Japanese Children's Books, Part 2

As promised, here is the second installment of Shannan's favorite kid's books related to Japan, Okinawa and its cultures.  If you missed the first, it's HERE.  Take it away, Shannan...

CONTRIBUTED BY SHANNAN LEWELLEN

 
My Japan by Etsuko Watanabe is fairly new to our collection, and by far the most informative.  The book details every aspect of daily life here in Japan.  Yumi walks you through her home and city describing the way futons are aired out and then folded, how school children use the same backpack all throughout school, and the proper way to use a Japanese toilet.  At the end of the book several holidays are explained, such as Shichi-Go-San and Undokai.

Our most read book is still Takako and the Great Typhoon by Kelly Garcia.  My three year old loves to point out all the “Tako’s” as we are out and about every day.  This book was written, illustrated and designed by spouses here on Oki!  I think all my kids have it memorized as we have read it almost as many times as The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  They did an amazing job of recreating common sights on the island.  We have bought these books for going away gifts when a friend or neighbor leaves the island, they would also be great gifts for family back home.

These two books are maybe intended for children but I use them more often.  Sometimes the kids will flip through the pages.  First Thousand Words in Japanese and  Let’s Learn Japanese.  The first is an Internet Linked Usborne book what has a pronunciation guide online, which is nice.  However, I find the second book more useful for day-to-day stuff.  The English word is listed along with the Japanese pronunciation.

Lastly there are a couple of books we check out occasionally from Foster Library. Japanese Celebrations by Betty Reynolds does an excellent job of detailing each holiday celebrated in Japan.  I taught preschool this year and loved to use this book on holidays such as Hina Matsuri and Kodomo-no-hi. Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories by Florence Sakade comes with a CD and is great for bedtime stories or listening to in the car.  These are short folktales that are somewhat similar to American folktales with a positive theme such as sharing being the moral of the story.

I hope these book recommendations are able to help your child learn more about this fascinating island we have been so lucky to live on.  Our time here is coming to an end and I am so sad to leave.  Flipping through these books in the past few days has brought back memories and a few tears.  I hope that even after we leave, the books will help keep Okinawa alive in my boys’ hearts.  They have had such an exceptional childhood here; freedom to explore tide pools for hours on end, discovering magnificent treasures from starfish to sea glass.  Lazy weekends spent beachside when their only worry was the fact it would eventually get dark and we would have to leave.  Anpanman and Qoo are their favorite cartoons and drinks,  Every home, restaurant, store and festival we have been to they are always greeted with a warm, inviting, friendly smile.  Okay, now I am getting a little too sentimental...

Enjoy the books, lots of good summer reading fun!!

Japanese Children's Books, Part 1

I'm very excited to pass on to you two installments of posts about children's books that could help your children better understand their Okinawan experience.  And for those of you leaving island soon, these might be great investments to keep the memories alive.  I've divided Shannan's post and will be sharing the rest of it with you next Friday.

CONTRIBUTED BY SHANNAN LEWELLEN

“The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~Dr. Seuss

Our home is filled with books.  Books about bugs and volcanoes, how to books, books on parenting, and in the last few years we have acquired many Japanese books.  When we first came to this island four years ago we were clueless about the local culture, traditions, festivals, etc.  We were unaware of which holidays were celebrated here, we all crowded around the first electronic toilet seat we came across in amazement, and timidly had our first bites of onigiri at a Family Mart.  My youngest always makes the ”beep beep” sound when driving his Tonkas© in reverse and would prefer a dinner of soba and edamame over fast food any day.

Once we were settled in, we quickly made friends with families that had been here longer and could help up learn the ropes of living here. We participated in cultural exchange programs, and in the past year I was fortunate enough to teach at a preschool alongside a few locals that have become dear friends.  We have also discovered many children’s books that have helped us better understand the local culture and daily life.

I am going to review a few that we own and a few that I have checked out from Foster Library.  

My favorite book is the first book we purchased: The Way We Do It in Japan by Geneva Cobb Iijima.  This is a story of a young boy named Gregory who moves with his family from San Francisco to Tokyo. The book talks about many things that are different, from deeper tubs in Japan to the backpacks.  Each time the young boy asks about something the dad replies, “That is how we do it in Japan.”  I give this book 5 stars.  It is a cute story that addresses the children’s curiosity and anxiety about moving to a new land.  I think it would be an excellent book for a family that is on their way to Oki and for those already here too! 

Our next favorite book is a book my son received from his sensei.  The book came from Tsutaya (I believe the one close to Torii as I wasn’t able to find it at the one out Kadena gate 5).  This is one of the musical children’s books where you push the button and it sings the song for you.  The pages include the lyrics (if you can read the Hiragana) and most importantly the hand motions.  “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Hands” (not toes ) along with many Japanese children’s songs are included.  My sons’ favorites are the onigiri song (he loves onigiri!) and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Hands”.  There is also a version with Hello Kitty on the cover that we bought as a birthday gift.  This book has been a hit with all the kids that have played with it.  My friend also found similar books at Toys R Us.  These books are now our go-to gift for on-island birthday parties.

 

 

The next book has fantastic pictures.  It is The Colors of Japan by Holly Littlefield.  This book has beautiful illustrations.  Each color is presented in Japanese along with the kanji symbol and the phonetic pronunciation.  A short story is told of what each color might represent, from the red circle in the center of the Japanese flag to green tea.  I love the artwork in this book, and I love that it has helped my children learn their colors and a bit of history also.

 

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki is one of our favorite storybooks.  Suki is a little girl who demands to wear her kimono on her first day of first grade, instead of her new clothes like her sisters are wearing. Initially the kids at school snicker and such, but in the end, Suki is able to tell them about her homeland.  My boys especially love the pictures of the koi-no-bori.

 

Stay tuned!  Next Friday, Shannan will share six more of her favorites!  (HERE it is!)

Obi & Kimono Shop

CONTRIBUTED BY JOELLE YAMADA

Isn't it great how things grow on you over time?  

When I arrived on island, there were two specific things that I found to be... well...  garish and overdone:  All of the toenails of the women I seemed to meet and all of the crazily colorful obi that were proudly hanging in people's homes.

Fast forward three years, and I can't imagine going too long between visits to Cocok's or other talented nail artists to see what crazy pedicure design I can get next.  And high on my list of "last things to buy" were some seasonal obi for the wall (I use the term loosely as I have no clue what my next wall will be like).  The idea for seasonal obi came from my friend, Michelle, who PCS'd last year and introduced me to this lovely shop outside Gate 2.  

 

She decided she couldn't just pick one fabric, so instead chose an obi design for each of the seasons of the year.  This allowed her to have some brightly colored and some more muted designs, and of course, the requisite Christmas obi, of which this shop has many.

 

I was concerned I'd be overwhelmed, as stores like this can often cause me to go into an ADD-like state, but it was really fun.  Along with all the necessary items for dressing in Kimono (from the tip of your head to your garishly painted toes), Gakiya's Obi & Kimono Shop has a wide selection of obi in several sizes and a multitude of styles.  

 

I found myself enjoying sorting through the stacks of fabric and just waiting until one grabbed my attention.  I had too many to choose from in the end and vowed I'd come back SOON to pick and purchase.

 

It took a year.  But with my own PCS looming, I finally got back to the store a few weeks ago and was greeted again by Kimie's smiling face and exquisite English.  She helped when I needed it, but left me to sift through the designs peacefully.  When I'd narrowed down the choices, she began to pull chords that brought out the colors more fully and explained how the obi could be tied.  It felt a little like working with an interior designer who just knows what pillows would look best on that couch.  She has obviously been helping customers and enjoying these designs for years.  

 

 I couldn't turn down a beautiful bingata design which took me a little outside my initial price planning, so I ended up just choosing three, instead of the seasonal four -- but I had a blast and can't wait to find a wall to place my new treasures on. 

Enviously, I glanced through pictures of former customers dressed in their beautiful kimono and found myself hoping I'd get to come back to Okinawa someday with my little girl.  I can only imagine how fun it might be to get dressed up together in traditional kimono for some photos. Someday.

The obi were ready just a few days later for pick up and I'm thrilled with how they turned out.  Prices started at around $60 and there are additional charges for the chords chosen. Including the more expensive bingata, I paid just under $300 for my three choices.

I know that after all the PCS craziness dies away in a few months, I'll enjoy walking into a room on the other side of the world and experiencing the rush of feelings that always come from seeing something special from a place you've known, loved and left behind.

Directions:  Leaving Kadena Gate 2 stay straight.  Before the Koza intersection, turn left at the big eyeball sign (Mayco), and go down several blocks.  You'll turn left again just before the parking lot/Hotto Motto that is before the stoplight at BC street.  The shop is ahead on your left.  I parked in that parking lot and walked the first time, but when I returned Kimmie invited me to park directly in front of the store instead. 

Gakiya's is open everyday except Tuesdays from 11am - 7pm.  They take yen, dollars and credit cards.  Telephone number: (098) 939-3696.

Make Your Own Salt at Gala Salt Factory

Next time you're looking for a fun activity for your family over the weekend, why not consider a visit to the Gala Sea Salt Factory in Yomitan? 

I know you're thinking, what's so fun about salt?

That's what I thought too, but let me tell you, a visit to Gala is a great educational excursion for kids and adults. 

Admission is free and you simply walk around the complex and observe the stages of salt making from start to finish. There you will see a Condensation tower where the sun aids in evaporating the water, the Brewing Center where the creation of the first salt crystals begins, and finally the Solar Crystallization house, where glittery crystals are formed. 

There is a also a salt bar where you can taste salts from around the world with mildly differing colors and textures, which is super fun for kids. You can also taste and purchase various special Okinawan flavored salts for eating or scented bath salts for relaxing. 

Next, for 1500 yen per person, you can make your own salt. The whole process takes about 30 minutes and at the end, you have a great souvenir in a small pottery jar to take home or share as a gift with family and friends. They also have glass-blowing and ceramics experience programs as well.

Teach your kids how seawater becomes salt using a hibachi stove

Choose a decorative pottery jar for storing your salt

Finally, Gala salt factory is unique for being an environmentally friendly no-waste operation. Since we're living on Okinawa, it's good karma to support a local industry.

An added bonus to the excursion is that they have an ice cream shop where you can enjoy none other than caramel salt flavored ice cream- delicious!

Gala Sea Salt Factory is open everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For Website and Directions, click here.

Valentines Day in Japan

 
Last week I talked about how one might say “I love you” in Japanese; this week I thought it would be fun to take that concept a little further and discuss Valentines Day traditions in Japan.

Valentines Day in Japan is all about giving chocolate, but with a slight twist; women do all the giving (traditionally). When the chocolate company Morinaga first promoted the idea of giving chocolates on Valentines Day, their media campaign focused on women being the sole givers. Supposedly the campaign was so successful because Japanese women, who at the time were quite conservative in voicing their affections, embraced the novel idea of giving chocolates as a way of saying “I love you.”

Nowadays however, women not only give chocolates as a gesture of love, but they also give chocolates to work colleagues and/or male friends, as a gesture of thanks or friendship. Chocolates given to friends and colleagues are called “giri-choco,” basically meaning “obligation chocolate.” A Japanese woman working in an office, might for example, buy up to ten small boxes of inexpensive “giri-choco.”

For the special man in her life, a Japanese woman can choose from various types of “honmei” (sweetheart chocolate); these chocolates are of much better quality than “giri-choco” and consequently cost a lot more. While “honmei” is still widely purchased, many women are now opting to surprise their loved ones with home-made chocolate treats. As you can see in the photo below, the department stores are catering to this trend.

 

Valentines Day baking supplies - there was an entire row full of items one might need for baking and presenting their gift

Other recently adopted trends include the addition of “gyaku-choco” (reverse chocolates), and “tomo-choco“ (friendship chocolates). “Gyaku-choco” is chocolate that men can buy for women, while “tomo-choco” is chocolate that can be given to friends (this is becoming a particularly popular custom amongst young girls). Chocolates are also available for the little guys and gals, as shown below.

 

Valentines Day in Japan has it seems, evolved into a tradition where anyone is deemed eligible to be a giver, receiver, or both. Consequently this now thriving tradition has become quite the economy booster, with more than half of Japan’s annual chocolate sales estimated to be made around this time of the year. But given the generous nature of the Japanese people and their tendency to give, it’s hardly surprising.

Happy Valentines Day! There is still a ton of chocolate out on the shelves if you haven't yet picked up the gift/s you need for tomorrow.......

 

　

　

　

Côte D’or Wine Selection Store

 
If you’re a wine lover, head down to Côte D’or Wine Selection Store.  Open for just over a year, Côte D’or offers wines from Australia, California, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, and Japan.
This Japanese wine called Sai Sai koshu is produced using a thousand year recipe.

 

There are also several wines from the Nagano area.  If you are looking for a specific flavor, ask one of the expert sommeliers.
Côte D’or carries an extensive selection of champagne for that special occasion.  There is a chiller offering sake and awamori, and even some fine cheeses.  Côte D’or also has a small variety of Port, Sherry, and liquors.

 
Best of all, Côte D’or hosts wine tastings every Sunday between 2 and 7 pm - no reservation necessary.  Prices vary according to the wine tasted.

If you make a purchase, Côte D’or will give you a point card where you earn ¥1,000 discount for every ¥10,000 purchased.  Wines start at ¥800, although most seemed to be in the ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 price range.

Directions: Route 58 heading south towards Naha. From Camp Kinser's main gate/gate one, go 1.5km and turn left at light (Ameku intersection). Turn right at the fourth stop light just after the Shoe Plaza, approximately 1.5km from 58.  Go approximately .1km and turn right into the parking lot.  Côte D’or is on the left side of this strip mall.  If you pass the Okinawa Kaiho, you've gone too far.

Phone: 098-869-2047

Hours: Daily 1100 - 2100 except Japanese holidays

Website: www.cotedor-okinawa.net

Payment: Yen, credit card

Okinawa Beans Shop

The area just north of DFS is quickly becoming my favorite place to shop.  Amidst the weathered buildings, newer, trendy stores seem to revitalize the neighborhood, as well as supply me with hard to find gourmet items.

Such is the case of fresh coffee beans.  In my opinion, there can never be enough.  I began my coffee education in Seattle, where Starbucks cornered the market on every corner.  While I’ve attempted various at-home brewing methods (regular coffeemaker, French press, espresso machine, etc), I’ve settled on a funnel filter method which more consistently produces a delicious cup of coffee.  When your brew is consistent, you can more accurately compare the flavors of different beans.Okinawa Beans Shop provides you this opportunity, offering roasted beans from around the world including Columbian in Supreme, bitter and regular, a mild-flavored Jamaican Blue Mountain roast, Tanzanian bitter, a strong aroma coffee called Guatemalan SHB, Kilimanjaro blend, Brazilian Santos, and an Indonesian blend recommended with cake.  If you can’t decide, you might try the recent top sellers marked with red stickers.  Prices range from ¥380 to ¥1400 per 100g and can be ground to your brewing specification (coffeemaker, espresso, etc).  Okinawa Beans Shop carries a selection of brewing equipment, mugs, and treats like Kobe doughnuts.There are also pouches of coffee with built-in filters – simply open the flaps, place on a mug and pour hot water through to brew – perfect for camping.You can order freshly brewed coffee your way, or an Italian soda in peach, passion fruit or raspberry to take out.  I recommend the almond iced latte.

Directions: Route 58 heading south towards Naha. From Camp Kinser's main gate/gate one, go 1.5km and turn left at light (Ameku intersection). Go through the first light.  Shop is on the left side at the end of the third block – this is approximately .4km from the first stop light - .8km from the turn off 58. The turn is not long after Coco’s curry on the right side.  If you see a Family Mart, you've gone to far.  After you turn for the shop, continue straight down this short road into a parking lot – spots 35 & 36 are reserved for Okinawa Beans Shop.

Hours: 1000 – 1900 daily, closed Sundays

Telephone: 098-863-0489

Payment: Yen

Website: http://churamame.shop-pro.jp/

Omiyage - The Traveler’s Gift

Whenever I pass through an airport in Japan, I am reminded by all the omiyage displays that I must not return home without bearing gifts. There are several occasions where giving a gift is customary in Japan, and one such occasion is when you return from either a personal or business trip.

The word omiyage essentially means “souvenir.” Just as we might pick up souvenirs for certain friends, co-workers, or family members, the Japanese also do the same. The difference however, is that omiyage, in most cases, is generally expected (though humbly received). And as is typical of most Japanese traditions, there are one or two cultural rules to consider if you really wish to make a good impression:

1. How much you spend on a gift isn’t necessarily important, it’s the gesture that is truly appreciated. A beautifully wrapped gift will also be well received and in some cases may even be considered more important than the gift itself.

2. Knowing what to buy can be difficult, but a good rule of thumb when you’re short of time or simply unsure, is to buy some of the specialty cakes and sweets from either the city you visit, or from whichever Japanese airport you happen to pass through on your way home. On our recent trip I wanted to make sure I brought home omiyage for my Japanese friends and neighbors, so before we left New Zealand I picked up various kinds of chocolates.

 
I also bought omiyage at Haneda Airport; I bought a couple of boxes of Tokyo Banana (banana-crème flavored cakes). One of the boxes was passed on as a gift but the other one didn’t make it past the greedy little hands of a certain six year old in our house.

 
The box that fell into wrong hands........

Many of you have probably noticed that each airport in Japan has display stands full of omiyage, and each region carries its own specialty cake, cookie, chocolate, or particular kind of sweet treat. They are sold in individual sizes, usually in lots of eight, or ten for example, and they come in nicely wrapped boxes. Plastic bags labeled with the name of the product are also provided, and these are suitable to use when presenting your gift.

Tokyo Banana Bag - excuse the wrinkled look, it too fell prey to a certain little six year old

3. When offering your gift, it is polite to present it with both hands, and if you think you can manage it, an appropriate Japanese phrase would be “Tsumaranai Mon” (“It’s nothing, just a little something”). In saying this, you are suggesting that your friendship is more significant than the gift itself.

4. One final tip, don’t be offended if the recipient graciously thanks you for your gift and then puts it aside; it’s quite common for gifts to be opened privately, especially if other people are present and without a gift.

Probably the most difficult thing about buying omiyage, at least in our household, is getting it distributed before it becomes too much of a temptation......

　

　

Hanko 21

  In many Asian cultures, a name stamp or seal is often used instead of a signature.  Here in Japan, name stamps are called hanko and are used in business to signify acknowledgment or ownership.  As a foreigner, I have had only a few opportunities to use my name stamp for attendance paperwork at the Japanese school where I work, but enjoy adding my mark at then end of a note to friends and family back home.

  A few weeks ago, I visited Hanko 21 to purchase as stamp as a gift.  If your name is of Chinese or Japanese descent, you can have a hanko written in kanji.  You may also be able to have your name in kanji if your name is easily translated into kanji.  For example, the hanko I purchased was for a friend named Dawn, which is translated to asahi, meaning morning day sun in kanji.  Otherwise, your name will have to be in katakana, the Japanese writing used for all foreign words. 
Once you determine how your name will be written, the staff at Hanko 21 will advise you on the stylistic options (font), as well as the diameter required for your stamp.  My katakana hanko is slightly wider than Dawn's kanji hanko.  The length of name will also determine the diameter of your stamp.  Production is usually quick - mine was ready in one day and cost around $25.

Location:Route 330. From Kadena Gate 2, continue straight and turn right onto Route 330. Hanko 21 is approximately 2 km down on the right side.  (Four Seasons restaurant is a few stores down on the left.) You will turn right at the light marked Sonada North.  There are several pay parking areas or street parking further down the road. 

Telephone: 098-930-0902

Hours: Monday through Friday 0900 - 1900, Saturday 1000 - 1800. Closed Sundays and Japanese holidays.

Yamachu-Honpo

If your day doesn't get started without a cup of joe, or you just love the smell, take a stroll in Yamachu-Honpo in Chatan. 
Roasted here in Okinawa, Yamachu-Honpo's brews three varieties of coffee: Original Blend for both hot and iced coffee, and Gettou Flavor.  Gettou, a native plant to Okinawa, is part of the ginger family and has a variety of uses in creating sticky rice, sweets, paper products, essential oils and soaps.  To create the Gettou coffee, Yamachu-Honpo roasts the coffee beans with mochi and chopped gettou leaves.  As a coffee lover who typically needs a little milk and sweetener, this coffee required neither - it was smooth and delicious.
Beyond the coffee, Yamachu-Honpo carries a wide range of other Okinawan-made items: awamori (ask about the special 10th Anniversary bottle), chinsukou (cookies), sauces and spices, glass, soap, and tea. 
With just a few chairs and a table inside, Yamachu-Honpo won't replace your usual cafe hangout.  It will, however, provide you a perfect cup of coffee, and perhaps a unique Okinawan souvenir or gift.

Location: Mihama Chatan just south of American Village on the back road parallel to Highway 58. From 58, turn west at the Jagaru intersection between B.C. Motors and Toyota dealership.  [From Camp Foster, this is the first light north of the intersection of 58 and 130 with Blueberry Cafe.  From Kadena/Lester, this is the first light south of Starbucks.] After one block when the road Ts, turn right and immediately left into the parking lot. Yamachu-Honpo shares a structure with a soba shop.  On the back road from Araha Beach, this light is one light north of ETWS.

Hours: 1100 - 2000 daily

Telephone: 098-936-8430

Website: www.yamachu-honpo.com (Japanese only)