#MJE – Pulpconnection

My Japan Education: Nike ACG 07 KMTR

Gee Why — Fri, 19 May 2017 08:07:14 +0000

Just look at this new Nike creation, born from Nike Labs under the All Conditions Gear (ACG) label. The NikeLab ACG 07 KMTR is built for the urban commuter.

Featuring no laces but instead a draw string to tighten the upper and a forefoot strap secured by magnets, the KMTR is meant to be easily removed and worn. This setup sounds perfect for an experience in Japan where shoe removal is all too common.

Of course, I’m wondering about the overall support and stability of this shoe since there are no traditional shoe laces for lockdown. Granted, I really can’t see wearers working out in these, but they have to stay put.

Update: Looks like the KMTR is just about sold out.

My Japan Education: Samurai Gourmet

Gee Why — Thu, 11 May 2017 18:00:06 +0000

To get a sense of the Japanese cuisine, its preparation, its underlying meaning, and its flavor, you must watch the Netflix series, Samurai Gourmet. While some of the storylines are hokey, you can’t deny the attention to detail and focus placed on the featured food dishes. The closeups and the sounds of cooking fill the screen but sadly do not fill your appetite.

At little over 20 minutes per episode, watching Kasumi lead his retired life while having interludes with a feudal samurai is delicious entertainment.

My Japan Education: Forest Bathing

Gee Why — Thu, 11 May 2017 06:53:23 +0000

So there’s scientific backing that being in the presence of trees, known as forest bathing, has tangible health benefits? So says a Japanese national public health program that started back in 1982.

Just remember that when you enter a forest, pick up a rock, put a problem in, and drop it. You can pick up your troubles again when you leave but unlike other bathing in Japan, be sure to keep your clothes on while forest bathing,

My Japan Education: Kung Fu Girl Riesling

Gee Why — Tue, 09 May 2017 18:00:41 +0000

Okay, really this Kung Fu Girl riesling is produced in Washington State, but it pairs nicely with reading Japan travel books.

My Japan Education: Travel Books

Gee Why — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:00:05 +0000

So many travel books and so many online resources. So much to get educated on!

So far, my favorite travel guides are Lonely Planet Japan and Fodor’s Tokyo. Mainly, I like the layout of the information contained within these books.

My Japan Education: Tokyo vs Osaka Banana

Gee Why — Tue, 02 May 2017 23:00:16 +0000

Apparently, banana snacks are a thing in Japan. I was introduced to the Tokyo Banana but then was told that the Osaka Banana was better. After wrapping my head around the concept of these banana-based concoctions, I was fortunate enough to sample both. They weren’t the freshest samples but well within the alloted expiration date.

Tokyo Banana

Many flavors are available, each with its own visual design. The Tokyo Banana feels more playful with its designs and multitude of variations.

The inside is more like a banana cream filling with a Twinkie outside.

Osaka Banana

The Osaka counterpart, on the other hand, comes from a refined point of view. It’s packaging is more sophisticated, void of the playful Tokyo patterns.

The confection itself is partitioned in indivdual containers that keep the Osaka Banana in its sliced form. The banana is sandwiched in between soft sponge cake.

My Preference

Personally, I gotta give the nod to the Tokyo Banana. I like the overall execution of this treat. I’m not a fan of bananas to begin with, and both Osaka and Tokyo Bananas didn’t really get the banana flavor quite right. The Osaka Banana flavor was more realistic but not real enough. Because the authenticity of a banana was lost at this point, the cream filling of the Tokyo Banana appealed to me more since it was like eating a banana cream pie. And for me, I didn’t mind that the design pattern was actually emblazoned on the cake.

My Japan Education: Gudetama

Gee Why — Mon, 01 May 2017 07:59:11 +0000

What, really?!? This guy is the most popular Sanrio character since Hello Kitty? Gudetama? The lazy egg?

I can’t even imagine the appeal of this non-cutesy character that doesn’t seem like a creation from Sanrio that spawned Kerokeroppi and the Twin Stars. And Gudetama is a real downer, seemingly unable to cope and deal with the real world.

Oh well, now I’m educated about this “unstoppable cultural phenomenon.”