IBUKI Magazine Vol. 10 March & April 2011

Japanese Inspired Food and Lifestyle Magazine

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いぶき

息吹

March & April 2011 Vol.10 Seattle/Bellevue/Portland

Plus:

SAKURACON2011

BentoLuxuriate! Spas offer Eastern treatments

10 Delicious Recipes

2 息吹 iBUKi MARCH / APRiL 2011

www.ibukimagazine.com 3

CONTENTS

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IBUKI Magazine Vol. 10 March & April 2011

Comments and general [email protected] [email protected]

Contributing Writers & ArtistsEnfu (Ken Taya)Steven M. CorlessRose

Special ThanksChin Music Press

Published byAxia Media Group, Inc.Bellevue, WA 98005

PublisherMisa MurohashiEnglish CartierEditor-in-ChiefBruce RutledgeEditor and TranslatorYuko EnomotoEditorJessica SattellPhotographerCC Yaguchi

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FEATURE

4 Thinking Inside the (Bento) BoxThese healthy, colorful and creative boxed meals have been around for centuries in Japan. Learn how to make your own!4-5 Healthy & Deluxe Bento Recipes6-7 Colorful & Quick Bento Recipes8-9 Kawaii & Fun Bento Recipes

24 Luxuriate! Spas and salons steeped in Eastern traditions nurture and rejuvenate women in western Washington.

26 Sakura-Con 2011An insider’s guide to the Pacific Northwest’s biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture.

EAT & DRINK

14 Restaurant Directory

20 Umai LabBreakfast, lunch and dinner from a convenience store? Yep. Our foodie correspondent bets you’ll be back for more too.

LIFESTYLE

17 i fart rainbow

18 Store & School Directory

22 TravelEven the most jaded shopper will brighten at the buy-ing possibilities in Tokyo.

30 Local News and Events

Photo by CC Yaguchi


By Bruce Rutledge

息吹 IBUKI_FEATURE ARTICLE_Japanese bento boxes

Thinking Inside the BoxJapanese bento boxes serve up beauty, creativity and nourishment

Martin Metke takes a bento to work just about every day. “I thought I’d be teased,” says the Seattle IT worker. “I thought people would say, ‘What, don’t you have any money?’” Instead, a co-

worker noticed how delicious the lunch looked and offered to pay Metke’s wife to make an extra one.The bento has been part of the Japanese diet for centuries. It is served at formal occasions, carried to lunch by students and sold at just about every major train station in the country. While a traditional bento would have white rice with a pickled plum (umeboshi) in the middle and different sections of fish, meats and vegetables, in truth, just about anything goes, including elaborate “character bentos” that depict beloved anime or manga characters and are, some say, an elaborate ploy to trick children into eating their vegetables.There’s no question that a bento is more aesthetically pleasing and typically more nutritious than your average brown bag lunch. Metke says unwrapping his bento at lunch time is “like getting a Christmas present every day.” But bentos are only for those who have the time, dedication and big budget to make them, right?Not so, says Noriko Nishimura, Metke’s wife. She says it takes her 30 minutes or less to make the bentos each morning, and it’s not expensive at all. “I don’t spend much on food,” she says.In fact, making a bento every day for lunch saves the couple money since they don’t go out to eat.

Nishimura doesn’t start from scratch every morning, either. She usually includes some pickled or marinated food that has been prepared ahead of time. She also doesn’t stick strictly to Japanese ingredients. “I use Japanese food as much as possible, but I sometimes use roasted or pickled beets, for example.”Makiko Itoh, author of The Just Bento Cookbook and a popular blogger at justbento.com, stretches the definition of bento even further. She lived in Switzerland for 15 years and learned that “Japanese ingredients are not practical all the time, so I create European-style bentos as well.”Interest in bentos seems to have spread across the globe. Itoh says her English-language blog has 393,000 subscribers, and she hears from readers all over the world. “I’ve heard from a group in the U.K. using bentos (to overcome) eating disorders, from a parent who uses bento for an autistic son, all kinds of people.” She also says that most of the bentos she makes are vegetarian or vegan.Itoh and Nishimura both say that preparation is key. “We Japanese are encouraged to eat 30 different ingredients a day,” Nishimura says. “I try to include as many ingredients as possible, as much flavor as possible and as much color as possible. That’s the idea behind bento.”

On the next few pages, we offer some easy-to-follow recipes that use traditional Japanese ingredients in playful, unique ways.


Deluxe bentos feature an array of colors, tastes and textures. Cute bentos brighten up a child’s lunchtime.

A classic “character bento” photographed by Christopher D. Salyers, au-thor of Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes.

Pikachu with his poke-ball, ready to be devoured. Photo by Christo-pher D. Salyers.

Many local restaurants serve mouthwatering bentos, and a precious few offer them for takeout or delivery.

The Chef Kenzo bento at Uwajimaya in Seattle is a lunchtime favorite.

Photo by CC Yaguchi Photo by CC Yaguchi

6 息吹 iBUKi • MARCH / APRIL 2011

Onion Salad• 1/2 onion• 1 tbs dried wakame seaweed• 1 cherry tomato (optional)• 1/2 tbs olive oil• 1 tbs rice vinegar• 1 tsp soy-sauce• 1/2 tsp sugar

1. Soak dried wakame in a bowl of water for more than 3 minutes. Drain well.2. Mix vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce and sugar to make sauce. 3. Slice onion finely and place in the sauce. 4. Add wakame and mix well.5. Decorate with sliced cherry tomato.

Healthy & Deluxe

Tofu HamburgerIngredients (makes about 10-15 patties)• 1/2 lb firm tofu• 1/2 lb ground chicken (or pork) • 1 egg• 2 tbs ground fresh ginger• 1 tbs soy sauce• 1 tbs sake• 1/2 tsp salt• 1/2 carrot, finely chopped• 2 green onions, finely chopped• Teriyaki sauce (or 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbs sake

and 1 tbs soy sauce)

1. Wrap tofu with paper towel and microwave for one minute. When it cools down, drain

well by squeezing the excess water out of the tofu. 2. In a large bowl, mash or chop the tofu well. Add ground chicken, egg, ginger, soy sauce, sake and salt. Mix well till it becomes sticky.3. Add carrot and green onion. Mix again.4. Make bite-size patties. 5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet pan. Cook patties on high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. 6. Add teriyaki sauce and cook for a few more minutes.

Recipe ContributorNoriko & Martin

OK to Freeze

Bento box: $28 at Uwajimaya



Japanese Rolled Omelet — Tamagoyaki

• 2 eggs, beaten• 2 tsp sake• 1 tsp sugar• 1 tsp soy sauce1. Add egg, sake, sugar and soy sauce. Mix well.2. Heat pan and lightly coat with vegetable oil.3. Spread half of the egg mixture around the pan. 4. When halfway cooked, use a rubber spatula or chopsticks to roll the egg into 3 to 4 layers.5. Slide the rolled egg towards the front of the pan, and pour in other half of the egg mixture around it. 6. When halfway cooked, fold the egg over about 3 times.7. Move the rolled egg onto a plate to cool down. Cut into desired portions.* Chopped spinach was placed in the middle for the photo.

Zesty Salmon & VeggiesIngredients (makes 2 servings)• 1/2 lb salmon, sliced into four pieces • 1/2 onion, finely sliced• 1 carrot, sliced into thin strips• 1/2 celery, sliced into thin strips• 4 tbs rice vinegar• 2 tbs sugar• 2 tbs soy sauce• 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper• corn starch / salt and pepper

1. In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and crushed red pepper to make sauce. Add sliced onion, carrot and celery to the sauce and mix again.2. Lightly season the salmon with salt and pepper. Sprinkle corn starch over the seasoned salmon.3. Grease a skillet and cook salmon on med-high heat. Cook about 3-4 minutes each side until well done. 4. Place hot salmon in the sauce.5. Store salmon in refrigerator overnight to allow the flavor to soak in.

Healthy & Deluxe You will find a variety of beautifully designed bento boxes at Uwajimaya. Most of them are dishwasher and microwave safe. Find your personal favorite!

Bento Boxesat Uwajimaya

This summer: a very special Seattle cookbook



Colorful & Quick

Five Color Sushi RicePrecook and freeze the toppings. Then in the morning, defrost a small portion and place on top of sushi rice.Brown: Soboro Chicken• 1 lb ground chicken• 1 tsp ground ginger• Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 4 tbsp sake, 4

tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp water and 2 tsp sugar1. In a sauce pan, heat the premixed sauce and the ground ginger. 2. Add ground chicken. Simmer the meat on medium-low heat, stirring constantly with chopsticks until the liquid is absorbed.

Yellow: Japanese Scrambled Egg• 1 egg, beaten• ½ tsp sugar

1. Lightly grease a sauce pan and heat well. 2. Mix beaten egg and sugar together.3. Pour into pan and scramble finely, using chopsticks. Unlike cooking a typical scrambled egg, cook egg on high heat quickly to make a fluffy texture.

Green: Edamame• JFC WEL-PAC

brand frozen edamame

Defrost in cold water, then remove from water and set aside.

Red: Red Pickled Ginger• JFC WEL-PAC brand red pickled ginger

Orange — Homemade Salmon Flake• ½ lb Salmon filet• Mix together sauce: 5 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp

soy sauce, 5 tsp sugar and 1 tsp vegetable or sesame oil

1. Grill or sauté salmon filet and remove skin and bone. Flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork.2. In a sauce pan, heat the sauce on medium-high and add the salmon. Cook and stir well until the liquid is all absorbed.

Sushi Rice• 1 cup steamed rice • 1 tbs sushi vinegarMix warm steamed rice and sushi vinegar.

Bento box: $3.49 at Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle


TOKYOJapanese LifestyleNow 4 locations!

Southcenter Mall, Suite 1220(206) 241-0219Northgate Mall, Suite 740(206) 363-3213Tacoma Mall, Suite 616(253) 475-5380Capital Mall, Suite 334(360) 943-5790

www.Umamikushi.com | tel (206) 265-1923 | Chef Harold Fields

手羽先レバーねぎまつくねエリンギトウモロコシししとう焼きおにぎり他多種対応！

King SalmonKobe BeefPrime RibClamOysterAsparagusTsukuneNegimaand MORE!!

“it’s in the fire”

Catering service for private parties, special occasions, and festivalsご自宅でのパーティーやイベント会場へケータリングします！

UMAMI KUSHI - Yakitori Catering

JFC’s Frozen a la CarteShumai• JFC WEL-PAC brand frozen

shumaiDefrost in microwave

Mini sausage•JFC WEL-PAC brand frozen mini sausageDefrost in microwave

Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle carries reasonably priced bento boxes, chopsticks & cases, wrapping cloth and other bento items. Their recent top-seller is the long and thin 2x7.5-inch bento box that fits nicely in a purse or small tote.

Bento boxesat Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle

Nimono Vegetables• 1 lb JFC WEL-PAC brand pre-cut vegetable mix• Sauce (mix 1 tbs sugar, 1 tbs soy sauce and 1 tbs sake)1. In a sauce pan, heat one tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil on medium heat. Add frozen pre-cut vegetable mix and stir fry for about 2 minutes.2. Add sauce and 1 cup water. Cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil (about 10x10-inch size) with a hole in the middle and cook about 5 minutes. 3. Uncover the pan, turn the heat to high and cook until the liquid is mostly gone.

<< Kinpuira mixContains burdock roots and carrots.

Japanese vegetables mix >>Contains shiitake mushrooms, carrots, taro potatoes, burdock roots (gobo), bamboo shoots and lotus roots.

JFC has many selections of pre-cooked and frozen products that help you to make tasty dishes in a minute. Keep some in your kitchen!


Meatballs with Sweet and Sour SauceIngredients (makes about 25-30 meatballs)• 1 lb ground chicken (or beef ) • 1 egg (or 1/2 tsp starch & 1/2 tsp water)• 1/2 cup onion, chopped• 1 tbs sugar• 1 tbs soy sauce• 1 tbs sake• 1 tbs ketchup• 2 tbs rice vinegar• 2 tbs water• 1 tsp starch + 1 tsp water, pre-mixed• 1 tbs vegetable oil for stir fry1. Combine ground meat, beaten egg and onion in a large ball and mix well. For children who

have egg allergies, use pre-mixed 1/2 tsp starch and 1/2 tsp water to replace the egg.2. Form into bite-size balls.3. In a small bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, sake, ketchup, vinegar and water to make sauce.3. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in meatballs and cook about 5 minutes until outside is brown. Remove excess oil using paper towel, then add the sauce. Cook about 5 minutes more until the liquid is almost gone. Make sure meat is well-done.4. Add pre-mixed starch and water to make the leftover sauce thicker.

Animal Bento Picks- $4.00 at UwajimayaKids will love the cute bento picks. It makes the lunch easy to eat for young children, and mom doesn’t have to deal with leftovers!

Meatballs can be kept frozen without changing the texture or flavor. Cook many at once, freeze and defrost a small portion each morning!

Kawaii & Fun!(cute)

Bento box: $20 at Miki House Bellevue

Good to Freez



Vegetable Mini-Curry• 2 tbs Kikkoman Ginza Curry Sauce• 2 leaves of spinach, chopped• 2 slices of carrot1. Cut the carrot in heart shape, then steam or boil.2. Chop spinach finely. 3. In a small cup, mix curry sauce and chopped spinach. Heat in microwave for half minute.4. Place the curry sauce in a plastic container. Top with the carrot.

PARIS MILAN NEW YORK KIEV SEOUL HONG KONG BEIJIN TAIPEI TOKYO

1032 106th Avenue NE, Suite 123, Bellevue, WA 98004(425) 455-4063 | www. mikihouse-usa.com

Panda Rice Balls• 1/3 cup rice, cooked• 1 slice of nori seaweed• 1 tbs umeboshi (pickled plum)1. Divide rice into three triangular pieces. You may use a rice ball maker.2. Cut nori with scissors to make 8 round shapes. Stick the round-shaped nori to the rice balls to make panda eyes and ears. Use a grain of rice and umeboshi to decorate as eyes and mouth.

Mini Rice Ball Maker - $3.25 at UwajimayaUse mini rice ball maker to shape kawaii mini onigiri quickly!

Kawaii & Fun!

Kikkoman Ginza Curry Sauce- Available at Asian grocersThis canned curry can be a tasty and easy addition to your bento. It’s mild and less spicy, so your kids will love it too!

Popular Japanese chil-dren’s fashion brand Miki House has a great col-lection of bento items at its newly opened store in downtown Bellevue (1032 106th Ave NE #123).

Miki House Kids’ lunch box items

These make very nice birthday gifts too!



Rikki Rikki in Kirkland (425) 828-0707 www.rikkirikki.com

Rikki Rikki in Kirkland is one of a few places on the East side that serves a luscious bento for dinner or lunch. These bentos feature chicken teriyaki, tempura, a California roll or slices of sashimi, miso soup and pieces of nigiri sushi, depending on the one you order. The one we sampled included light and crisp tempura batter on vegetables and shrimp, tender pieces of chicken and top-rate slices of sashimi and sushi. The dinner menu includes gourmet bentos starting at around $16. For lunch, simpler bentos featuring Mandarin orange chicken, black pepper beef and other seasonal ingredients cost around $10. They are some of the most popu-lar items on the noontime menu. Rikki Rikki will prepare the bentos for takeout as well. The chefs change the ingredients seasonally to offer diners the tastiest mix in their boxed lunches.

Downtown Uwajimayawww.uwajimaya.com

The Chef Kenzo bento selection at Uwajimaya supermarket in the International District offers a little luxury in a box for lunch or dinner. The sushi connoisseur will appreciate the saba sushi bento, which features healthy, flavorful

slabs of mackerel starting at a very reasonable $7.99. Other bentos include mouthwatering slices of black cod kasuzuke, shrimp scampi, succulent slices of porkbelly, pickled plum, baked egg, lotus root, squid filled with rice and much more. Even the more expensive bentos at Uwajimaya are a bargain. The Chef Kenzo bentos are all made daily in the supermarket’s kitchen using the freshest ingredients. Come by at lunchtime and get them while they’re hot.

Chef’s Bento

Cafe Soleil in Mukilteo (425) 493-1847 www.cafe-soleil.net

Cafe Soleil makes Euro-Japanese style bento selections for gatherings of all sizes. Try the teriyaki hamburger bento ($10), shrimp fry bento ($10) and Euro-Japanese deluxe bento ($18). Contact them in advance to place your order.

I Love Sushi in Lake Bellevue (425) 455-9090 www.ilovesushi.com

I Love Sushi in Lake Bellevue has delicious boxed lunches for takeout that are well suited to large corporate events or small gatherings of friends. Executive Chef Masa Nakashima and his crew of six Japanese chefs ask that you order at least 24 hours in advance. You can view the bentos on the restaurant’s website: http://lakebellevue.ilovesushi.com/takeout.htm. For $15, you’ll receive a cut of deep-fried pork, a pork dumpling, baked egg, a grilled fish (we sampled some mouthwatering black cod), simmered seasonal vegetables and a rice dish. The rainbow trout, matsutake and bamboo we sampled were deliciously simmered in dashi. Taro root and gobo (burdock) rounded out a well-balanced, plentiful lunch. The right photo is Kyoto tryle “Ajisai” bento ($25)

The bento makes an elegant meal, especially when it’s prepared by a skilled chef. Several places around the greater Seattle area offer deluxe bentos at affordable prices for takeout, delivery or to eat in. These meals are a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach.

Photo by CC Yaguchi

Photo by CC Yaguchi


The leading source for Asian books including bento recipes and cookbooks!!

Seattle 525 S Weller St, Seattle (206) 587-2477 Portland 10500 SW Beaverton Hillsdale, Beaverton (503) 641-6240 Inside Uwajimaya

Bento BookshelfItoh’s popular postings about bento preparation on her justbento.com blog have grown into a book, out this winter from Kodansha International. The book features simple, healthy and clever twists on the Japanese boxed lunches. The soft-cover book features lots of new recipes from Ms. Itoh that have not appeared on her blog. Itoh includes both Japanese and non-Japanese bentos, and says she has made a point of using ingredients easily found outside of Japan whenever possible. Flipping through the color pages, it’s easy to get inspired to create a special someone a very special lunch. Itoh covers every aspect of bento-making, from basic recpies to a list of necessary equipment to an easy-to-understand glossary of terms.

Kinokuniya Bookstore, right next to Uwajimaya Supermarket, has the best collection of books on Japanese cuisine in the city. Everything from practical guides to beautiful, high-end works of art are stocked here. Sort through the cookbooks, choose your favorite, then walking through the Kinokuniya bookstore doors to Uwajimaya and start shopping for your ingredients.

The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches to Go

By Makiko Itoh, Photographs by Makiko Doi, $19.95

Bumblebee-shaped rice balls, mice fashioned from hardboiled eggs and ham, and Pikachu lovingly rendered in seaweed. It’s hard to ignore mom’s rule never to play with your food when such kawaii characters look up from your lunchbox. Face Food Recipe welcomes one to the world of charaben, character bento boxes whose enormous popularity continues to skyrocket thanks to enthusiasts from Japan and around the world. Author and charaben connoisseur Christopher D. Salyers follows up Face Food, his lovesong to the cute, healthy and homemade lunches, with even more photographs of the creations of Japan’s top charaben artists as well as diagrams and practical tips for making and designing your own. An easy-to-follow section on kitchen tools to create your charaben will surprise you at how easy and inexpensive it is to start sculpting Super Mario from scratch, and an extensive glossary filled with everything from recipes for the staples to the lowdown on the best ways to work with Japanese foodstuffs ensures you’ll never be lost at the cutting board.

Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes

By Christopher D. Salyers, $14.95

Visit our booth

at Sakura-Con 2011

published by Kodansha International

www.kinokuniya.com

published by Mark Batty Publishers

Inside Uwajimaya


SEATTLE

Greater Seattle

Mashiko Japanese Restaurant(206) 935-4339 4725 California Ave SW, SeattleCheck out sushiwhore.com You’ll like it.

Wann Japanese Izakaya(206) 441-56372020 2nd Ave, Seattlewww.wann-izakaya.com

Kushibar(206) 448-24882319 2nd Ave, Seattlewww.kushibar.com

Shiro’s Sushi Restaurant(206) 443-98442401 2nd Ave, Seattlewww.shiros.com

Issian(206) 632-70101618 N 45th St, Seattlewww.issian-seattle.com

Maekawa Bar(206) 622-0634601 S King St # 206,Seattle

Fort St. George(206) 382-0662601 S King St # 202, Seattle

I Love Sushi - Lake Union206-625-96041001 Fairview Ave N, SeattleAloha Ramen(206) 838-38378102 Greenwood Ave N, SeattleAoki Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar(206) 324-3633621 Broadway E, Seattle Blue C Sushi - University Village(206) 525-46014601 26th Ave NE, Seattle Blue C Sushi - Fremont (206) 633-34113411 Fremont Ave N, SeattleBlue C Sushi - 7th avenue (206) 467-4022 1510 7th Ave, SeattleBoom Noodle, Capitol Hill(206) 701-91301121 E Pike St, SeattleBush Garden Restaurant(206)682-6830614 Maynard Avenue S., SeattleCutting Board(206) 767-80755503 Airport Way S, SeattleChiso(206) 632-34303520 Fremont Ave. N, SeattleFuji Sushi(206) 624-1201520 S Main St, SeattleGenki Sushi - Queen Anne(206) 453-3881 500 Mercer St. Unit C-2, 2B, SeattleGenki Sushi - Capitol Hill((206) 257-44181620 Broadway, SeattleHana Restaurant (206) 328-1187219 Broadway E, SeattleHiroshi’s Restaurant(206) 726-49662501 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle Imo Asian Bistro(206) 264-9570704 1st Ave, Seattle

Japonessa Sushi Cocina(206) 971-79791400 1st Ave, SeattleJ Sushi(206) 287-9000674 S Weller St, SeattleKaname Izakaya Shochu Bar(206) 682-1828610 S Jackson St, SeeattleKisaku(206) 545-90502101 N. 55th St. #100, SeattleKozue Japanese Restaurant(206) 547-20081608 N 45th St, SeattleManeki(206) 622-2631304 6th Ave S, SeattleMarinepolis Sushi Land -Queen Anne Hill(206) 267-7621803 5th Ave N, SeattleMoshi Moshi Sushi(206) 971-74245324 Ballard Avenue, SeattleNishino(206) 322-58003130 E Madison St # 106, SeattleNijo(206) 340-888089 Spring St, SeattleOtoto Sushi(206) 691-38387 Boston St, SeattleRed Fin Sushi Restaurant(206) 441-4340612 Stewart St, SeattleRicenroll - Madison Street(206) 262-0381214 Madison St, SeattleRicenroll - Rainier(206) 329-2223 828 Rainier ave. S, SeattleSamurai Noodle - University District(206) 547-17744138 University Way NE, SeattleShiki Japanese Restaurant(206) 281-13524W Roy St, Seattle

Restaurant Directory

11204 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle • 206.417.3175 • setsunarestaurant.com

“NO SUSHI, SO WHAT!”

“WE ARE IZAKAYA!”

Hours: Sun - Thu 5pm - 12amFri & Sat 5pm - 2am

Happy Hour:5p-6p & 9p-11p


Restaurant Directory

Dozo Cafe(425) 644-88993720 Factoria Blvd SETry authentic Ramen. No MSG.

I Love Sushi -One Lake Bellevue(425) 455-909023 Lake Bellevue Dr, Bellevue

I Love Sushi -Bellevue Main(425) 454-570611818 NE 8th St, Bellevue

Rikki Rikki Japanese Restaurant (425) 828-0707442 Parkplace Center, Kirklandwww.rikkirikki.com

Izakaya Sushi - at The Landing(425) 228-2800829 N 10th St. Suite G, RentonIzumi Japanese Restaurant with Sushi-Bar(425) 821-195912539 116th Ave N.E., KirklandKikuya Restaurant(425) 881-87718105 161st Ave NE, Redmond

South End

New Zen Japanese Restaurant(425) 254-159910720 SE Carr Rd, Lunch Bento: create your own $$9.50-www.newzensushi.com

Miyabi Restaurant(206) 575-681516820 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwilawww.miyabirestaurant.com

Blue C Sushi - Westfield Southcenter(206) 277-8744468 Southcenter Mall, TukwilaMarinepolis Sushi Land -Southcenter Mall(206) 816-3280100 Andover Park West 160, TukwilaBistro Satsuma(253) 858-51515315 Point Fosdick Dr NW #A, Gig HarborDaimonji Sushi & Grill(425) 430-16105963 Corson Ave S, Suite 194, SeattleGenki Sushi -Renton(425) 277-1050365 S. Grady Way Ste. B & C, Renton

EastsideBlue Ginger Korean Grill & Sushi(425) 746-122214045 NE 20th St, BellevueGinza Japanese Restaurant(425) 709-7072103 102nd Ave SE, BellevueHimitsu Sushi and Teriyaki(425) 882-250013112 NE 20th St # 200, BellevueI Sushi(425) 313.73781802 12th Ave NW, Suite F, Issaquah

Shun Japanese Cuisine(206) 522-22005101 NE 25th Ave #11, SeattleTsukushinbo(206) 467-4004515 S Main St, SeattleToyoda Sushi(206) 367-797212543 Lake City Way, SeattleWabi-Sabi Sushi Bar & Restaurant(206) 721-02124909 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

North EndCafe Soleil(425) 493-18479999 Harbour Place # 105, Mukilteowww.cafe-soleil.net

Setsuna Izakaya restaurant(206) 417-317511204 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

Bluefin Sushi & Seafood Buffet(206) 367-0115401 NE Northgate Way # 463, SeattleBlue C Sushi - the Village at Alderwood Mall(425) 329-3596 3000 184th St SW, LynnwoodEdina Sushi(425) 776-806819720 44th Ave W, LynnwoodMarinepolis Sushi Land -Lynnwood(425) 275-902218500 33rd Ave NW, LynnwoodMatsu Sushi(425) 771-3368 19505 44th Ave W #K, LynnwoodSakuma Japanese Restaurant(425) 347-306310924 Mukilteo Speedway # G, MukilteoTaka Sushi(425) 778-168918904 Hwy 99 Suite A, LynnwoodTengu Sushi(206) 525-9999301 NE 103 St, Seattle

23 Lake Bellevue Dr., Bellevue WA(425) 455-9090 | www.ilovesushi.com

Taste the DifferenceI LOVE SUSHI


Restaurant DirectoryKiku Sushi(425) 644-235815555 NE 24th St, BellevueMarinepolis Sushi Land -Bellevue(425) 455-2793138 107th Ave. NE, BellevueMarinepolis Sushi Land -Redmond(425) 284-25878910 161st Ave NE, RedmondSushi Maru(425) 453-0100205 105th Ave, BellevueSushi Me(425) 644-98001299 156th Ave NE #145, BellevueSushi Mojo(425) 746-66561915 140th Ave. NE, D1-B, BellevueSushi-Ten(425) 643-6637 2217 140TH Ave NE, BellevueMomoya Restaurant(425) 889-902012100 NE 85th St, KirklandRicenroll - Bellevue Square(425) 455-48662039 Bellevue Square 2nd fl, BellevueRicenroll - Issaquah Highland(425) 369-84451052 Park Dr. IssaquahRicenroll - Alertson on Mercer Island(206) 232 02442755 77th Ave. SE, Mercer IslandRolls & Rolls + Sushi(425) 454-431311011 NE 12th St, BellevueSushi Joa(206) 230-41202717 78th Ave SE, Mercer IslandThe Bento Box(425) 643-864615119 NE 24th St, Redmond

Tokyo Japanese Restaurent(425) 641-56913500 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue2AM(425) 643-188814603 NE 20th St #4, Bellevue

PORTLANDPortlandBamboo Sushi(503) 232-5255310 SE 28th Ave, PortlandBiwa Restaurant(503) 239-8830215 SE 9th Avenue, PortlandBlue Fin Sushi(503) 274-79221988 SW Broadway, PortlandBush Garden(503) 226-7181900 SW Morrison St, PortlandHiroshi Restaurant(503) 619-0559926 NW 10th Ave, PortlandKoji Osakaya -Downtown Portland(503) 294-1169 606 SW Broadway, PortlandKoji Osakaya - Lloyd Place(503) 280-0992 1502 NE Weidler, PortlandMarinepolis Sushi Land -Lloyd(503) 280-03001409 NE Weidler St, PortlandMarinepolis Sushi Land -Pearl(503) 546-9933138 NW 10th Ave, PortlandMika Sushi(503) 222-06991425 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland

Yuki Sushi & Sake Bar(503) 525-8807930 NW 23rd Ave, Portland

Beaverton / HillsboroHakatamon(503) 641-461310500 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, BeavertonHanabi’s Izakaya Bistro & Bar(503) 646-198610053 SW Nimbus Ave, BeavertonIzakaya Kaiten Sushi(503) 643-257814605 SW Millikan Way, BeavertonI love Sushi(503) 644-52523655 SW Hall Blvd, BeavertonKoji Osakaya -Hillsboro(503) 629-18152215 NW Allie Ave, HillsboroMarinepolis Sushi Land -Beaverton(503) 520-02574021 SW 117th Ave, BeavertonSyun Izakaya(503) 640-3131 209 NE Lincoln St, HillsboroSambi Japanese Restaurant(503) 296-00459230 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, BeavertonSushi & Maki(503) 648-4366 2401 NE Cornell Rd No. X, HillsboroYuki Sushi & Sake Bar(503) 430-52751335 NE Orenco Station Pkwy, Hillsboro

Vancouver WAMarinepolis Sushi Land -Vancouver(360) 883-38811401 SE 164th Ave, Vancouver

祝 Sakura-Con 2011One FREE drink for cosplayers April 22-24 $10 coupon ticket for cosplayers April 22-24

Welcome cosplayers!! We offer special deals with your purchase



Business Directory

Art & FurnitureKobokoboseattle.comKobo at Higo(206) 381-3000604 S Jackson St, SeattleKobo Capitol Hill(206) 726-0704814 E Roy, SeattleShop & gallery featuring art, craft and design from Japan and the Northwest

The Wing Luke Museum(206) 623-5124719 South King Street, SeattleAzuma Gallery(206) 622-5599530 1st Ave S, SeattleCarolyn Staley-Fine Japanese Prints(206) 621-18882003 Western Ave #107, SeattleGlenn Richards - Asian Furnishings & Antiques(206) 287-1877964 Denny Way, SeattleMing’s Asian Gallery - Seattle(206) 748-7889519 6th Ave S, SeattleMing’s Asian Gallery - Bellevue(425) 462-400810217 Main St, BellevueThe Cullom Gallery(206) 919-8278603 S Main St, SeattleShogun’s Gallery(503) 224-03281111 NW 23rd Ave, Portland

Bakery and CafeHiroki Desserts(206) 547-41282224 N 56th St, SeattlePanama Hotel Tea & Coffee House(206) 515-4000607 S Main St, SeattleKitanda Brazilian Bakery & Espresso(425) 641-441315230 NE 24th St, Redmond

Fumie’s Goldwww.fumiesgold.com(425) 223-589310115 NE 1st St # CU2, Bellevue | Japanese pastry Next to the Bellevue downtown park!

Setsuko Pastrywww.setsukopastry.com(206) 816 03481618 N 45th St, SeattleA Healthy Alternative pas-try with a Japanese spin

Fuji Bakerywww.fujibakeryinc.comSeattle Store(206) 623-4050526 South King StBellevue Store(425) 641-40501502 145the PL SE, Bellevue

UniCone Crepes(206) 243-62362800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila

Zoka Coffee & Tea - Greenlake(206) 545-42772200 North 56th St, SeattleZoka Coffee & Tea - University(206) 527-09902901 NE Blakeley St, SeattleZoka Coffee & Tea - Kirkland(206) 284-1830129 Central Way, KirklandCortona Cafe(206) 327-97282425 E Union St, SeattleSeabell Bakery (425) 644-261612816 SE 38th St, Bellevue

Books, Games & AnimeAnime Raku(425) 454-011210627 NE 8th St, Bellevuewww.anime-raku.com

Kinokuniya Book StoreSeattle Kinokuniya(206) 587-2477525 S Weller St, SeattleBeaverton Kinookuniya(503) 641-624010500 SW Bvtn-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton

Tokyo Japanese LifestyleSouthcenter Mall Store(206) 241-0219633 Southcenter Mall, Suite 1220, SeattleNorthgate Mall Store401 NE Northgate Way, Suite 740, Seattle(206) 363-3213Tacoma Mall Store4502 S Steele St, Suite 616, Tacoma(253) 475-5380Capital Mall Store625 Black Lake Blvd, Suite 334, Olympia(360) 943-5790

Anime Asylum(503) 284-66261009 Lloyd Center, Portland, ORVIDEO HOP Downtown Store(206) 587-4037601 S. King St. Suite#101, SeattlePink Gorilla - International District (206) 264-2434601 S King St, SeattlePink Gorilla - University District(206) 547-57904341 University Ave NE, Seattle

SakeSaké Nomi(206) 467-725376 S Washington St, Seattle


Business Directory

Grocery and General StoreAnzen Hiroshi’s(503) 233-5111736 NE MLK Blvd, PortlandDaiso Alderwood Mall(425) 673-18253000 184th St SW, # 398, LynnwoodMutual Fish Companywww.mutualfish.com(206) 322-43682335 Rainier Ave S, Seattle

Uwajimayawww.uwajimaya.comSeattle Uwajimaya(206) 624-6248600 5th Avenue South, SeattleBellevue Uwajimaya(425)747-901215555 NE 24th St. & Bel Red Rd., BellevueRenton Uwajimaya(425) 277-1635 501 South Grady Way, RentonBeaverton Uwajimaya (503)643-4512 10500 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale HWY, BeavertonDaiso West Lake Center(206) 625-0076400 Pine St. #1005, SeattleDaiso International District76 S Washington St, SeattleH-Mart -Lynwood(425)776-08583301 184th Street Southwest, Lynnwood

Health and BeautyAcupuncture Associates -Eastgate(425) 289-018815100 SE 38th St #305B, BellevueStudio 904 Hair Salon(206) 232-33933041 78th Avenue SE, Mercer IslandHen Sen Herbs(206) 328-282813256 NE 20th St, Bellevue

AISHA Skin and Body Care Therapywww.aishainfo.com(206) 621-9494509 Olive Way #Suite 1201, SeattleA haven hidden within steps of Westlake Center

eN Salonwww.en-salon.com(425) 883-101013112 NE 20th St # 500, Bellevue

E Z Chair Barber Shop(425) 702-990012121 Northup Way # 210, Bellevue

Olympus SpaLynwood Olumpus Spa(425) 697-30003815 196th Street Southwest #160, LynnwoodTacoma Olympus Spa(253) 588-33558615 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma

WellnessOne of Eastgate(425) 289-009215100 SE 38th St., Ste. 305B, Bellevue

FashionMiki House USAwww. mikihouse-usa.com(425) 455-40631032 106th Ave NE # 123, Bellevue Momo(206) 329-4736600 S Jackson St, Seattl

SchoolsMusicSchool of Taiko(425) 785-8316www.Japantaiko.com

Japanese Floral Design

Ikebana by Megumiwww.ikebanabymegumi.com(425) 744-9751Sogetsu contemporary school of ikebana Classes in home studio and around town

Yushoryu Ikenobo(206) 723-49945548 Beason Ave. S.,SeattleIkenobo Lake Washington Chapter(425) 803-326811832 NE 73rd St, KirklandThe Little Flower Station(425) 770-5888www.thelittleflowerstation.com

CookingHiroko Sugiyama Culinary Atelier(425) 836-463522207 NE 31st St, SammamishNuCulinary(206) 932-38556523 California Ave SW, SeattleSatsuma Cooking School(206) 244-515117105 Ambaum Blvd S, SeattleMartial ArtsSeattle Kendo Kai(206) 721-14161610 S King St, SeattleSeattle Judo Dojo(206) 324-70801510 S Washington St, SeattleObukan Kendo Club(503) 443-22814130 SW 117th Ave. Suite 246, BeavertonLanguageSeattle Japanese Language School(206) 323-02501414 S Weller St, SeattleTea CeremonyUrasenke Foundation Seattle Branch(206) 328-60185125 40th Avenue N.E., Seattle

FUJI BAKERYBellevue 145th Store Seattle International District

1502 145th Pl SE, BellevueTel: (425) 641-4050M-F: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-4pmSun & Holiday: Close

526 South King St, SeattleTel: (206) 623-4050M-F: 11am-6pm, Sat: 11am-6pmSun & Holiday: Close

All-NaturalOrganicDeliciousJapanese artisan bakery

Lake Hill Blvd

SE 16th St.

145th 148th

QFC

BellevueCollage Daiso

S King St

S Weller St

6th5th

Uwajimaya

Croissant Aux Amandes$3.50chocolate franbois (raspberry) & caramel banane

Poire (Pear Danish) $2.50

Sunflower cheese cake$4.00Brioche Cube Salmon :$1.50 Japon (azuki): $2.50 Cake citron $6.00(S) $9.00(L)


BreakfastHungry? In a hurry? Running late for school or work or got to get an early start to make the best of a well-earned vacation? The konbini has got you covered! Try some of my favorite bread choices like ham and cheese mayo bread! Two perfectly creamy ham buns ready to go. Super chewy mochi mochi bread is a sweet way to start the day. If you read my blog, you know how much I love chewy things, and the bread choices available at konbini are always super fresh and very chewy. The soft, airy bread is always filled with a selection of perfectly seasoned sweet or savory fillings, making them a delicious treat for breakfast or really any time of day. Freshness is guaranteed by ensuring that products are rotated at least once a day and more likely several times a day.

LunchNow it is lunch time. Maybe you don’t have time to order at a restaurant — even a fast food one! Again a konbini is the place to go. By far my favorite lunch option at a konbini is bento. Konbini-ben are portable, well-portioned and well-balanced meals that typically feature a variety of protein, veggies and starch. From there the sky is the limit. Konbini-ben can either be a classic Japanese meal like tofu steak, rice and sumono, or it can be an exotic meal like bibimbap from Korea or even a down-home Japanese meal like curry rice or omuraisu. Konbini-ben can also change based on the season. Warm dishes like beef stew are available in the winter, while light cold noodle dishes like zaru soba are popular in the summer. Other favorite lunch options include rice balls. At Family Mart, they keep their rice perfectly fresh and tender, and the nori is kept separate form the rice until it is time to eat it to keep it nice and crisp. The fillings are the best part! So many choices and most of them very tasty! Increasingly there are a number of innovative onigiri options like sukiyaki, salmon and even uni and ikura!

Ever wish there was a place that sold great bento, tasty pasta dishes, delicious freshly

made bread, mouth-watering desserts and perfectly fried chicken all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week? There is such a place out there. In fact there are tens of thousands of places like that out there. They are called konbini, or convenience stores in English, and they can be found all over Japan. I know what you are thinking. “You want me to go to a convenience store just to eat the food? Are you kidding?” Past experience has taught you that convenience stores are only good for greasy, slimy hot dogs, nuclear nachos, drinks the size of small children, crusty old corn dogs and mystery meat hamburgers. Until my first trip to Japan, I was right there with you. I would have never dreamed of wasting my hard-earned money or the trip of a lifetime in a place like a convenience store until I went into my very first Family Mart in Narita, Japan. Now whenever I am in Japan, I can’t resist having at least one meal or more a day from a konbini!

UMAI LABSEXPERIMENTS IN THE DELICIOUShttp://umailabs.com

Rose is a blogger at umailabs.com. The blog dedicates itself to seeking out or rec-reating the food she loved so much when she was an exchange student in Japan. She earned her degree in International Studies: Japan from UW. Her passion is sharing her knowledge of Japan and her dinner table with anyone who is hungry.

BY RoseKonbini Gourmet

Photos © FamilyMart Co., Ltd.


DessertNo dinner is complete without dessert. I’m not talking candy bars people. Yeah, konbinis offer candy, chips and all the other little snack things that you can find at a convenience store here. But I am talking about real dessert — like sit down nice restaurant dessert. How about Japanese pumpkin Mont Blanc, tiramisu or chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce? The best part about these desserts is that unlike in restaurants here in the US, the portions aren’t too big. I can get my sweet fix without feeling like I have to go straight to the gym.

DinnerNow it is dinner time. Perhaps you aren’t the greatest cook, or it seems you were too busy having fun, and all the restaurants are now closed. Or like me, you just don’t have a ton of money, period. Never fear; konbini is here! You don’t have to pick out another bento. There are plenty of other options available at a konbini such as pasta. Try a tasty and traditional meat-sauce spaghetti. Or if you feel more adventurous, there is always the tarako and butter pasta The pasta is always fresh, never frozen or prepackaged. Instead all of the fresh food available at a konibini is made daily in nearby factories and then shipped directly to the konbini. In some areas where it is really busy, a konbini might receive several deliveries each day to keep up with demand.

Konbini Gourmet

So when visiting Japan, don’t bypass the konbini! Go in, look around and eat something! Besides, konbini are also great places to buy other things such as stationery, clothing, simple groceries and household products, pay a bill, mail a package, make a copy, send a fax or buy a souvenir to take back home to your friends.

BTW, FamilyMart’s American brand Famima!! was established in 2004, and now there are 10 Famima!! stores in California. I hope they will come to Seattle someday!

Night SnackFinally it is the end of the night. Perhaps you have been out drinking with the boys or girls, maybe singing some karaoke or who knows what. Anyway, you are probably starved and you need a really great snack. Something that will soak up all the alcohol sloshing around in your stomach. Something golden brown, deep fried and juicy. I’m talking about fried chicken, hot dogs filled with cheese on a stick or beef croquettes. If you need something more meal-like, try the oden. Oden is a hodgepodge of fish sausage, meat, veggies, tofu, noodles and other things all simmered together in the same cooking stock. There are actually a couple of advantages to eating oden from a konbini. For one, if it is late and cold, you can have a nice hearty meal to warm you up. But more importantly, you can pick and choose what you want to keep costs low.


the world’s most expansive retail store for musical instruments (Yamaha is the world’s largest manufacturer) and music accessories. It even has a 333-seat concert hall.Hakuhinkan Toy Park 03-3571-8008 | Chuo-ku Ginza 8-8-11Itoya 03-3561-8311 | Chuo-ku Ginza 2-7-15Bic Camera 03-5221-1111 | Chiyoda-ku Yurakucho 1-11-1 Yamaha Music Store 03-3572-3134 | Chuo-ku Ginza 7-9-14

La La Port

A very different shopping environment can be found at La La Port Toyosu, a newly built shopping, dining and recreation complex on Tokyo Bay’s waterfront. With 200 shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone. For inexpensive and stylish casual wear, stop by Uniqlo, Japan’s leading clothing retailer. And don’t miss Muji (literally “no brand”), the minimalist and ecologically friendly retailer of consumer goods, clothing and just about anything else you can imagine. For the perfect Japanese-inspired gift for a child, stop by Kid’s Foret; any fan of anime will love the products here. For a break from shopping, visit the Ukio-e (woodblock print) museum or enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront. La La Port 03-6910-1234 | Koto-ku Toyosu 2-4-9http://toyosu.lalaport.jp/enShibuya areaShibuya is one of the centers of Japanese youth culture and fashion. The fun begins as you make your way out of Shibuya station and across the street with a mass of seemingly thousands of other pedestrians through the famous “scramble crossing.” A popular and trendy shopping complex favored by young women is the Shibuya 109 department store. This complex of retail stores is known as the mecca for young women

Only in TokyoA Shopper’s Paradise By Steve Corless

Unless I am browsing through a DIY home center or electronics superstore, I enjoy shopping about as much as doing my taxes. But

Tokyo is a city that has something for everyone; a full day of shopping in Tokyo can be great fun, if you know where to go beforehand.

Ginza areaGinza is probably Tokyo’s most famous shopping district, known for its expensive boutiques, large department stores, high-end restaurants and exclusive clubs. In addition to these types of establishments, the Ginza area has some unique specialty stores all within walking distance of each other. If you are looking for a souvenir gift for a child or are a collector or hobbyist yourself, Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza is the place to visit. This is probably Tokyo’s largest toystore, with four stories of every kind of doll, puzzle, toy, hobby item or game imaginable. If you have never had fun in a stationery store, I recommend a visit to Itoya. The Japanese pay attention to detail and expect quality in the products they buy. The stationery, notebooks, writing instruments, traditional paper and gift-wrapping materials here are the best available anywhere in the world. After spending time at Itoya, a visit to your local office supply superstore will never be the same.Near JR Yurakucho station is Bic Camera, the center of the universe for afficionados of consumer electronics, audio/video, computer and photography products. Be prepared to be overwhelmed — this place is eight stories of cool stuff. Bring your passport if you plan to buy something duty free. Don’t expect prices for Japanese products here to be less than back home, but deals can be found on items to be discontinued in the Japanese market, and you can find products not yet available in the States. If you are a musician, don’t miss the 15-story Yamaha music store. Renovated and expanded in 2010, this must be

TRAVEL

Uniqlo Harajuku Store. Photo © FAST RETAILING CO., LTD


Steve Corless is an in-dependent travel consultant based in Seattle. Steve spent 15 years in Japan working in sales and marketing and as a US foreign service officer in Tokyo and Osaka. He lives in Lynnwood with his wife and daughter.

from the gyaru culture. Shibuya also is home to the Tokyu Hands flagship store, another place even the most shopping challenged can enjoy exploring. Originally a DIY store, Tokyu Hands has a selection of household, hobby and novelty items available only in Japan that is fun to explore, even for a non-shopper like me.Shibuya 109www.shibuya109.jp | 03-3477-5111 | Shibuya-ku Dogenzaka 2-29-1 Tokyu Hands Shibuyawww.tokyu-hands.co.jp | 03-5489-5111 | Shibuya-ku Uda-gaw 12−18

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IZAKAYA居酒屋

IZAKAYA in WALLINGFORD

1618 N 45th StSeattle, WA 98103Tel: (206) 632-7010

issian-seattle.com

And people can relax as if they are at home.

I see..

Pajama

One day..

GetOut!!

Beef steak, YakinikuBurger..

Hey Sugi-chan, what is your specialty dish?

Sukiyaki, Shabu-shabu, Kushikatsu, Gyu-don,

They are just your favorite dish to eat, right?

I have many. Let see,,

Yeah! I love beef!!


Reflexology — eN SalonThis salon takes the idea of beauty and ratchets it up several notches. The polite and friendly reflexologist Yukari Hoashi prepared a hot tub for my feet, then helped me to the recliner, which was kept comfortably warm throughout the one-hour session. Being a novice, I was advised to take short exhale breaths when I felt any pain. Yukari dabbed some aroma oil onto her hands and began by massaging my shin and ankle bones to “open up” my energy channels. Then she began working on my left foot in earnest. I have always felt cold in my extremities, but somewhere near halfway through the session, I began to feel tremendous warmth. Yukari quickly identified a few “weak” areas of my body by touching my feet. One of them was the hips, a place of instability where I had just begun acupuncture and sound treatment. “If you continue kneading this area right here, you will start to notice a difference,” she said. The first reflexology session is almost always painful to some extent, according to Yukari, because of a buildup of toxins. Firm pressure is used to release these toxins from the body and stimulate lymphatic drainage. “After two or three sessions, the pain will give way to relaxation,” she said. Reflexologists believe that our feet are a road map to the entire body,

with specific areas in the feet corresponding to a certain or group of organs. And that by applying pressure to those areas with the thumb and forefinger, the body is stimulated through neurological pathways toward correction. The body, as Eastern medicine believes, is constantly trying to heal itself. Reflexology not only relaxes the muscles of the body through massage, but in more intensive treatments, it also helps remove toxins in the body so that the healing process may begin. Eastern reflexology as practiced in most Asian countries can be quite painful at least for the first few sessions in the location of the foot that corresponds to your body’s trouble area. Yet I was surprised at how light I felt as I dismounted the recliner. I realized I was tapping into a practice that has lasted through the centuries for a very good reason. Yukari offers both Eastern-style reflexology and Western-style reflexology, which uses softer pressure on the feet. A 60-minute session costs $50. A ticket for five sessions costs $225. A 30-minute Quick Course is priced at $30.

Balancing Facial — eN SalonMy partner in this spa outing decided to try the balancing facial by Norico, a licensed esthetician and masseuse at eN salon. When we first met Norico, we immediately noticed her beautiful skin. “I only use minimal cosmetic products on my skin. My belief is that we can maintain nice skin with a healthy lifestyle, eating habits and regular massage treatment to encourage lymphatic drainage.” She begins the facial with cleansing, scrubbing and pore cleansing to remove dirt, then she begins massaging. She takes the time to thoroughly unravel any tightness in the décolleté, neck and shoulders to get the blood circulating in the upper body. Then we move on to the kobido-style facial massage. Kobido is an ancient facial treatment that was enjoyed among women of the aristocratic class. Light and fast, the kobido technique combines facial massage with stimulation of pressure points in a rhythmic fashion. My friend says it doesn’t feel like facials she’s experienced before. “I adjust the massage according to the degree of tightness of my clients, and encourage lymphatic drainage. That is why I stick to hand massage event though many salons started using machines to do facials,” said Norico. “Women with edema will notice that the bloating will begin to disappear and see more definition around the eyes and cheekbones. Gaunt women will begin to develop softer lines. Laugh lines will also begin to diminish.” After finishing the treatment on the left side of her face, my friend is handed a mirror for inspection. Indeed, her left eye looks larger than her right and her face looks firmer overall. The final portion of the facial consists of a masque, which Norico prepares according to each client’s skin condition, and a head massage while the masque works its magic. “The scalp is a continuation of the face,” said Norico. “A good scalp massage will change your complexion.” After the session ends, my friend looks in the mirror and barely suppresses a grin. “Kobido treatment is really fun for me because the effects are immediate,” says Norico. “I can actually see my client’s complexion begin to change during a massage or notice the tightness in her face melt away. Just one session can make a difference, but a regular monthly visit will result in a noticeable difference.” A 60-minute session costs $55. A ticket for three sessions costs $145; six sessions, $280.

Luxuriate! Spas and salons around the Puget Sound offer Eastern treatmentsBy Yuko Enomoto

eN Salon 13112 NE 20th St. #500Bellevue | (425) 883-1010

www.en-salon.com


Korean Spa — Olympus SpaIf you are a female Seattle resident, you probably know about the Olympus Spa. And, if you are a recent transplant, you will no doubt hear about the place often called by its nickname, the Korean spa, because there’s no other place in the state of Washington that’s quite like it. The family-run Olympus Spa is an oasis where women of all ages come alone or in small groups of girlfriends to relax, rest and rejuvenate. A small tea room and a separate restaurant that serves authentic Korean fare make this spa a place where you not only nurture your spirit, but your physical body — inside and out. The idea of the spa came from a simple yearning, according to Sun Kyong Lee, president of the spa’s Lynnwood branch. “My mom can’t tolerate the cold,” Lee said. “Seattle weather feels colder than South Korean weather.” So Lee’s father got busy with plans to keep his wife warm. But he didn’t want to build a Western-style spa; he wanted to build something closer to home in spirit. What sets this spa apart from most is also in services not rendered: the choice to simply hang out all day if you so desire. Plan to spend an entire morning or afternoon here. You are free to roam the facility in your robe and bare feet. You can visit the spa just for the use of the energy rooms, the resplendent pools or the saunas. But if you made it this far, you won’t want to miss the traditional Korean hot spa treatment: the Korean Body Scrub and Body Moisturizing. Be prepared for 45 minutes of invigorating whole body scrub that sloughs off dead skin, improves blood circulation and leaves your entire body tingling and feeling as smooth as silk. Body Moisturizing is a luxurious full-body treatment that begins with a generous slathering of warm olive oil, followed by warm milk, then honey. For further pampering, follow up with a Swedish or deep tissue massage offered in one of the private rooms.

eN Salon13112 NE 20th Street, # 500Bellevue, WA 98005TEl: (425) 883-1010http://www.en-salon.comWorld Class Salon Services

HairNails

FacialsReflexology etc.

Eyelash Perm — AISHAAISHA Skin and Body Care Therapy is a haven hidden within steps of Westlake Center in the heart of downtown Seattle. At the chic and cozy salon, owner Akemi offers premium services from anti-aging facials, therapeutic massage to La Stone Therapy. Another unique service offered by AISHA is its eyelash perm, which is very popular among women in Japan and

is now hitting New York and LA. AISHA is one of a few salons in Seattle that offrsr the treatment. “I tried introducing the eyelash perm to my regulars and they just loved it. They usually enjoy that they do not have to use eyelash curlers and have appealing eyes without makeup on,” says Akemi. The eyelash perm at AISHA costs $50.

AISHA509 Olive Way #1201, Seattle

Tel: 206-621-9494www.aishainfo.com

Olympus Spa 3815 196th St. SW #160

Lynnwood | (425) 697-3000 www.olympusspa.com

Hair & PedicureFor Men

12121 Northup Way #210, Bellevue

Tel: (425) 702-9900

E Z CHAIRBARBER

Walk-ins Welcome!!

AishaSkin and Body Care Therapy

Anti-aging facials,Therapeutic massage,

Body detoxification wraps,La Hot Stone Therapy,

Eyelash perming, and more.

Medical Dental Building 509 Olive Way, Suite 1201, Seattle(206) 621-9494 | aishainfo.com

ユニコーンクレープ

At Southcenter Mall | 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila 98188www.facebook.com/UniConeCrepes

Authentic Japanese Crepes Since 2007



SAKURA-CON 2011The Pacific Northwest’s biggest celebration of Japanese pop

culture keeps getting bigger and bigger. Last year, Sakura-Con — a three-day extravaganza of costumes, anime, manga, J-pop and intense otaku collecting — drew more

than 18,000 people to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in downtown Seattle. This year, the convention, held on April 24-26, could be even bigger, with the North American debuts of the oh-so-cute-and-spirited Berryz Kobo, a popular all-girls band, and exis†trace, an all-female visual kei rock band; the appearance of fashion phenomena 6%Dokidoki (see Ibuki #8 for an interview with founder Sebastian Masuda) and Sixh.; and a special screening of the first two episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. Easter weekend never felt so funky!Other special guests include voice actors, producers, anime directors, DJs and all sorts of artists. The convention center pulses with creativity over Sakura-Con weekend. That’s probably because the festival, now in its 14th year, has always emphasized fun and community over profit and economy. “We started Sakura-Con because we missed the fun,

multi-level anime conventions where something was always happening and you were afraid to eat lunch for fear of missing something you really wanted to see,” writes the founding group on Sakuracon.org. “We were tired of the professionally run conventions that herded you into a room to see a speaker for one hour, than herded you into a line for an autograph and closed in time for you to be home for supper!”That is definitely not what happens at Sakura-Con. The convention center halls overflow with people, and the costume-clad fans spill out into the street and into the local shops and restaurants. A trip to the nearby Blue C Sushi during Sakura-Con weekend is like dining out in an alternate universe.So what are you waiting for? Discounts for three-day passes are available for those who preregister before March 20. The price for the three-day pass rises from $50 to $60 after that. Buy your tickets at the door and you’ll pay $35 on Friday, $40 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday. Children under 18 need to bring a filled out parent-permission form, which can be found at sakuracon.org. Get your tickets and let your inner otaku out for the weekend.

Snaps from last year


Berryz KoboThe peppy girls group that has been churning out hits in Japan since 2004 is set to make its North American debut at Sakura-Con. The group is also releasing its first CD in the US at the convention. The group delivers high-energy performances that are cute to the Nth degree, which should stoke the Sakura-Con crowds to the point of frenzy. Berryz Kobo consists of Saki Shimizu, the 19-year-old captain of the group; Momoko Tsuganaga, also 19; Chinami Tokunaga, 18; Maasa Sudo, 18; Miyabi Natsuyaki, 18; Yurina Kumai, 17; and Risako Sugaya, also 17. Ibuki chatted with the girls via email about their upcoming US debut. Excerpts from the interview appear in the left column:

SAKURA-CON 2011

Music & Fashion Guests

Ibuki: This is the first appearance for Berryz Kobo in the US. What sort of things would you like to do while you’re in Seattle?Shimizu: I want to go to the very first Starbucks. Tokunaga: I want to eat a hamburger, the biggest one in Seattle!!

Ibuki: Do you follow any North American or European bands?Tokunaga: NEYO and Hannah Montana. Kumai: Lady Gaga.Tsuganaga: Avril Lavigne and Connie Talbot. Shimizu: Michael Jackson.

Ibuki: What’s your secret to success?Natsuyaki: Each person has a distinct personality, and everyone is really kind to each other. That’s the best ingredient.

Ibuki: Where did the name Berryz Kobo come from?

Shimizu: Berries are really small fruits. They’re cute, but they have a lot of power, too. So that’s why we have a “z” — for extra power! Sugaya: And “kobo” (or “koubou”) is Japanese for “factory,” so we’re the factory for creating lots of music!

Ibuki: Has Berryz Kobo ever performed outside of Japan?Sudo: We did a “mini-live” in Korea in 2009. That was really fun, and there was lots of energy. Kumai: Last year we went to Bangkok in March. There were thousands of people there. My heart was going so fast!

Ibuki: Does the group have a message for all their fans coming to see them at Sakura-Con?Tokunaga: I want to learn to speak English. Please teach me, everyone!Kumai: I’m happy to finally meet you all. I want to learn a lot of things about Seattle. Shimizu:I’m excited since this is the first performance in America. Let’s have a lot of fun! Sudo: I want to study English, and I’m hoping to have some conversations with you.

Ibuki: Your first official US CD will be released at Sakura-Con. Are you excited about reaching new fans in America?Tsugunaga: We're so happy! We want our fans to support our music in America, so maybe we can sing an all-English song someday!

6%DOKIDOKIIt’s like a candy store exploded and covered everyone in delicious, bright, fruity colors. Founded by Sebastian Masuda, the 6%Dokidoki fashion line is the epitome of Japan’s kawaii subculture. This year, Ibuki is excited to announce that Sebastian Masuda and the 6%Dokidoki shop girls, featured in our 8th issue, will be at Sakura-Con to hold a Harajuku-style fashion show and discussion. “It’s about bringing happy anarchy to youth culture, says Masuda.

Photo © 6%DOKIDOKI, Masuda Sebastian


Sixh.Part band, part fashion line, Sixh. is a collaboration between IBI and MINT that was inspired by designer h.NAOTO. If that means something to you, then you’re already on your way to buy tickets to Sakura-Con. But if that seems like gibberish, let’s just say that Sixh. makes clothes that are part goth, part inspired by the host and hostess bar culture in Japan, and oh-so-very hip and cool. On stage, the music is surprisingly conventional and mildly indulgent, but the outfits are to die for. Expect lots of swooning from Sakura-Con fans.

SAKURA-CON 2011

Music & Fashion Guests

Character apparel and goods"Go with the HOBBY!"Our products are not only for your collection or display. You can wear it: use it in your daily life. We suggest the life with the character goods.

Core character goods Disguising costume Portrait, doll and figurine collection“Character goods for the enthusiast”We produce the character goods for the enthusiast who loves and cherishes the characters and their works. We make goods with love for the characters and works as one of their fans.

“Catching the costume we want to wear!”We produce the costume with high quality and lower price for your party and events. We familiarize the pleaser to disguising.

“Creating a new world with doll, figurine and You!”We produce products that combine the pleasure of figurine and the doll at the same time. You can create you own character world with your imagination.

COSPA Nijigen COSPA TRAnTRIp Resinya!Character apparel and goods Core character goods Disguising costume Portrait, doll and figurine“Go with the HOBBY!”Our products are not only for your collection or display. You can wear it: use it in your daily life. We suggest the life with the character goods.

“Character goods for the enthusiast”We produce the character goods for the enthusiast who loves and cherishes the characters and their works. We make goods with love for the characters and works as one of their fans.

“Catching the costume we want to wear!”We produce the costume with high quality and lower price for your party and events. We familiarize the pleaser to disguising.

“Creating a new world with doll, figurine and You!”We produce products that combine the pleasure of figurine and the doll at the same time. You can create you own character world with your imagination.

We have strong passion to arouse the big fan of “Characters” and their lifestyle to enthusiasm with our “Characters” products. With such strong view, the COSPA Inc. people who love “Characters” will support and arouse the big fan of “Characters”.

Visit our booth at Sakura-con 2011!!

Exis†traceThis female visual kei band delivers hard-driving rhythms and a dramatic, energetic stage show. Exis†trace features Jyou on vocals, Miko and Omi on guitar, Mally on drums and Naoto on bass. They’ve been cranking out straight-ahead tunes since 2003. While the music is almost old school in its intensity, the band’s hair, makeup and outfits are a mesmerizing mix of David Bowie androgyny, Marilyn Manson macabre and the traditional femme fatale. This band rocks.

Check out their first US single, TWIN GATE >>!

Photo © MONSTER’S INC. / JapanFiles

Photo © Sixh.


Local News and Events

EVENTS

CorrectionIn the January/February issue, the business hours shown in the Cafe Soleil advertisement were incorrect. We apologize for the error.

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural FestivalExplore Seattle’s deep connections with JapanWhen: April 1-3, 2011Where: Seattle Center House, Fisher PavilionAdmission: FreeLearn the game go, play with Japanese toys and participate in a tea ceremony demonstration, while you explore Seattle’s deep connections with Japan and celebrate the beauty of spring. The event is a feast for the senses. Delicious food, taiko drumming, Japanese artisan demon-strations, skateboard routines and artwork present both a modern and ancient view of this complex culture.

Spring Ikebana DemonstrationSee and enjoy the Japanese flower arrangementsWhen: April 14, 6-7pWhere: North Bellevue Community Center Room A, BellevueFee: Free

Megumi Schacher, a certified instructor of the modern Sogetsu School of ikebana, will give a free demonstration introducing the creative range of Sogetsu ikebana using flowers and native plant materials. Info: www.Ike-banaByMegumi.com (425) 744-9751

Nikkei Horizons Spring 2011 ClassesRegistration starts in mid March

The spring quarter of Nikkei Horizons, a continuing education program of Nikkei Concerns, is coming up in April. Registration begins on March 14. The organization offers many interesting classes such as cooking classes, yukata making and dressing classes, Hawaiian hula dancing and more! All classes and workshops require pre-registration.

Please see the schedule book at www.nikkeiconcerns.org or contact the Nikkei Horizons manager at (206) 726-6469.

Japanese Calligraphy WorkshopGreeting cards with origami artworkWhen: March 26, 3-5pmWhere: The Wing Luke Museum, SeattleAdmission: Free with admission to the museum

Local calligraphy artist Chiyo Sanada will give a workshop on Japanese calligraphy. Learn the significance of the tools, the his-tory of the characters and the traditions of this ancient art. Information: www.wing-luke.org / www.chiyosanada.com

Sakura-Con 2011The largest anime convention in the Pacific NorthwestWhen: April 22-24Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, SeattleAdmission: $50 for three days (pre-register by March 20th) / $35 Fri-day, $40 Saturday, $30 Sunday, $60 for three days at the door.

Presented by the Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association, Sakura-Con is the oldest and most well-attended anime convention in the Pacific Northwest. The huge event has anime theaters, gaming, cosplay contest, cultural panels, dances, concerts, art contests, over 100,000 square feet of exhibits hall and more! See page 26 to learn more about Sakura-Con 2011. This year, they will host exciting guests, including Sebastian Masuda from 6%DOKIDOKI!! Info: www.sakuracon.org*If you are under 18, please remember to bring your signed parent permis-sion form with you to registration.

Hanami Week at Miyabi RestaurantEnjoy cherry blossom decorations and the hanami bento!When: April 10-17Where: Miyabi Sushi Restaurant, 16820 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila

Miyabi Sushi on the Southcenter Park-way will hold Hanami Week during the second week of April. Hanami is the Jap-anese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers by eating and drink-ing under cherry blossoms with your friends. The restaurant will be decorated with cherry blossoms and will feature a special hanami menu that will include hanami bento, blossom roll, takoyaki and a jumbo hanami cocktail. Celebrate the spring season with Hanami Week!

Emerald City ComiconComic book and pop culture conventionWhen: March 4-6Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, SeattleAdmission: $15-35

Emerald City Comicon, the Northwest’s premier comic book and pop culture convention, is an all-ages event with an anticipated 25,000 people in attendance. Fans of comic books, animation, gaming, science fiction, fantasy

and good ole American people-watching descend on the Washington State Convention Center for this annual extravaganza! Info: www.emeraldcitycomicon.com


Maeda-en Culinary Matcha Recipe Contest Results Announced!Maeda-en, an Irvine-based Green Tea and Exotic Flavored Ice Cream company, revealed the winner of their “Maeda-en Matcha Recipe Contest.” The contest recipes featured the roll-out of their new product, Matcha Green Tea Powder-Culinary Quality. The Matcha (powdered green tea) contest drew 83 recipe submissions from major cities all across the United States. The Grand Prize went to Ms. Roxanne Chan for her unique recipe: Matcha Mixed Fruit Soup. Ms. Chan was awarded $500 and a Maeda-en Matcha Green Tea Pow-der Series Set in January. Two locals from Bothell and White Salmon, WA, were awarded prizes for their recipes, “Green Tea White Chocolate Cheesecake” and “Ticket to Tokyo Green Tea Almond Cheesecake.” Congratulations!!

Matcha Mixed Fruit Soup by Roxanne ChanIngredients (4 servings)1 cup white rice, cooked and cooled1 can (11.5 ounces) apricot nectar1 ripe banana, sliced2 cups apple juice2 Tbsp snipped mint2 Tbsp honey1 Tbsp Maeda-en Matcha Green Tea Powder1 Tbsp lime juiceGarnish: shredded fuyu persimmon or use your favorite fruit such as papaya or mangoPreparation : Blend all ingredients till smooth. Serve immediately or cover and chill before serving. Garnish each serving with persimmon.

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The Grand Prize Recipe

Documents

IBUKI Magazine Vol. 10 March & April 2011