Today’s topic is one of those quirky aspects of Japanese food culture that recently blew up on X (formerly Twitter) .

The story began with a simple everyday exchange:
A wife asked her husband, “What would you like for lunch today?”
He casually replied, “Somen is fine” .

So… what’s the problem here?
Notice how he said “Somen is fine” instead of “I want somen.” That small difference is what triggered the debate .

For context, somen are very thin white noodles that Japanese families often eat during the summer . They cook quickly, and on the surface, they seem like an easy meal .

But here’s the catch . By saying “Somen is fine,” the husband implied that preparing somen is effortless . Many women strongly disagreed, sparking a heated discussion online .

Some of the counterarguments went like this:

• You can’t just serve plain somen! You also need side dishes and condiments , which makes it a lot of work.
• Serving style matters . Somen isn’t usually dumped in a bowl. To make it easy to eat, you often have to twist small portions neatly with a fork , which is surprisingly time-consuming .

The reasoning behind these complaints makes sense :

• Nutrition: Somen alone lacks protein and vitamins , so most women feel responsible for adding side dishes with proper nutrition.
• Flavor: Just dipping noodles in sauce gets boring , so toppings like green onions or myoga (a fragrant Japanese herb) are considered essential.
• Texture: Because somen noodles are so thin, they dry out and stick together quickly . If you serve them in a heap, they clump into something that looks like a tangled ball of yarn . That’s why restaurants often present somen in small, bite-sized portions .

In short, what looks like a “lazy meal” to some, actually requires a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes effort .

”Somen, From a Woman’s Point of View”

”Somen, From a Man’s Point of View”

I couldn’t help but think this whole controversy was so typically Japanese .

You see, I once lived in the UK, and the standard “packed lunch” there was something like this: two plain slices of bread (with nothing in between) , an apple or banana , a chunk of cheese , and maybe a bag of crisps —all tossed into a lunch bag .

In contrast, a Japanese bento usually looks like the photo below : several homemade side dishes neatly arranged in a box. When a Japanese school says “Please bring a bento,” this is exactly what they mean .

I still remember my shock the first time I received a British-style lunch pack. It was such a different idea of what a “proper meal” should be!

Of course, preparing a Japanese-style bento takes a lot of time , effort , and even money . This is one of the ways Japanese food culture can feel… a bit demanding .

Honestly, I sometimes think:
Why not just serve plain noodles ?
Why not skip the side dishes ?
Why not pile the somen straight onto a plate , even if it’s a little hard to eat ? It would still count as a meal .

But in reality, most Japanese people (especially women ) feel compelled to add that “extra care” . Simply serving plain somen isn’t seen as acceptable .

This mindset is part of what makes life in Japan feel a little rigid at times , and why Japanese service culture is often described as “too much” .

So, what do you think ? If you’re reading this from abroad , I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments !

Until we meet again! 

Please consider signing up for our newsletter as well! Thank you very much〜

ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITAー！（ありがとうございましたー）

Stay Informed with Our Newsletter!

Don’t miss out on the latest updates and exciting news! Subscribe to our newsletter today and be the first to know about upcoming  information.

The post 🍜 Is Somen a “Lazy Meal”? — The Quirky Side of Japanese Food Culture first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.

Japan is the only country to have experienced a nuclear attack in war. Yet, in the years that followed, it rose from the devastation and rebuilt itself into a major global economy.

Every year on August 6th, people across Japan remember the victims of the bombing and reflect on the importance of peace. It’s a day to mourn, to hope, and to consider what each of us can do to help build a more peaceful world.

A memorial ceremony was held at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park today.
Below is the full speech delivered by Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki.

Peace Message

On this day, which marks the 80th year after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, on behalf of all people of Hiroshima Prefecture, I wish to offer my humble and sincere prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing. I would also like to extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and express my heartfelt sympathies to the hibakusha, the atomic bomb survivors, who are suffering even today.

Shortly after the atomic bombing, it was said that not a single grass or tree would grow in Hiroshima for 75 years. Five years have already passed since that milestone, and Hiroshima has undergone dramatic transformation, marked by the opening of a new station building – now the third generation since the bombing. Many tourists are visiting the city from around the world, and we see Hiroshima has become a peaceful, thriving city. At the same time, however, we are aware that the prosperity we are enjoying today is fragile, as the international situation shifts from one based on the rule of law and diplomacy to a world ruled by overt violence.

Given this situation, some people argue that the importance of nuclear deterrence is growing. Is this really so? Certainly, the concept of deterrence may be necessary to prevent the outbreak of wars but there are limitations. Since the Peloponnesian War in ancient Greece, deterrence supported by the balance of power has been broken repeatedly. This is because it is ultimately a psychological construct or an idea that exists only in our minds. Unlike universal laws such as law of universal gravitation, deterrence is not an undeniable truth but a fiction.

Deterrence has been broken by over-confident leaders, extreme egoism, pressure from an agitated populace, and widespread misunderstandings or misconceptions. As Japan started the Pacific War despite its overwhelming disadvantage in the balance of power, human beings do not always make rational decisions, which is a fundamental assumption of deterrence theory, especially nuclear deterrence theory.

In fact, nuclear deterrence has not been safely sustained over the past 80 years, but has, at times, been on the brink of collapse. Historical records reveal several instances where the risk of nuclear catastrophe was averted only because of intentional breaches of protocol and the refusal to launch a nuclear missile.

An ancient Chinese poet once wrote, “Ruined is the nation; remain the mountains and rivers.” In the past, the foundation for reconstruction remained even after a nation was ruined by the breakdown of deterrence.

“Remains the nation; ruined are the mountains and rivers.”

Should nuclear deterrence fail someday, as suggested by historical evidence, and should nuclear war occur, it would be impossible to save the human race and the earth from unrecoverable devastation.

What is the meaning of national security if it protects only the concept of a nation but has possibility to lead unrecoverable end for its land and people?

Deterrence does not simply refer to a balance of military power, but it also encompasses broader elements such as soft power and diplomacy. To ensure the sustainability of humanity even if deterrence fails, we must eliminate nuclear weapons as a component of deterrence. Reportedly, more than 14 trillion yen is spent annually to maintain nuclear deterrence. What we must do now is to invest just one tenth of this amount into resources and knowledge to build a new security system without nuclear weapons.

Nuclear abolition is not a far-off lodestar shining in the sky. As a hibakusha, who was pinned under a collapsed building, crawled towards a ray of light little by little in the darkness and ultimately escaped the rubble with her life, we must pursue the abolition of nuclear weapons. It is a tangible, realistic goal within our reach, the failure of which could mean death.

“Don’t give up! Keep pushing! See the light? Crawl towards it.”*

Many hibakusha who were unable to escape the rubble died in darkness and agony. To honor their memory, we must never give up, and continue to crawl persistently towards the light of nuclear abolition, ensuring the lives and security of the human race and the earth.

Lastly, Hiroshima Prefecture will never stop its efforts towards nuclear abolition. With this vow, I would like to conclude my message of peace.

August 6, 2025

Hidehiko Yuzaki

Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture

Source: Official Website of the Hiroshima Prefectural Government

We must never allow such a tragedy to happen again.
As a parent of a young child, I sincerely hope that the future they grow up in will be one of lasting peace.

In his speech, Prime Minister Ishiba concluded with a poignant poem about children.
It reminded us to carry the sorrow of those who came before us, while also reflecting on our own responsibility—and the potential we hold—as people living in the present.

Address by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony

Affixed to the Monument of the A bombed Teachers and Students of National Elementary Schools, located in the green space adjoining Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, we find Ms. SHODA Shinoe’s tanka poem, which reads, “The heavy bone must be a teacher’s. The small skulls beside it must be students gathered around.” With a flood of emotions as I reflect deeply on those words, I hereby conclude my address.

ISHIBA Shigeru
Prime Minister of Japan 
August 6, 2025

Source: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan

The post 80 Years Since Hiroshima: A Call for Peace and the Future of Our Children first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.

My main purpose? To pray for fertility blessings. 

For my fertility prayer, I visited Okazaki Shrine in Kyoto. This historic shrine was founded in 794, at the same time as the capital was moved to Heian-kyo (now Kyoto). Located in the Okazaki area near Heian Shrine, it is well known for its adorable rabbit motifs.

The Rabbits of Okazaki Shrine

In Japan, many people visit shrines that offer blessings for various aspects of life—such as wealth, health, success, or safe childbirth—before taking on new challenges. I am no exception!

Rabbits are believed to be the messengers of the gods at Okazaki Shrine, and you can find rabbit statues throughout the grounds!

 [Insert photo of lined-up rabbit statues]

As I walked further, I found a temizuya (purification fountain) on the left-hand side. Among the many white, cute rabbit statues, one stood out—the “Kodakara Usagi” (Child-Blessing Rabbit). Unlike the others, this rabbit has a solemn, black shine, giving it a sacred presence.

(Temizuya: A water basin at shrines where visitors purify their hands and mouth before praying.)

It is said that if you pour water over this Kodakara Usagi and gently rub its belly while making a wish, you will be blessed with a child. Of course, I followed this tradition! Interestingly, I did the same ritual back in 2020, and soon after, I found out I was expecting my first child! So, this time, I also visited to express my gratitude. 

 [Insert photo of the black rabbit]

Nearby, there were many ema (wooden prayer plaques) hung by visitors wishing for fertility and safe childbirth. These ema feature adorable rabbit designs!

Praying at the Main Shrine

Next, I proceeded to the haiden (main worship hall) for my prayer.

At Japanese shrines, the proper way to pray is through the “Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow” method:

1⃣ Bow twice deeply. 2⃣ Clap your hands twice. 3⃣ Make your prayer. 4⃣ Bow once more.

I made my prayer with all my heart!

Lucky Charms and Omikuji

After my prayer, I visited the Juyosho (Amulet Office) to purchase a Kodakara Omamori (Fertility Charm). Hoping for the best!

Okazaki Shrine is also famous for its adorable omikuji (fortune slips)! Remember the row of rabbits in my first photo? Those are actually rabbit-shaped omikuji!

(Omikuji: Fortune slips found at shrines and temples, predicting luck in various aspects of life.)

Inside each rabbit figurine, there is a small piece of paper with your fortune and advice for the future—kind of like a Japanese fortune cookie!

These lucky rabbits are too cute to part with, so many visitors keep them as decorations for good luck.

Leaving with a Grateful Heart

After receiving so much positive energy from these charming rabbits, I bowed once again at the torii gate before leaving.

For those considering fertility prayers—or any other wishes such as love or success—I highly recommend visiting Okazaki Shrine. Let these sacred rabbits bless you with happiness and fortune!

Wishing you all the best and may happiness find its way to you!

The post A Prayer Journey to Okazaki Shrine: The Fertility Shrine of Japan🐇⛩️✨ first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.

Hello everyone! I’m MIMI.

KONNICHIWAー！（こんにちは）

What’s the Children’s Day?

In Japan, May 5th is celebrated as Children’s Day, also known as Tango no Sekku. Children’s Day is a day to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of all children.Originally, Tango no Sekku was a day to celebrate and pray for the growth and happiness of boys, but in 1948 it was established as a national holiday to pray for the growth and happiness of all children.

How to spend the Children’s Day

So, how is “Children’s Day” celebrated specifically?

As Children’s Day approaches, many houses and shops decorate with “Koinobori”!!

The carp is a symbol of Japan, known for being a strong fish that swims vigorously even in fast-flowing rivers. The term “koi no taki-nobori” (carp climbing the waterfall) is often used to symbolize strength and perseverance.

What does a “Koinobori(carp streamer)” look like?

Typically, “Koinobori” are made of paper, cloth, or non-woven fabric, featuring carp designs that flutter in the wind.At the top of the pole, there is a rotating ball or a basket ball, followed by a five-colored streamer, and then carp are lined up in order of size from the top: black carp, red carp, and blue carp…

Generally, the koinobori displayed outside are called “koinobori,” while those displayed indoors are referred to as “kazari-koi.”

Kazo City, famous for carp streamers

Kazo City in Saitama Prefecture is famous for producing these “koinobori”. The “Asahi Koi” from Kazo is especially well-known and has even been presented to the Crown Prince for his first Boy’s Festival.

I went to see 100 of these Asahi Koi displayed at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo!

They were fluttering high in the sky. Although they looked small due to the height, each carp is about 3 to 5 meters long. All of these koinobori are from Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture. One of the contributors, “Kichigetsu Kaikan Sato Ushigoro Shoten,” has the honor of presenting koinobori to Emperor of Japan.

Kichigetsu Kaikan

Let’s take a look at “Kichigetsu Kaikan” website:
https://meloemi03061994.wixsite.com/kichigetsu

The shop is about an hour’s drive or just under two hours by train from Tokyo. In addition to koinobori, they also handle various Japanese dolls, such as hina dolls and hamayumi (traditional decorative arrows). These items each have their own history and cultural significance, which I will introduce to you another time!

Until we meet again! 

Please consider signing up for our newsletter as well! Thank you very much〜

ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITAー！（ありがとうございましたー）

Stay Informed with Our Newsletter!

Don’t miss out on the latest updates and exciting news! Subscribe to our newsletter today and be the first to know about upcoming  information.

The post 100 Koinobori Swimming in the Sky!!! first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.

KONNICHIWAー！（こんにちは）

Today, I’d like to introduce a delicious seafood bowl “Kaisen-don”, which happens to be one of my favorites and is also a renowned specialty in Japan!

1. What is Kaisen-don!?

A delightful and savory dish, the seafood bowl, or “kaisen-don“, is a Japanese culinary masterpiece that showcases the ocean’s bounty in a single, delectable bowl. This dish typically features an assortment of fresh and raw seafood served on a bed of vinegared rice.

The star of the show is a medley of sashimi-grade seafood, including succulent slices of raw fish like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. These premium seafood selections are often accompanied by other ocean treasures such as sweet shrimp, sea urchin, and octopus, each contributing its unique flavor and texture.

To enhance the overall dining experience, the seafood bowl may be garnished with shredded nori (seaweed), pickled ginger, and wasabi. Some variations also incorporate a drizzle of soy sauce or a dollop of a special soy-based marinade to elevate the flavors further.

The kaisen-don not only tantalizes the taste buds with its rich umami and briny notes but also provides a satisfying and wholesome meal. Its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and exquisite flavors make it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and a testament to the culinary finesse of Japanese cuisine. 

2. Recommended Restaurant: Tsujihan

While there are numerous places offering delicious seafood bowls, this time I’d like to introduce one of my favorite seafood bowl restaurants!

～ Nihonbashi Kaisen-don Tsujihan ～

Tsujihan has locations in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi and Nihonbashi near Tokyo Station. They offer a slightly unusual style of seafood bowl.

Here it is – a presentation that’s a bit different. They serve it with all the ingredients already mixed together.

The dish is presented with the ingredients already mixed. On top of a combination of white fish and fatty tuna, they generously add sea urchin, salmon roe, and tuna.

The sashimi on the upper left in the photo is meant to be enjoyed half as sashimi and half to be left untouched. Now, can you guess why?

Well, the truth is, the restaurant has a recommended way to eat it!

First, start by drizzling the yolk soy sauce (soy sauce mixed with raw egg yolk) over the ingredients, breaking them apart. Enjoy them together with the white rice.

When you’ve consumed about one-third of the bowl, politely request, “Dashi o-negai shimasu” (Please add broth), and the chef will pour dashi (broth) into your bowl. It looks something like this:

Place the sashimi, which you saved earlier, into the hot bowl with the poured dashi and enjoy!

This way, you get to savor the seafood bowl with cold ingredients and then experience a hot seafood dashi tea ceremony. It’s incredibly delicious! What’s more, the prices start from just 1,250 yen! (about 11.5$,10.2€,8.7£)

There are four courses available – Special, Pine, Bamboo, and Plum, each offering different quantities of ingredients.

3.Store Information ”Nihonbashi-Tsujihan”

There are several locations, but here are the details for the four stores in Tokyo!

• Tsujihan Nihonbashi Main Store (5-minute walk from Tokyo Station!)
  • Address: 1F Kyuei Building, 3-1-15 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
  • TEL: 03-6262-0823
    
• Tsujihan Kagurazaka Store
  • Address: 3-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
  • TEL: 03-6265-0571
    
• Tsujihan Ark Hills Store
  • Address: 3F Ark Mori Building, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  • TEL: 03-6277-6385
    
• Tsujihan Tokyo Midtown Store
  • Address: B-1 Tokyo Midtown West Building, 9-7-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  • TEL: 03-6271-5067

When you come to Japan, be sure to give it a try

Some of the locations also offer delivery through Uber!

Until we meet again! 

Please consider signing up for our newsletter as well! 

Thank you very much～

ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITAー！（ありがとうございましたー）

Stay Informed with Our Newsletter!

Don’t miss out on the latest updates and exciting news! Subscribe to our newsletter today and be the first to know about upcoming  information.

The post Delicious!! Seafood Bowl (Kaisen-don かいせんどん) first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.

Hello everyone! I’m MIMI.

KONNICHIWAー！（こんにちは）

I was born and raised in Tokyo, where I currently work as a businessman. I have a husband and one child. The place I usually spend my time is near Tokyo Station, a central hub in Japan that every traveler is sure to pass through. Additionally, I live near “Roppongi,” a famous area known for its tourist attractions.

Now, if you’ve come to check out this blog, I assume you have an interest in Japanese culture. With that in mind, I’ve started a blog called “MIMI’s JAPAN” because I want everyone to discover more fascinating aspects of Japan.

Japan is a country with many wonderful aspects. When people talk about Japan, they often mention affordable and delicious meals, the birthplace of entertainment like anime and manga, the high functionality of toilets, the safety, punctual trains, and the convenience of 24-hour convenience stores, among other things. As for the Japanese people, they are often described as polite, orderly, adept at forming queues, kind (for instance, returning lost items as they are), and possessing a strong spirit of service.

On the flip side, there are aspects that might seem peculiar when viewed from abroad. Why use a seal (hanko) instead of a signature? There’s someone sleeping on the side of the road after having too much to drink! Students sleeping in class? Why is there no litter on the streets? Everyone wears masks for a surprisingly long time, and so on.

In this blog, I won’t be presenting Japan from the perspective of a foreigner but rather as a pure Japanese, MIMI, who has been living in Japan for a long time. I’ll introduce the true Japanese culture, delicious eateries, nice spots, and occasionally, some quirky aspects of Japanese culture.

Whether you’re planning to travel to Japan, have a business trip scheduled, have an interest in Japanese culture, love Japanese food, or are a fan of Japanese anime, I hope to provide valuable information for all of you. Please feel free to check it out!

If there’s any content you’d like to know more about, please feel free to leave a comment! I’ll do my best to incorporate your suggestions.

See you again soon!

ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITAー！（ありがとうございましたー）

MIMI

The post I’m MIMI! Greetings!! first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.