Photographs from a small group of islands
With Tokyo boasting more ramen shops than something with a significantly sizeable number, the competition is understandably cut-throat, with proprietors pulling out all the stops to persuade punters to part with their hard earned pennies.
But enormous bowls and the purported nature of the broth aside, the perky nature of this winking little woman will no doubt appeal to more than a few patrons.
Perhaps.
After the gut-busting gluttony of the festive period, what better way to cure any quaffing-related queasiness or gastronomic gases than by swilling down a bottle or two of this curry flavoured lemonade-like Ramune (ラムãƒ)?
Gut gurgling grimaces guaranteed.
With most of Japan now in the midst of the bonus and booze-based hedonism that is the end of year party season, many a suffering salary man will be struggling with a stomach that is almost as out of control as his behaviour the previous evening.
Sensitive issues that probably make this particular restaurant something of a no-go area, although it arguably does give another meaning to dabbling in the dubious healing properties of hair of the dog.
(big thanks to the now back in Japan Cynical Traveller for the pic)
Despite the growing worldwide popularity of Japanese anime and manga, the most recognisable Japanese figure is arguably still the samurai. A rather romanticised image of a cultured warrior, equally at home running riot on the battlefield or reading a book.
Yet what is often omitted from the history books is that the samurai was also as skilled at sandwich making as he was at swordsmanship. An art form that has thankfully been recreated by one history-loving Tokyo-based retailer, allowing customers a trek back in time to savour the subtle taste of a samurai sandwich (サンド).
Which it has to be said is a much more noble fare than the other foodstuff on offer.
Sort of.
Some of Tokyo’s more entertainment orientated establishments have a tendency to couch the opportunities they offer in rather tame language, with this particular place opting to tout its, erm, talent.
However, on the other hand, one or two make no bones whatsoever about what kind of bar they are operating — or at least what the chief sales point is.
With one Japanese purveyor of packed lunches now offering whale curry, and the nation’s newly expanded ‘scientific hunts’ potentially set to provide humpback burgers, public opinion outside Japan has been far from positive to say the least.
So, perhaps in a bid to make the munching of marine-based mammals seem a little less monstrous, a number of imaginative individuals have customised the popular Japanese winter dish nabe,
to cleverly accommodate cats. With the more of them in there the merrier — or indeed meatier.
Although cramming so many in can be a little laborious, especially when you need to get the lid on.
Creating a meal which arguably makes whale in curry, or even a can, seem almost palatable.
Perhaps.