a miniature Mount Fuji and other iconic landscapes. The garden's central pond is fed by natural springs from Mount Aso, known for their exceptionally clear water, which adds to the garden's tranquility. Stroll along the circular path while gazing at the meticulously maintained miniature landscapes, including a picturesque arched bridge. A charming teahouse, the Kokindenju-no-ma, lets visitors savor matcha and traditional sweets while overlooking the garden. Izumi Shrine, located within the garden and dedicated to the Hosokawa clan, is another key site to admire. Banryu-tei Garden at Kongobu-ji The Banryu-tei Garden — 'Garden of the Guardian Dragons' — at Kongobu-ji Temple is situated in Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, a sacred and secluded monastic complex. It is known as Japan's largest karesansui (dry rock garden), and was completed in 1984. Its design features 140 granite stones, arranged within a bed of immaculately raked white gravel, depicting a pair of dragons emerging from a swirling sea of clouds — symbolizing their protection of the temple. The temple complex was founded in 816 by Kobo Daishi, who established Kongobu-ji as a headquarter of the Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism after studying in China. At the entrance, you can spot the paulownia flower insignia, the crest of the Toyotomi clan. The story goes that a monk named Ogo (also known as Mokujiki Shonin) prevented Toyotomi Hideyoshi from attacking and destroying Koyasan in the late 16th century, instead inspiring him to build what was then known as Seiganji Temple in memory of his late mother. Kitabatake Samurai Gardens The Kitabatake Samurai Gardens, located within the grounds of Kitabatake Shrine in Tsu city, Mie Prefecture, are a rare and historically significant example of a warrior-class garden. Designated a national scenic spot and historical landmark, this ornamental garden is believed to have been designed by the warrior Hosokawa Takakuni around 1528-1531, and showcases the refined aesthetics of the Kitabatake clan, a powerful noble family with imperial ties. Despite a violent past — the site of a massacre that led to the clan's downfall at the hands of Oda Nobunaga's son — the gardens today offer a calm and contemplative atmosphere, featuring intricate stone arrangements, a complex pond shape, small bridges and ancient stone lanterns, designed to be appreciated in all four seasons. The spot is particularly lovely surrounded by vibrant spring greenery or autumnal foliage. Sankeien Garden Sankeien Garden is a sprawling traditional garden in Yokohama that originally was the private residence of wealthy silk merchant Tomitaro Hara (known as Sankei Hara). It opened to the public in 1906. Spanning approximately 175,000 square meters (45 acres), it's distinguished not only by its meticulously designed ponds, streams and walking paths, but also by its remarkable collection of 17 historic buildings. Many of these are Important Cultural Properties relocated from various parts of Japan, including Kyoto and Kamakura. Sankeien thoughtfully integrates elements such as a three-story pagoda, tea houses, residential houses and a temple hall into the landscape and foliage, creating a harmonious scene that transforms with each season. If you are visiting Yokohama for the day, the garden serves as a wonderful place to unwind and connect with nature. It's especially famed for its breathtaking fall foliage, which shrouds the garden in a fiery haze and blankets its paths with golden carpets. Related Posts 8 of the Most Beautiful Parks & Gardens in Tokyo The Most Beautiful Libraries in Japan Best Places To Visit in Kyushu: Nature, Cities and Hidden Gems
SoraNews24
22-07-2025
- General
- SoraNews24
This traditional Japanese castle keep is home to a branch of government
Ruling the land from inside a Japanese fortress. As we enter a brave new world, where AI rapidly continues to permeate society, we're now being fed recommendations based on algorithms that analyse our interests, narrowing our view of what's really out there. That's not necessarily reason for despair, though, as it actually highlights the importance of human interaction and conversations, which are now more vital to broadening our horizons than ever before. With everyone seeing a completely different version of the Internet based on their interests, conversations can introduce us to surprises that would otherwise be completely hidden to us, and that's what happened when a friend told us about a place we absolutely had to visit — the Fukui Prefectural Government Office. Government offices are usually low on the list of places we'd ever think to visit for fun, but the reason for this recommendation became clear after taking a look at the location on a map. ▼ As you can see, this government office is surrounded by a moat. That's right — this site of bureaucracy sits on the site of a former castle, complete with moat and stone walls intact. The fortified site may come as a surprise to castle lovers, even in Japan, but those who know about it like to cheekily describe it as the strongest branch of government in the country. It certainly looks imposing from the road on the other side of the moat, and things get even more interesting when you cross over and enter the grounds. During the Edo period (1603-1868), this site was the headquarters for warriors belonging to the Matsudaira clan, and their spirit hangs in the air today, with the moat and stone walls being authentic remnants of the castle that date back to the 1600s. In addition to the original features there are some modern additions like a wooden castle gate, which helps to keep the government building secure. ▼ We don't know any other prefectural office that's protected by a castle gate. No original wooden buildings remain — the main castle tower was destroyed by fire in 1669 and never rebuilt — but with a lot of the stone features still standing from the time of the original castle, it's easy to feel like you've stepped back in time. ▼ This view would've looked somewhat different in the feudal area. While other castle sites in Japan are overrun with tourists, this little-known spot remains deserted a lot of the time, except for the presence of office workers, the modern-day samurai, so you can really connect to the history and beauty of the site in a special way. It's easy for the imagination to run wild in the quiet serenity here — so much so that we could easily imagine a fallen warrior taking refuge in the shade of this mossy, sloping wall. ▼ If these walls and lawns could talk, what stories would they tell? With Japan being prone to earthquakes, it's amazing that this site has survived several centuries. One close call came with the 1948 Fukui Earthquake, though, when some walls shifted, causing them to visibly tilt, as seen in the photo below. ▼ Another little-known but impressive site here is the well that gave Fukui its name. Called Fukunoi, or 'good luck well', this life-giving water source inspired the name of the castle and the surrounding area, making it an important historical site for the city. ▼ It's also a fascinating site for visitors. The good luck seems to have rubbed off on Fukui's residents as the prefecture was ranked the happiest in Japan in 2024 by the Japan Research Institute's 'Happiness Ranking of All 47 Prefectures'. Fukui has maintained this ranking for 12 consecutive years, proving its residents are doing well in terms of income, health, education, employment, and community connections. Then again, when you have your government looking out for you from a castle fortress, there's a strength and security in that knowledge that's bound to leave you feeling content. So perhaps this really is the strongest branch of government in the country! Site information Fukui Prefectural Office / 福井県庁 Address: Fukui-ken, Fukui-shi, Otemachi 3-17-1 福井県福井市大手3丁目17−1 Open: 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Closed: Saturdays and Sundays Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
News18
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
TOKYO SKYTREE Holds Event Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Toy Story
TOKYO, July 22, 2025 /Kyodo JBN/ — TOBU TOWER SKYTREE Co., Ltd., the operator of TOKYO SKYTREE, is holding 'To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE," to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 'Toy Story" movie release. The event began on Thursday, July 17, and will last until Friday, October 31, 2025. Key visual of 'To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE": Special website of 'To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE": In areas such as the 450-meter-high Tembo Galleria, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Toy Story through the exhibition and interior decorations. Also offered on this floor are limited-edition goods that are only available at the event and special cafe menu items. On the 350-meter-high Tembo Deck, exclusive videos are screened on the windows converted into a giant screen of SKYTREE ROUND THEATER every night of the event. During the evening, the exterior of the tower will have a special Toy Story-themed lighting inspired by various characters from the movie series. The event's exclusive key visual depicts the movie characters visiting TOKYO SKYTREE reimagined as a playroom in the clouds. TOBU TOWER SKYTREE hopes that those who come to Japan will visit and enjoy TOKYO SKYTREE on the occasion of the event. About TOKYO SKYTREE The 634-meter-high TOKYO SKYTREE is the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower. It has two observation decks, the Tembo Deck, 350 meters high, and the Tembo Galleria, 450 meters high, commanding a spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo. At night, TOKYO SKYTREE is colorfully lit up in three lighting styles — 'Iki," characterized by a pale blue, 'Miyabi," featuring Edo purple, and the 'Nobori" auspicious tangerine hue. Special lighting can be seen during seasonal and other events. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Asianet and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 18:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
21-07-2025
- Health
Good and Good for You! Easy and Doctor-Approved Kanten Recipes
Invented in Japan, kanten , or agar, originates from Chinese tokoroten and began being produced in the Edo period (1603–1868). Although often confused with gelatin, it is different in a number of ways, including the ingredients, its production process, and how it is handled. Kanten comes in three forms: bōkanten sticks, itokanten strands, and konakanten powder. Bōkanten (also known as kakukanten blocks) and itokanten are made mainly from the red seaweed tengusa ( Gelidiaceae ) which is boiled to produce a liquid that is then cooled and set to create tokoroten . It is then further processed using the traditional method of freeze-drying. These types of kanten can be rehydrated, after which the excess water is squeezed out and the ingredient is then cut into bite-sized pieces to be eaten in salads or soup. Konakanten , on the other hand, is generally made by combining tengusa with a similar red seaweed like ogonori ( Gracilaria ) and industrially produced. It has a wide range of uses, including for food processing in factories, moisturizing in cosmetics, and capsules in pharmaceuticals. In any case, kanten is special because, as it is made from seaweed, it is rich in dietary fiber and extremely low in calories. From left to right, bōkanten , itokanten , and konakanten . (© Pixta) Gelatin, meanwhile, is made from collagen extracted from the bones and skin of animals like pigs, cows, and fish. Its main nutrient is protein and it contains no dietary fiber at all. When compared to kanten before rehydration, it also has more than twice as many calories, gram for gram. This means that desserts made with kanten are much healthier. It can also be enjoyed with peace of mind by Muslims, who refrain from eating pork products, and vegans. Related content Kanten: A Japanese Health Food Boasting a 200-Year-Old Industry Water Retainment Produces a Weight Loss Aid Kanten is produced through the traditional method of drying tokoroten outside during winter, repeatedly freeze-drying it for around two weeks. During that time, impurities are removed and it becomes a tasteless, odorless white object. In its dry state, the dietary fibers agarose and agaropectin account for 80% to 90% of its composition. This makes kanten one of the richest foods in dietary fiber. Kanten used to be one of Japan's major exports. In the early 1880s, the German physician Robert Koch successfully isolated and grew the tuberculosis bacteria in pure culture using kanten as the gelling agent on agar plates. Following that, the Scottish physician Alexander Fleming discovered the world's first antibiotic, penicillin, using the same medium. They both received the Nobel Prize for these great achievements. Kanten being used as a gelling agent in an experiment. (© Pixta) 'This is why, overseas, it is known more as a culture medium for bacterial research than as a food product,' states Tochikubo Osamu, a doctor of internal medicine and professor emeritus at Yokohama City University. He is a leading researcher of the health benefits of kanten . 'It's amazing to think that kanten , which has contributed so much to the development of modern medicine, originated from Japan and in the Edo period as well.' Tochikubo poses with uncooked bōkanten . (© ) 'What makes kanten distinctive is how rich it is in dietary fiber and its special properties,' he continues. 'Dietary fiber has a mesh-like structure, and in the case of kanten , it is extremely fine, so it can hold a hundred times its weight in water. Konnyaku , or konjac jelly, by the way, can hold around thirty times as much.' The capabilities of these impressive water-retaining properties are revealed once in the intestine. 'It creates a feeling of fullness, so it can help with dieting and prevent overeating. Kanten isn't absorbed in the intestines and has almost no calories itself. No matter how much you eat, it passes through with the stools, so there is no worry of gaining weight.' The increase in regular bowel movements and metabolism, as well as the promoted excretion of waste products, means it helps with creating healthy skin, too. A Kanten Diet Boom In 2004, Tochikubo conducted clinical experiments to investigate the effect of kanten on lifestyle-related diseases. A set of 76 diabetic patients were randomly divided into two groups, and keeping all other dietary conditions the same, one of the groups was asked to eat a little less than 200 grams of reconstituted kanten (equivalent to two grams of powdered kanten ) every evening before dinner. The changes after three months showed that the kanten -eating group's weight, body fat, blood sugar (Hemoglobin A1c), total cholesterol, and other values had improved compared to the other group. The results of this experiment were published in a co-authored paper, leading to a kanten diet boom in 2005. Says Tochikubo: 'The dietary fiber in gelatinous kanten slows the absorption of sugar in the intestines and suppresses sudden rises in blood sugar levels, which can lead to prevention and improvement of diabetes. It also promotes adsorption and excretion of some bile acids, which is effective against dyslipidemia. Subsequent research has shown that kanten is also effective against arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.' Tochikubo has been recommending dietary therapy using kanten to his patients for more than 30 years, and has achieved good treatment results. Now 82 years of age, he still maintains his own health by eating kanten every day. Kanten after it has been dissolved in water and then set. (© Pixta) The doctor describes his own regimen as follows. 'I boil and dissolve 2 grams of powdered kanten in 200 milliliters of water, leave it to set, and then eat it thirty minutes before dinner, with around 150 milliliters of soy milk poured over it. It's delicious with a little honey added too.' The addition of the soy milk is to make up for the lack of protein in the kanten . 'I consciously add the soy milk as it contains a good balance of essential amino acids, which can't be produced by the body. Soybeans are high in isoflavones, which act in a similar way to women's hormones, so it is particularly recommended for women suffering from menopausal symptoms. But cow's milk is fine too.' Cooking with Kanten Kanten dissolves at temperatures over 90°C, so it needs to be heated thoroughly to prepare it for ingestion. Kanten being brought to the boil to dissolve it. (© Pixta) It sets firmly once it has cooled to around 35°C to 40°C. You can create a fluffy texture by adjusting the amount used. Unlike jelly made from gelatin, this sets at room temperature and does not melt unless reheated. Keeping these characteristics in mind, let's try making some standard kanten recipes. Points to Remember The amount needed for the kanten to set: 1 bōkanten stick (8 grams) = 8 grams of itokanten threads = 2 teaspoons of konakanten powder (4 grams) to set: 1 stick (8 grams) = 8 grams of threads = 2 teaspoons of powder (4 grams) A total of 400 to 600 millimeters of water is appropriate for one bōkanten stick. (Less water gives a firm set, while more makes it softer. Adjust to your taste.) stick. (Less water gives a firm set, while more makes it softer. Adjust to your taste.) Give the bōkanten or itokanten a quick rinse and then rehydrate it by soaking in water for 10 to 30 minutes. Break up the stick before using it. or a quick rinse and then rehydrate it by soaking in water for 10 to 30 minutes. Break up the stick before using it. If you add a cold ingredient, the mix will set straight away, so heat those ingredients until lukewarm before adding them. For acidic ingredients, remove the pan from the heat and allow the kanten mix to cool before adding them as they are less likely to set if boiled together. ● Milk Kanten Jelly This is a classic kanten dessert! It is popular to add canned fruit such as mandarin oranges. Milk kanten jelly with mandarin oranges. (© Pixta) Ingredients (makes 2–3 servings) 1/2 bōkanten (or 4 grams itokanten , or 1 teaspoon konakanten ) (or 4 grams , or 1 teaspoon ) 200ml water 200ml lukewarm milk 3 tablespoons sugar Preparation Rehydrate the stick or thread kanten in water (extra to what is listed in the ingredients) and then squeeze the water out. Break the stick into pieces. For powdered kanten, start from step 2. Put the kanten in a pan with the measured water and cook on medium heat. Bring it to the boil and simmer for around 2 minutes while mixing well to dissolve the kanten . Add the milk and lower the heat. Stir in the sugar; once it is dissolved, turn off the heat. Strain the mix through a sieve and pour into a mold that has been wetted with water. Let it cool (add fruit at this point as desired), and then move it to the refrigerator to set. * If you make this without using milk and sugar, it becomes a kanten dessert known as mitsumame , which is cubes of kanten , served with fruit, red beans, and shiratama rice flour dumplings. ● Murakumo-yose The name of this dessert, literally 'a cluster of clouds,' comes from the way the egg poured into the dashi stock, creating a cloud-like appearance. Depending on the region, this dessert is also known as tamago (egg) kanten or bekkō ('tortoiseshell'). This is a good dish for in hot weather or when you have little appetite, as it is easy to eat. Murakumo-yose (© Pixta) Ingredients (makes 2-3 servings) 1/2 bōkanten (or 4 grams itokanten , or 1 teaspoon konakanten ) (or 4 grams , or 1 teaspoon ) 200 ml dashi stock stock 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon mirin Preparation Rehydrate the stick or thread kanten in water (extra to what is listed in the ingredients) and then squeeze the water out. Break the stick into pieces. For powdered kanten, start from step 2. Put the kanten and dashi stock into a pan and cook on medium heat. Bring it to the boil and simmer for around 2 minutes while mixing well to dissolve the kanten . Then add the soy sauce and mirin . In a thin stream, pour the beaten egg into the stirred mixture from Step 2. As the egg begins to set, stop the heat. Pour the whole mixture into a mold that has been wetted with water. Let it cool and then move it to the refrigerator to set. ● Kanten Miso Soup Simply add kanten to regular miso soup to experience a new texture! Be sure to eat it before it cools and hardens. Kanten miso soup (© Pixta) Ingredients (makes 2 servings) 4 grams itokanten (or 1/2 bōkanten ) (or 1/2 ) 2 servings of miso soup Preparation Rehydrate the kanten in water (extra to what is listed in the ingredients) and then squeeze the water out. Break the stick into pieces. Place the kanten in a bowl and pour hot miso soup over it. Kanten can be found in the dried food section at all supermarkets in Japan, and at many Asian food outlets overseas. Able to be stored long-term, it is convenient to keep on hand for use whenever you want. Why not try adding kanten to your daily diet? Recipe supervision: Tochikubo Osamu (professor emeritus at Yokohama City University, chair of the NPO Citizen Health and Longevity Network Lab) (Originally published in Japanese. Reporting and text by . Banner photo: Bōkanten and desserts made using kanten . © Pixta.)
