Muchi: Traditional Okinawan Rice Cake

Hi everyone, this is Megumi.

How’s your Christmas day? I hope all of you had a wonderful time.

As for me, I had a great Christmas night with my family and friends, with great dishes; roast chicken, sushi and a Christmas cake. My older brother, who is working at a supermarket, brings home a lot of Christmas cakes every year. He is like a Santa clause for us.

Finally, 2012 is coming soon!!! Also it’s getting cold these days, please take care and eat some hot foods not to catch a cold.

Here in Okinawa, it is the custom to eat ‘Muchi’ on December 8^th in the old calendar.

 (In 2012, New Year’s Day is the day!!!!) Have you ever heard of ‘Muchi’??

‘Muchi’ is a traditional Okinawan rice cake, which is wrapped with Alpinia Zerumbet named Gettou in Japanese.

                                           This picture is Gettou leaves

It is commonly believed that we can have a good luck and keep our good health by eating Muchi.

We have the same pronunciation for evil and medicines, both are said ‘yaku’ in Japanese. Tradition says that “if we can ward off yaku (evil or sickness), we don’t need to take yaku (medicines),” which means Muchi has a power that can turn away misfortunes!!!!!

The family, especially who have small children, hang the same number of Muchi as their children’s age from the ceiling, praying for the healthy growth of them. Okinawa's coldest season is coming soon, and we call it “Muchi bisa” (bisa means the cold in the local language); since we eat Muchi this time of year, Muchi lets us know the arrival of the winter season.

                                                   Muchi

 We have a variety of flavors of Muchi, such as pumpkin, beniimo (purple sweet potato) and black sugar etc. It is loved by the young and the old, and the taste is flavorsome and appealing. You can feel the smell of Gettou leaves. And you can get these Muchi at almost every supermarket in Okinawa this time of year.

If you try Muchi, I’m sure that you will like it and wouldn’t stop eating.

Please enjoy your time with the traditional local food in Okinawa.

We’re going to take the New Year’s vacations for a few days.

So we’ll meet all of you next yearJ

May the New Year brings you happiness!!!!!!!!!! See you soon.

Megumi

Solemn New Year's Countdown - Mabuni, Fire and Peace bell Ceremony

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

This May, I had an opportunity to visit the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park in which the Cornerstone of Peace has been established in order to inscribe all the war victims' names.  It is located on Mabuni, Itoman city which is known as the southern battle field of the battle of Okinawa (World War Ⅱ).

In the park, there is a museum called the Peace Memorial Museum, which gives a sobering overview of the lead up to the battle, the battle itself and the reconstruction of Okinawa after the war.

First, I walked through the museum to see the exhibition and took time to read the articles on the war. There are a variety of exhibitions which made me think about the Okinawan war history and my grandparents who experienced the war. The articles on the Okinawan emigrants to South Sea Islands remind me of my grandfather and his family who moved to Saipan during the war period in Okinawa.

One thing that I was impressed and loved about this museum is its structure, which leads visitors to a beautiful ocean view at the end of their exhibition.

When I reached the exit of the museum, the beautiful ocean view was appearing in front of me. On sunny days, it is amazing.

In this peace symbolic park, there is a solemn event hold at the end of each year. 

The ceremony called “Mabuni, Fire and Peace bell Ceremony” and will be held at the Peace Memorial Hall on site from New Year’s Eve (12/31) through New Year’s Day (1/1) 10:00 p.m.- 1:00 a.m.



The Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall located in the park. 



Every person who takes part in the ceremony will put up a torch for requiem of the war victims and pray for peace while listening to a peace bell rings.

If you are interested in the New Year’s countdown in a peaceful atmosphere, please check the Fire and Peace bell Ceremony at Mabuni, Itoman city.

Takako

How do you spend the end of the year ?

Hi, this is Shizuka.

It's getting close to the end of the year. Do you have any plans ;such as to join  a countdown party,  to stay at home and so on? And who will you spend the New Year's Eve together?

 Well, I hope to go out somewhere to join the party and to get the new year

started there. But I haven't decided where I will spend the day yet...

 

 Last year's New Year Eve, I went to Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa, one of the resort hotels in Okinawa with my girlfriends. I joined the countdown party held there, and that special time made us very exited and feel happy!

After the party, we went to 'Futenmagu'(a shinto shrine) in Ginowan city.  I prayed 'the best wishes for the coming year'. Of course, we drew omikuji (sacred lots) to read our fortunes of the year.



Futenmagu in Ginowan city
People pray for success in business, safe driving, and good marriage there.

  

May you and your loved ones find all the happiness in the world in the coming year .

Shizuka

Akachichi (あかちち)

Hi!  This is Naoko.  I was suffering from prolonging cough, but I am almost recovered. 

Since it had been rainy too long, we were all ecstatic to have a sunny day yesterday and today.  Today is absolutely beeeeeeeautiful.  I feel like my whole body stretches towards the sun. 

Many people think that Okinawa is always warm and sunny, but actually no.  We do have winter, and it gets cold.  I mean, it doesn’t get as cold as the northern part of Japan and we do not have snow, but winter in Okinawa is very windy.  So pack a windbreaker instead of a thick coat or a sweater when you come to Okinawa from December to March. 

So, Akachichi.  If you know what it means, you have a very good understanding about Okinawan language.  It means “dawn.”  By the way, I took these pictures.  You can guess what time I get up every morning!

Have a wonderful day!!

Kouri Island

Hi, this is Shizuka.

Here is one of my favorite places in Okinawa, 'Kouri Island'.
It is located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa.
It is a small island of elevated coral reef .
 We cross 'Kouri Ohashi Bridge' to the island.



Look at  this picture! When you cross the bridge which stretches straight ahead, you feel as if you walk on the surface of water.
'Kouri Ohasi Bridge' is toll-free and the longest in Japan.
I recommend you to  cross the bridge when weather is great. I want you to see the unbelievably beautiful sea and sky! You will be moved as I was to see this stunning scenery.



Kouri island is famous for Okinawan version of 'Adam and Eve' tale.
Long long time ago, there were a boy and a girl in the island.They floated down from the sky and  naked. From the sky, rice cakes would  fall down everyday, and they ate them and lived very happilly.
They grew up into adults and one day they thought  'If rice cakes won't fall down to us, what should we do?' 
So the couple started to store them. Soon after, the rice cakes stopped falling down...
They sung to the moon and prayed for the food, but rice cakes never fell down to them again.
That made them realize how blessed they were before to live without labor.

One day, when they went to the beach as usual, they saw a pair of dugong copulating .Then they realized the difference of men and women, and understood what procreation is. Then they started having children. They were blessed with a lot of  offsprings.   


According to the legend and myth, the couple's descendants were Ryukyuan(the ancient name of Okinawan people).



Kouri island became famous as one of the tourist spots of Okinawa.
In the island's pristine environment, you can feel you are part of the nature.
The picture above is red hibiscus taken in Kouri island. Its bright red makes us happy, doesn't it?
You can see the flower everywhere in Okinawa. Also you can feel the atmosphere of the southern tropical island, warm even in winter. 
Please enjoy your stay in Okinawa.

Well, I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!　


With love,

Shizuka.

For a new start with a new Okinawa techo in 2012

Hello, this is nariko, long time no see...!  I suppose every one will be busy this time of year, looking back to what should've been done/undone. Another new year is coming soon, so here's a lovely tip which might add some fresh colours on your life in the new year.

Some time ago, I saw a TV programme which featured local characteristics of Japan’s 47 prefectures.  TV celebrities from each region presented their local delicacies, lifestyles and custom, all so unique and individual that it’s amusing to find how diverse the local cultures are in this island country. It was when an Okinawan singer introduced ‘Okinawa techo (appointment organizer)’ to other guests that I realised they are very much deeply-local product.

‘Okinawa techo’, a general term for the Okinawa-packed organizers, are now very popular, especially among new wives and mothers who are not yet familiar with the old custom and rituals on the island. Not all, but still many household events are based on the old calendar and custom in the prefecture, the organisers full of information as such can help Okinawan housewives through their events-packed hectic year. Most techos also cover the daily info of tidal shift and the phases of the moon, both still essential in various life events of Okinawan people.  Some provide interesting titbits, from birthdays of Okinawa-born celebrities and athletes, the regional anniversaries or memorial days, sayings and proverbs from local folklores to home-remedies handed down today, very readable as well as useful to get a hold of Okinawan life.

They come in various sizes and designs, available at bookstores, souvenir shops and the internet. Why don’t you get a good kick off in 2012 with this unique, full of Okinawa-ness organizer for a change?

Cape Zanpa Park (Zanpa Misaki Koen)

(At the miniature zoo in Cape Zanpa Park: a baby goat whose legs got stuck on the face)

Hi!  This is Naoko.  It is rainy and much colder than yesterday.  I am taking lots of Vitamin C in order not to have a cold.  For your healthy mind and body, it is always a good idea to go out.  Cape Zanpa Park (Zanpa Misaki Koen) is one of the good places for a family with small children, but of course adults can also enjoy.  It is located in Yomitan village (mainland Okinawa). 

 The park has:

• spacious green areas where children can just run around, fly kites, play Frisbee, and more,

•  a playground with a big slider and a sand area

• covered barbeque areas (meat and vegetables are sold in a shop next to the barbeque areas) and a restaurant

• a miniature zoo (goats, rabbits, ducks, and turtles)

• a huge shisaa statue

• a reproduction of an old Okinawan ship (you can go inside)

• nice walking paths to the Zanpa lighthouse

My 2 years-old daughter and I go to this park a lot because she just love to run and feed the goats and rabbits.  The shop next to the barbecue areas also sells some carrots sticks in a cup for the animals for 100yen.  After feeding the animals, children can bring back the cup to get variety of sweets.

My favorite is the Agepan (fried bread roll).  It is only 100yen and you can choose four different coating: cinnamon sugar, soybean power with sugar, cocoa power with sugar, and sugar only.

Here is the routine course of my daughter:

1.    Go get her cinnamon sugar coated Agepan and carrot sticks for the animals

2.    Feed and tease the animals while eating half of her Agepan

3.    Run around the grass area, go inside the ship to have a good view, and climb up to the feet of the big Shisaa

4.    Go down the big slide in the playground

5.    Eat the rest of her Agepan

6.    Sleep in the car

There is Zanpa beach in a walking distance from the park, where you can swim or enjoy a beautiful sunset.

大きな地図で見る

International City Koza II: Maui Diner

The day was like a country music - a cold, rainy day, I made some mistakes at work, couldn't find my favorite lunch packet in the store, and the orange I ate was horrible.  I was feeling dull from the morning and longing for a warm, comfy bed.  As soon as I finished my work, I called my husband because I wanted him to buy some ready-made food for dinner on his way back home.  He said, "Let's meet in Koza because there is a place I want to take you for dinner."  Surprisingly,  I said OK instantly, instead of saying, "no... I am tired.  Let's just go home and eat" as I normally do.  Then while I was driving to the meeting place, I was thinking, "aaaaggggghhhhh!  what was I thinking, going out in a day like this!  (banging my head against the window)"  It was pouring and getting colder. 

At the meeting place, he parked his car and drove my car to release me from driving.  He parked at the Central Park Avenue, and led me to Parmila Street.  The street was decorated with blue shiny illumination.  It looked so beautiful in the rain.  I suddenly felt like being on a date. ;-)

 (Parmila Street, Okinawa City)

We strolled down the Parmila Street, past 1st Street.  And suddenly, I saw a sign outside of the diner: Maui Diner (マウイ食堂)

The inside of the diner was very simple but full of warm family atmosphere that made me instantly comfortable.  My husband told me that his student's parents (pharmacists and certified cooks) run this diner and the Chinese herbal medicine pharmacy right in front of the diner.     

(inside the pharmacy)

The concept of their menu “Food for my family,” explains their style: only use safe and tasty natural ingredient, no chemical or artificial additives. They use extra virgin olive oil, and Koshihikari brand rice. 

I had Tomato Soup set: a big bowl of tomato soup, rice, small green salad, a glass of rooibos tea

[ingredients] carrots, onions, chicken thigh, eryngii mushroom, Italian whole tomato can

This tomato soup is not like a normal tomato soup.  You can taste each ingredient separately, which makes great harmony in the bowl.  My 2 years old daughter really loved this soup.  

Check out their menu from here →　Maui Diner Menu

【Maui Diner business hour】

Monday - Saturday (11:30a.m.-)

Last order: 19:00

Closed on Sundays


大きな地図で見る

 

The owners have two children: the boy is a junior high school student and the girl is an elementary school student.  Surprisingly, the boy speaks very good English, more fluent then many of the Japanese adults I know!  I asked the boy where he learned English.  He said, “from my father.”  His father is Japanese, but studies English together with the children. The boy has no problem communicating with my husband who is an English native speaker.  The girl was shy to speak English, but the father said that she speaks really well, too. 

If you are wandering Koza and feeling hungry for healthy food which you can order in English, Maui Diner is the place to go.  They have Wi-fi, too!

International city: Koza

Hi, everyone. This is Megumi, nice to meet you.

Today, I’ll introduce about Koza, Okinawa city where I grew up.

In 1974, Koza city and Misato village were combined. At that time, Okinawa city was born but it has been popularly known as ‘Koza’ even now.

Extending directly outward from Gate 2 of Kadena Air Base is well known for “Gate 2 streets,” we call it Kuukoh Dori (Airport Street). Have you ever been there?

There are a variety of shops, bars, clubs, and restaurants, which have many different countries’ foods: Tacos, Indian curry, Peruvian and Filipino foods etc., along the street.

You could find the foods which suit to your moods, also some shops accept payment in US dollars.

These shops are full of people who are not only locals but also the US military on weekends. You would feel an atmosphere of this place is unlike Japan.

Of course, you can enjoy Okinawan culture as well.

Koza flourishes in Okinawan traditional music and dance, the most popular traditional dance is ‘eisa.’ One of the island’s biggest eisa festivals is held in summer season of year in Koza, at this time, many people from around the islands come there, to have fun watching eisa dance with Orion beers. (If you would like to know more about Orion beer, please read our previous posting!)

And, some of you don’t know that Okinawa city is actually the birthplace of Japanese rock-n-roll, so “Koza Music Town (Otoichiba)” was built as a landmark of music, it has the music hall and a few restaurants and other shops.

There are some music live performances or entertainments throughout the year. If you are interested in some performances, check out the schedule on the Koza Music town’s website. http://www.dream-koza.co.jp/

You can definitely enjoy both Okinawan culture and other countries’ culture even walking along Gate 2 streets.

Please experience international city: Koza.

Megumi

Awamori

Hello, everyone!
Have you ever tried  'Awamori'? And do you know what 'Awamori' is ?
'Awamori' is Okinawa's traditional spirit. It is commonly called 'Shimazake' or 'shimaa'.
It has a history of five hundred years,originating from the Kingdom of Siam(Thailand).And Thai rice is still used in its production today.

The picture above is bottles of 'Awamori'.These are only fraction of the number of 'Awamori'
There are 48 distilleries in Okinawa. On each distillery, lots of characteristic Awamori are distilled.
Incidentally,the gold one is my favorite!
Now, I would like to give you a simplified explanation on  how 'Awamori' is produced.



Raw materials of  'Awamori' is Thai rice.
The initial process is to soak Thai rice in water,  rinse and steam them. And add some malt into it.
 The picture above is the drum.



After letting them sit for a whole day, move it to the shelf that has a  blower function.  Keep them at a certain temperature.

And mix up them with black koji malt to mature.




In the fermentation tank, ferment rice malt that matured for 40 ~ 50 hours, with water and yeast.
It takes about from 2 weeks to 20 days for  maturing fermentation broth.  





In the pot metal single distillation vessel, distill fermentation broth  on heating. 






 Awamori whicht distilled is stored in the tank or clay pots or vases.  
When Awamori is aged for three years or more, it is called 'kusu', and remainder is usually six months old.





This is the picture of bottling process. 'Awamori' is almost done!





The most popular way to drink 'Awamori' is with water and ice.It can also be drunk straight, on the rocks, and in cocktails.
I wish you will enjoy 'Awamori' with your choice of the way to drink.
And I recommend that comparing the tastes and aromas of several 'Awamori'. 

 Shizuka.



Ernie Pyle Monument in Ie Island, Okinawa

(Source: Ie island village hall official HP)

Hi!  This is Naoko.

Sorry for the long absence.  Our office internet was down due to some technical problem for a few days. 

On my way to work, I usually listen to the National Public Radio (NPR).  I love the variety of its programs, and voices of the same announcers and reporters in the past 10 years really comforts me. 

So, I was listening to the NPR when it was talking about the museum of the Pulitzer Prize-winning World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle (1900-1945) . 
You can listen to the program here: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/07/143301574/volunteers-rally-to-save-ernie-pyle-museum

Ernie Pyle is one of the most renown war-journalist during the world war II.  He went with US Army and covered storied from the front lines in North Africa, Italy.  His stories were very popular not only among the public but also in the military because he sincerely wrote about the military at all levels, their anger, fear, happiness, and sadness.   He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for journalism in 1945.  On April 17th (April 18th in Japan time), 1945, Ernie Pyle was killed by a Japanese sniper in Ie island, Okinawa.

Ernie Pyle monument was established by the US military.  Many visitors who respect his work from all over the world come to pay a visit to his monument every year.

Click here to see the map to the monument.

Okinawa's popular sweet

Hi, this is Shizuka.
Long time no see! How have you been?I've been busy, but I've been enjoying everything.Thanks.

Well, here's one of my favorite sweet confectionery.It's 'CHINSUKO'.



'CHINSUKO' is a traditional sweets that is very similar to a cookie. It is made of mostly lard and flour, with a mild and sweet flavor.






'CHINSUKO' was introduced to Okinawa some 400 years ago from China.
 Formerly made from Chinese powder of rice and sugar during Ryukyu Kingdom era,
 and it was used as noble food.
 Now it's very popular sweets in Okinawa,Japan.



Recently, lots of flavors are created; 'chocolate' 'Beniimo(purple sweet potato)' 'Okinawan brown sugar' 'Salt' etc.I like fravor of 'Salt',it's unexpectedly-sweet.
You can find  'CHINSUKO' everywhere across the prefecture,especially at souvenir shops.



'Arakaki Chinsuko Honpo' that sells 'CHINSUKO' is located in the middle of Kokusai Street in Naha city. They sell several kinds of Okinawan sweets as souvenirs.

Please enjoy Okinawan sweets!