New in December 2017

Kawahagi (Thread-sail Filefish) – Kawahagi literally means, “to skin,” as the skin is easy to remove. During the colder months, Kawahagi’s fat goes straight to its liver, giving the fish a rich, buttery flavor. The secret is truly in this fattened liver, which can be dissolved in soy sauce for dipping, or immersed momentarily in boiling water and placed on top of the sushi bite for a rare, decadent combination that is only available October through December.

Kawahagi

Seasonal Sake

Dewazakura Izumi Judan Ginjo – Dewazakura Izumi Judan Ginjo is a favorite amongst sake lovers and is perfect for those looking to delve into the world of sake. This refreshingly dry ginjo sake features delicate floral and berry aromatics and toasted rice notes, which pairs seamlessly with sushi or sashimi. Clean, fresh and well-balanced from start to finish, this sake is best served cold and perfect with our omakase.

December in Japan

Christmas – As we get ready to celebrate Christmas in the U.S., Japan is also gearing up for the holiday, which is more commercial and social than religious in nature. Japanese Christmas celebrations include trimming the tree, decorating, parties, and gift exchange, just like in the U.S., but Japan also has Christmas cake. Yes… a Christmas cake. The cake is made out of sponge cake and topped with white frosting, strawberries and of course “Merry Christmas” script.

Christmas in Japan

Oomisoka (New Year’s Eve) – If you think Christmas in Japan is a big deal, New Year’s Eve may be even bigger – it’s definitely the busiest day of the year. The festivities start in advance with a good, deep-cleaning of homes, symbolizing a clean start for the new year. From there, it is important to partake in Osechi, which is composed of a selection of small bites in a box, similar to a bento. Each dish holds a special meaning and symbolizes a different part of the new year.

Oomisoka

Toshikoshi Soba (Year Crossing Noodles) – On New Year’s Eve, the Japanese are expected to eat a lot of different things, including Year Crossing Noodles. Each New Year’s Eve soba noodles, or Year Crossing Noodles, are served as a symbol of letting go of hard times. As the noodles are cut, you cleanse yourself of any bad luck from the past year.

Toshikoshi Soba

Joya-no-Kane (The bells on New Year’s Eve) – Every New Year’s Eve Buddhist temples honor Joya-no-Kane, which translates to “discarding the old and welcoming the new,” by ringing their bells 108 times. The traditional ceremony starts on New Year’s Eve when Buddhist monks all over Japan ring their bells 107 times, and then the last bell on New Year’s Day, for a total of 108 rings. The harmonious tradition is intended to purge all earthly desires and bring good luck in the new year.

Joya-no-Kane

Nengajo (New Year’s Greeting Cards) – Add a unique twist to your holiday cards this year and send out Nengajo or New Year’s Greeting Cards. In Japan, these cards are sent to family, friends, co-workers and more by the first of each new year. By sending Negajos, ideally received on New Year’s Day, friends and loved ones know that they are thought of at the start of 2018.

Nengajo