Wagashi: Japan’s Sweet Little Wonders
When it comes to sweets, very few countries turn dessert into an art form quite like Japan, and wagashi are its shining stars. These traditional Japanese confections, often served with tea, are as much about aesthetics and symbolism as they are about taste. But what...
The culture of Kokuhaku: Confessing your love for someone- Japanese style!
February is the month of love, which got me thinking about a unique phenomenon that occurs almost daily in Japanese culture: the Kokuhaku (告白/ こくはく) or love confession. I have been a high school teacher for many years in Tokyo, where I have witnessed this culture...
Christmas in Japan x KFC mania
Fried Kentucky chicken is synonymous with Christmas in Japan, and it's not just a small-scale occurrence; it's a significant cultural event. This is somewhat similar to how the “Choice Assorted" biscuits are associated with Christmas in South Africa. If you find...
Japanese investors muscle in on African start-up scene
Japanese investors at GITEX Africa say they are taking an increasing interest in African markets partly because of the demographic and economic issues the East Asian country is facing. Japanese public and private enterprises, led by the Japan External Trade...
Japanese private sector gains ground in Africa but caution still reigns
The Japanese government has tried to capitalise on the power of the private sector to advance its foreign policy in Africa, but investors remain notoriously risk-averse. With Africa now the venue of increasingly high levels of geopolitical competition,...
Part Three: Hoseki Wonderland
Hoseki Wonderland R2200 per person for the tasting menu After an hour's drive from Cape Town into Stellenbosch, we finally arrive at the Delaire Graff Estate with its famous cheetah statues carved by artist Dylan Lewis. The initial beauty of the surrounding nature was...
Where do you go for the best Japanese food in the Western Cape, South Africa?
There are three South African restaurants in the Western Cape that are absolutely nailing the Japanese taste experience. Our two reviewers, Emma and Owen, both Japan-food enthusiasts who have travelled Japan far and wide in search of the best food, set their sights on...
Part Two: A trip to Fyn
A Trip to Fyn R1375 per person for the tasting menu After wandering past the District Six Museum down the road, we were ushered upstairs in the lift, to a stunning glass-encased restaurant where the waiters were extremely friendly and helpful and urged us to hang up...
Part One: Our Adventure to Momiji
Our Adventure to Momiji at Tjing Tjing R595 per person for the tasting menu Momiji - meaning autumn leaves in Japanese - at Tjing Tjing has a set menu which is only available at certain times of the year. We gleefully got one of those rare bookings and excitedly...