Latest news with #Snufkin
SoraNews24
6 days ago
- General
- SoraNews24
Living the fake high life with Beyond Tofu That's Like Foie Gras【Taste test】
Tofoie gras. Tofu has long been used as a substitute food and a protein-rich way to avoid meat products for ethical or health reasons. In Japan, Sagamiya is one company looking to perfect this art with their Beyond Tofu series of simulated foods. Our reporter Snufkin is a fan of the foods and previously tried both the Beyond Tofu That's Like Sea Urchin and Beyond Tofu That's Like Shirako. She especially became a fan after the shirako version, having never tried the real thing because it's essentially fish semen. But after trying it in tofu form, she was blown away by the taste, and it broadened her horizons to the real thing. On a recent trip to the supermarket, Snufkin came across a whole new version in Beyond Tofu That's Like Foie Gras. This was certainly intriguing because, unlike shirako or even sea urchin, foie gras is considered a delicacy in wider global gourmet scene. If Sagamiya could somehow capture that elegance and luxury in a wad of bean curd, then that would truly be beyond tofu, so she picked up a pack for 322 yen (US$2.20). Foie gras is an especially fatty food, but since this is really just tofu, it's a lean 68 calories per serving. Opening up the wrapper, our writer was greeted with a cup of foie gras tofu and a packet of 'truffle-flavored sauce' to add to the elegance. According to the package, there were two ways to prepare Beyond Tofu That's Like Foie Gras. Unlike the other versions which could be eaten straight, Beyond Tofu That's Like Foie Gras requires a bit of cooking, either on some aluminum foil in a toaster oven for six minutes or wrapped in wax paper in a frying pan for three minutes on each side. Snufkin opted for the more difficult method of using the frying pan. Looking at it there on the wax paper, she thought it was cute how the tofu was molded into the shape of some foie gras. As per the instructions, she cooked the tofu on one side for about three minutes. At about that time, there was some bubbling underneath. She then flipped it over to cook for another three minutes. When that time was up, she stopped the heat and opened it up to see the finished product. ▼ Snufkin: 'Fwah!' The simple act of opening the wax paper caused the structural integrity of the tofu foie gras to completely break down. It looked like the instructions weren't kidding when they called this the 'difficult' cooking method. One great thing about tofu, though, is that you can pretty much squish it into any shape you want, so that's just what she did and molded it back into a foie gras shape. The cooking made it emit a pleasant scent, but it still had that distinct plant smell of soybeans. It smelled delicious but a lot like tofu seasoned in a way to resemble foie gras rather than the real thing. As for the taste, Snufkin would best describe it as 'interesting.' She would certainly admit it was delicious, but just in a soy-based meat alternative way rather than a five-star restaurant gourmet way. Next, she tried it with the truffle-flavored sauce on and sure enough, it tasted like truffle-flavored sauce. Perhaps the main aim of Beyond Tofu That's Like Foie Gras was to replicate the delicate texture of fattened goose liver more so than the flavor. In that case, they did a good job, but for the most part, Snufkin felt it tasted a lot like the Beyond Tofu That's Like Shirako and made her want to eat that instead. Perhaps she set her expectations too high for foie gras, unlike the rock-bottom ones she had for the shirako. Still, there was no major flaw with this tofu foie gras, and it could turn out even better with a little added garnishing. But Snufkin would definitely recommend the shirako variety for anyone trying Beyond Tofu for the first time. That stuff was just incredibly delicious. 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 ]
Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
VOX POPULI: Snufkin shows the freedom found in solitude and simplicity
'One can never be truly free, if one admires someone else too much.' Such counsel could only come from someone like Snufkin—a philosophical wanderer, poet at heart, who values freedom, independence and solitude above all else. It's the kind of advice he might offer to those who idolize him, gently warning against the dangers of attachment. A beloved figure in the Moomin series, Snufkin follows a ritual all his own: He departs on solitary travels before winter sets in and faithfully returns to Moominvalley with the coming of spring. At "Tove Jansson and the Moomins," an exhibition currently on view in Tokyo celebrating the artistic world of the Finnish creator behind the beloved literary family, Snufkin stands out as a crowd favorite. Every illustration and sketch of the free-spirited wanderer draws a cluster of admirers. With his trademark wide-brimmed pointed hat pulled low and a harmonica in hand, he is often depicted fishing beside his close friend Moomin. His enduring appeal seems rooted in his steadfast devotion to freedom. Author Tove Jansson (1914–2001) once reflected on Snufkin's personality and his inner contradictions. As cited in 'Tove Jansson' by Mayumi Tomihara (1954–2025), a Japanese scholar of French philosophy and Swedish literature, Jansson described the nomadic vagabond as someone who, alongside his longing for freedom, is inevitably drawn to solitude. This disposition, she noted, contains 'a self-centered weakness.' Jansson, a Finnish national, was born into a minority Swedish-speaking family. During World War II, as Finland found itself precariously positioned between two powerful and hostile forces—the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany—she began creating the Moomin characters as a means of escaping the turmoil of those dark and uncertain times. As a longtime reader, I've always been drawn to Snufkin's philosophical yet unpretentious words. In one scene from the Moomin books, he advises his friends to leave behind the gemstones they find in the valley, keeping them instead as memories. 'It's much more fun to keep things in your head than in a suitcase,' the contemplative wanderer says. I've come to believe that Snufkin is a restless traveler because he can only compose poetry and songs when tested by harsh environments. That's why he sets off each year before winter, leaving behind a sorrowful Moomin. He brushes aside sentimentality and embraces solitude with quiet dignity, carrying his ego without apology. There's something profoundly moving in that image. —The Asahi Shimbun, July 23 * * * Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Japan Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Can we tell the difference between Black Thunder and Black Thunder Excellent chocolate bars?
By SoraNews24 Black Thunder chocolate bars are a great choice when you need a sugar boost that you can discretely keep in your bag or pocket if it isn't too hot out. That may also have been why our writer Snufkin found herself at the Black Thunder section of a 7-Eleven. However, it was here that she found a Black Thunder unlike any other. These surprisingly delicious little bars occasionally come in 'Premium' flavors, but this was even beyond that… It was Black Thunder Excellent. You don't see many products with 'Excellent' in the name, probably because it doesn't really leave any room for improved versions in the future. Nevertheless, Black Thunder has dared to dream and released this version of the classic chocolate flavor for more than twice the price of a regular Black Thunder bar. Considering a regular bar is only about 35 yen, the Black Thunder Excellent still isn't terribly expensive at 95 yen each at 7-Eleven stores where they're exclusively sold. In front of the box holding the Black Thunder Excellent bars was a challenge: 'Can you tell the difference?' This is because these excellent bars are made mostly in the same way as regular ones, but with high-quality cocoa beans for what they call a 'rich and luxurious absolute chocolate sensation.' Snufkin fancies herself a Black Thunder aficionado and was certainly up for the challenge of distinguishing gourmet bars from regular ones, so she picked up one of each and took them home. She decided to start with a visual inspection and the moment she opened the wrapper of the Black Thunder Excellent, she was hit with a scent unlike any Black Thunder she ever had before. It was like chocolate with a high cocoa content. The rich cocoa could be seen in the bar as well with a darker and denser appearance. On the surface, it might look like the regular bar has more cookie crunches in it, but checking inside they seemed about the same, it was just that the Excellent bar had thicker chocolate over top. Snufkin chose the regular Black Thunder to start with and was filled with the comforting feeling of its familiar chocolatey flavor and crumbly texture. With that out of the way, it was time to partake of the Black Thunder Excellent. Taking a bite there was no question this bar was built different, but surprisingly she felt the original Black Thunder was more delicious the moment it touches the tongue with its strong sweetness. When she first bit into Black Thunder Excellent she momentarily thought it didn't taste like anything. However, that was Black Thunder Excellent's gambit. It starts off weak and takes its time as the rich cocoa aroma gradually fills the mouth. It's a fragrance so fine that it doesn't need the simple sweetness of sugar to delight the taste buds. Its texture was a little harder too, but that had more to do with the higher chocolate content than the cookies. In conclusion, the sign's doubt that everyone would be able to tell the difference turned out to be unnecessary, because it was all too easy to do so. Black Thunder Excellent reminded Snufkin of those fancy chocolates found in department store food sections and for just 95 yen, that's a pretty sweet deal on some not-so-sweet chocolate. Photos ©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Black Thunder grab event in Tokyo gets you a fistful of chocolate bars for less than 30 cents -- Krispy Kreme releases Pac-Man doughnuts in Japan… but are they any good? -- Sliced Black Thunder: A chocolate bar for toast External Link © SoraNews24
SoraNews24
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Can we tell the difference between Black Thunder and Black Thunder Excellent chocolate bars?
It doesn't get any better than this Black Thunder. Being the hard-hitting reporters we are and constantly on the go covering Pac-Man's visit to Krispy Kreme and buying five large fries from McDonald's for research, we often have to eat as we move. I'm probably not alone when I say Black Thunder chocolate bars are a great choice when you need a sugar boost that you can discretely keep in your bag or pocket if it isn't too hot out. That may also have been why our writer Snufkin found herself at the Black Thunder section of a 7-Eleven. However, it was here that she found a Black Thunder unlike any other. These surprisingly delicious little bars occasionally come in 'Premium' flavors, but this was even beyond that… It was Black Thunder Excellent! You don't see many products with 'Excellent' in the name, probably because it doesn't really leave any room for improved versions in the future. Nevertheless, Black Thunder has dared to dream and released this version of the classic chocolate flavor for more than twice the price of a regular Black Thunder bar. Considering a regular bar is only about 35 yen, the Black Thunder Excellent still isn't terribly expensive at 95 yen ($0.65) each at 7-Eleven stores where they're exclusively sold. In front of the box holding the Black Thunder Excellent bars was a challenge: 'Can you tell the difference?' This is because these excellent bars are made mostly in the same way as regular ones, but with high-quality cocoa beans for what they call a 'rich and luxurious absolute chocolate sensation.' Snufkin fancies herself a Black Thunder aficionado and was certainly up for the challenge of distinguishing gourmet bars from regular ones, so she picked up one of each and took them home. She decided to start with a visual inspection and the moment she opened the wrapper of the Black Thunder Excellent, she was hit with a scent unlike any Black Thunder she ever had before. It was like chocolate with a high cocoa content. The rich cocoa could be seen in the bar as well with a darker and denser appearance. On the surface, it might look like the regular bar has more cookie crunches in it, but checking inside they seemed about the same, it was just that the Excellent bar had thicker chocolate over top. Snufkin chose the regular Black Thunder to start with and was filled with the comforting feeling of its familiar chocolatey flavor and crumbly texture. With that out of the way, it was time to partake of the Black Thunder Excellent. Taking a bite there was no question this bar was built different, but surprisingly she felt the original Black Thunder was more delicious the moment it touches the tongue with its strong sweetness. When she first bit into Black Thunder Excellent she momentarily thought it didn't taste like anything. However, that was Black Thunder Excellent's gambit. It starts off weak and takes its time as the rich cocoa aroma gradually fills the mouth. It's a fragrance so fine that it doesn't need the simple sweetness of sugar to delight the taste buds. Its texture was a little harder too, but that had more to do with the higher chocolate content than the cookies. In conclusion, the sign's doubt that everyone would be able to tell the difference turned out to be unnecessary, because it was all too easy to do so. Black Thunder Excellent reminded Snufkin of those fancy chocolates found in department store food sections and for just 95 yen, that's a pretty sweet deal on some not-so-sweet chocolate. 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 ]
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guardian view on the Moomins at 80: in search of a home
All Moomin fans will recognise the turreted blue house that is home to the family of gentle, upright‑hippo‑like creatures. The stove-shaped tower is a symbol of comfort and welcome throughout the nine Moomin novels by the celebrated Nordic writer and artist Tove Jansson. Now the house is the inspiration for a series of art installations in UK cities, in collaboration with Refugee Week, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the creation of the Moomins. Taking the motto 'The door is always open', building will begin next week on a 12ft blue house outside London's Southbank Centre, just a stone's throw from Westminster. All of the installations, by artists from countries including Afghanistan, Syria and Romania, deal with displacement: in Bradford, the Palestinian artist Basel Zaraa has created a refugee tent in which to imagine life after occupation and war; in Gateshead, natural materials are being foraged to build To Own Both Nothing and the Whole World (a quote from Jansson's philosophical character Snufkin); and a Moomin raft will launch from Gloucester Docks. Begun in the winter of 1939 and published in 1945, the first book, The Moomins and the Great Flood, was a 'fairytale', as Jansson called it, born out of the darkness of war. A mother and her son set off across an unfamiliar land – overcoming dangers, natural disasters and hostile creatures – in search of their missing family and a place to build a new home. It was the story of millions of refugees after the second world war, and an all-too familiar one across the world today. In their themes of loneliness, a search for identity and freedom, the Moomin books speak to anyone who feels that they don't belong. In Finn Family Moomintroll, the inseparable Thingumy and Bob (reflecting the nicknames of Jansson and her lover, the theatre director Vivica Bandler) arrive in Moominland speaking a strange language and carrying a suitcase containing a ruby, a metaphor for their secret love – homosexuality was illegal in Finland until 1971. Growing up on a housing estate outside Liverpool, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the children's laureate, was astounded that 'a book written by a bohemian Finnish lesbian' seemed to be speaking directly to him. According to Philip Pullman, Jansson should have won the Nobel prize in literature. All the inhabitants of Moominvalley come in wildly different shapes and sizes. Tiny, furious Little My is adopted by the Moomin family because 'no one else dared'. The Groke, a symbol of gloom who turns everything she touches into ice, is simply looking for warmth and is not to be feared. Unlike Paddington, that other postwar refugee, this is the newcomer narrative as acceptance rather than assimilation. Today, the Moomins have become a brand, valued more for being cute than kind. Jansson would doubtless be thrilled that her legacy is being used as part of Refugee Week to foster understanding rather than to flog pencil cases and oven mitts. Moominland is a fairytale, far from our 21st-century refugee crisis. But this magical world provides a quietly radical message of tolerance, inclusivity and hope. Moominvalley might be described as 'an island of strangers', to borrow the prime minister's unfortunate phrase, and is all the better for it: it is a place where you don't have to fit in to belong. As Jansson writes in the preface to The Moomins and the Great Flood: 'Here was my very first happy ending!'
