Monthly Archive July 2014

ByRay Proper
Jul 28, 2014

Ossu Brasil – Great Rotisserie Chicken in Osu, Nagoya

1Since 1994, Osso Brasil has been serving up great Brazilian food in Osu. Long a popular spot amongst the foreign population, it is most famous as “that place with the really good rotisserie chicken in Osu.” For about 1600 yen, you get the whole roasted bird; don’t bother asking about half orders; you won’t get one.

You can smell the chicken roasting long before you get to the shop, which is great because you will be good and hungry when you arrive. It comes with a mix of chopped pickled cabbage and peppers that is really spicy and very tasty. Be prepared though, the whole thing is salty, and beer is recommended- mostly by me. They also have salads and bread (cheese bread, meat bread, etc) that are quite tasty, but the chicken is the main draw.
If, like most people, you are not able to finish a whole chicken in one sitting (amateur!) fear not, I have the answer to your problem. 5 ways to use rotisserie chicken at home!

 


(shop contact details below)


Recipes for Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

Breakfast
BBQ Chicken and Cheddar Omelet
I realize BBQ for breakfast might sound a bit strange; however, the flavors in this omelet will surely get your day off to the right start. I prefer vinegar-based sauces, but feel free to choose your favorite brand of sauce to use in this recipe. (Prep 10 minutes, Cook 10 minutes, Serves 1)

Lunch
Chicken Salad
Rotisserie cooked chickens make great chicken salads because their meat is moist and tender. Serve on toasted bread for a sandwich, or alongside some sliced tomatoes, a hardboiled egg, and a few dill pickles for a complete lunch. Keeps up to 3 days covered and refrigerated. (Prep 10 minutes, Assembly 5 minutes, Serves 4)

Snack
Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas
I’ve yet to meet a man who didn’t like quesadillas; yet I’ve met many men who surprisingly don’t know how to make this simple dish at home. I’ve kept it simple with this version, only adding in a few extra spices to ramp up flavor. I find that using the dark meat chicken adds more moisture and flavor. (Prep 5 minutes, Cook 15 minutes, Serves 4)

Soup
Chicken and Orzo Soup
Forget about heating up that stuff in the can. This soup is perfect for a cool winter evening, or even a sick day at home. Purchase a high-quality chicken stock for a more authentic home-made taste. (Prep 20 minutes, Cook 30 minutes, Serves 4)

Dinner
Easy Chicken Divan
This is a step outside the box for me as I’m not typically a casserole kind of guy. Served along with rice and a green salad, this is a great comforting meal that is sure to satisfy the entire family. (Prep 15 minutes, Cook 45 Minutes, Serves 4)

To see the full recipes please see the Art of Manliness Blog


OSSO BRASIL 

Nagoya, Naka ku, Osu 3-41-13
052-238-5151
10:30-19:00
Closed Mondays
Google Maps

ByRay Proper
Jul 28, 2014

Securing your Home in Nagoya Against Burglary

Although a very safe country to live in generally, not even Japan is completely free of crime.  It is easy to let one’s guard down living in a safe and comfortable city like Nagoya, but continued awareness and vigilance will ensure the safety of your home and family.

The goal of this article is not to frighten you, but to acknowledge that crime and burglaries happen, even in super safe Japan,  and to outline for our clients and readers simple methods available to prevent you from becoming a victim of burglary in Japan.

Home Burglaries in Japan

Home burglaries are an unlikely possibility in Japan, but  it is important not to let one’s guard down as they do occur. As a matter of fact, Aichi Prefecture has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the prefecture with the highest number of home burglary incidents five years in a row (2008-2013).

Although the number of burglaries varies significantly from year to year, the number of incidents remains high overall in Aichi Prefecture when compared to Japan as a whole. The Meito Ku Police Department reported 226 incidents of burglary in 2012; a 3.7% increase over 2011’s total of 218. As a whole, both Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture saw a slight decrease in incidents between 2011 and 2012 (a 12% decrease from 4,159 to 3,660 and a 12.8% decrease of 13,121 to 11,441 respectively).

The most significant increases in burglaries were the 25.5% reported by Showa-ku (home to the Yagoto area) and Meito-ku’s 3.7%. Coupled with the overall decrease in incidents, these numbers suggest that burglars are becoming more strategic, targeting more affluent areas.

The graphs below illustrate the increase in burglaries that Meito-ku experienced between 2011 and 2012 despite relevant declines in Nagoya City as a whole. Even one burglary incident in the expat community can be very shocking, with word of mouth traveling quickly. But rather than succumbing to free-floating worry about the possibility of a break-in, we would like to introduce some of the many preventative measures you can take to protect your home.

* According to the Aichi Prefecture Police

Preventing Home Burglaries in Japan

The good news is that there are many simple measures you can take to protect your home from falling victim to home invasion. As you can see from the below graph, the methods criminals commonly use to break and enter are actually quite simple. This is good news because it means simple precautionary measures can greatly reduce the possibility of your home being robbed.

* According to the Meito Police Department

Taking These Preventative Measures Against Home Burglaries

Burglary prevention doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming; the most effective measures are often the simplest. Police in Japan advise the use of common sense, and to:

  • Lock all doors and windows even when you are going to be away from your residence for only a short period of time.
  • Use double locks on your doors and windows if they exist, or look into purchasing door jams and additional stoppers for sliding doors and windows.  A simple stick placed in a sliding door jamb will suffice.
  • Talk with your neighbors about your regular day-to-day schedules and inform them if you are going to be away for long periods of time.
  • Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions when planning to be away for long periods of time and have your neighbors collect your mail at regular intervals, or have your mail stopped at the post office for up to 30 days with this form (in Japanese)
  • Leave lamps, stereos, etc. on when you know you are to be away in the early morning or evening. If your Sky Perfect TV system is linked up to an amplifier, one simple thing to do would be to leave the sound of BBC or CNN on to create the illusion of voices coming from inside.
  • Purchase timers to place on your lamps, radios, etc. and set them to come on and off when you are not around or are asleep.
  • Don’t leave valuable items on the seat of your car or close to windows in your home.

Buying Simple Security Equipment

While exercising simple precautions will do much to help you avoid break-ins, for additional peace of mind you may be interested in buying some added security equipment. There is a wide variety of home security items available for purchase throughout Japan. Here are just a few examples of items you can purchase to better protect your home. These types of items can usually be purchased from home centers, electronic stores, or life-style stores like Tokyu Hands.

  • Timers: Automatic timers are a great way to have lights, TVs, radios or other appliances turn on at specified times to give potential thieves the impression that there is somebody at home. There are a good variety of timers available on the Japanese domestic market.
  • Security Lights: Security lights are an effective deterrent. Typically installed on the outside of the property, motion-activated security lights can be a great way to scare off a thief on the prowl. There is a large range of security lights available on the Japanese domestic market, and many of them  require only a minimal amount of effort to install.
  • Simple Alarms: There are some good simple alarm systems that you can employ easily without having to invest in a security company to install and maintain. Some alarms systems will even call or mail your mobile telephone when activated.
  • Window Film: Window film is a very cheap, and effective theft prevention measure. As seen in the above the crime statistics, breaking a glass door or window is by far the most common method of entry. Window film can be used to easily protect against this. Placing the film on windows in areas close to locks, burglars are restricted in their ability to make holes in the glass to reach in and “flick up” door catches. While window film may not completely block entry into your home, coupling it with sliding door locks and other simple deterrents creates much more work for burglars trying to enter a home.
  • Door Jams: These are very effective Western-style homes because one of the sliding doors is typically fixed in place. Simple door jams such as timber measured to fit the door are highly recommended. For Japanese-style homes, however, door-jams are not effective, as both sliding doors move and it is difficult to successfully jam both. For Japanese style homes we would recommend the following alternative.
  • Sliding Door and Window Locks: Although a little more expensive, these are a  better alternative for securing sliding doors and windows. Locks for both sliding doors and windows are very cheap and there is very little difference in price between the purely screw type and the ones that actually have locks and keys

Buying or Renting a Home Security System in Japan

SECOM is the most widely used security company in Japan. Once installed, your residence would be monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a week by infrared sensors within your residence and sensors on the doors and windows. SECOM offers lease systems that can be fitted without making any holes in walls. These are perfect for rental homes and the system that we highly recommend for superior security.

As SECOM really does provide the highest quality security available in Japan, we recommend their services to anyone seeking protection “above and beyond.”  As of the writing of this article, SECOM provides the following sample fees as an approximate estimate (in JPY):

*The above figures are provided for reference only. Actual costs vary.

In addition to the standard SECOM security package above, SECOM offers a variety of other items including safes, camera surveillance, biometric identification systems, etc. You can find out more about the services offered by SECOM by visiting their homepage.

Renter’s, home owner’s or “contents” Insurance Policies

We have shown you a wide variety of options at your disposal to prevent burglaries at home. However, no method is 100% foolproof and to prepare for the unexpected, we suggest that you purchase a reasonable amount of additional insurance coverage “just in case.” We say additional because, as you might already be aware, tenants in Japan are required to enroll in housing insurance upon signing a lease contract. It is important to note that this mandatory housing insurance is for liability purposes (to protect against damages to another apartment should your water break, for example), and such policies offer very minimal coverage for other damages such as theft or fire.

If you are interested in learning more about additional insurance protection for your self or your family, please contact us.  Our Partner, Hoken Sogo Kenkyujyo Co, Ltd (HSK), can answer any questions you might have or help you enroll in a policy that offers an appropriate level of protection for your needs.

www.japanhomesearch.com/insurance

ByBert Wishart
Jul 22, 2014

Ise Grand Shrine, Mie – One of the Most Sacred Spots in Japan

ise-shrine-mieJapanese folklore has it that Yata no kagami, or the “eight hand mirror,” was brought to earth by Ninigi-no-Mikoto; legendary ancestor of the Japanese imperial line.  The mirror is one of the Three Imperial Regalia or Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, and possession is passed from emperor to emperor to confirm the divine right of succession.

The Imperial Regalia of Japan consists of a sword “Kusanagi no Tsurugi,”  the mirror”Yata no kagami,” and a jewel “Yasakani no Magatama.”  The Three Imperial Regalia represent the three primary virtues: valor (sword), wisdom (mirror), and benevolence (jewel).   All these treasures are shrouded in mystery, and none has been seen by any living soul, save the emperor and a few select priests in a long, long time.

Not being able to see the sacred mirror, however, is no reason skip the shrine in which it is held; Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) in Ise city, Mie prefecture.

Ise Grand Shrine (Jingu)

Ise Grand Shrine is officially titled Jingu.  It lies a mere 90 minute train journey from Nagoya, and is one of the three most important shrines in Japan; the others being Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya (which holds the sword “Kusanagi no Tsurugi”), and Meiji shrine in Tokyo. Visiting Jingu is a a pilgrimage that all Japanese are encouraged to make at least once in their lifetime, and it is undertaken by some  7.5 million people annually. Set on a 13,600 acre forest, the two main shrines of Jingu are comprised of a fully 123 shrines, in addition to the main Geku and Naiku Shrines.

Geku Shrine

Tradition dictated that pilgrams were to visit 1500-year-old Geku Shrine first, and this is a custom still followed to this day by everyone from the casual daytripper to the Imperial family itself. With an associated 32 Shinto sanctuaries, there are plenty of places of worship, including Kaguraden, a hall for special prayer. However, the focal point of Geku is its main sanctuary Totoukedaijingu, the place where Toyouke Omikami, the kami of industry and architecture is worshipped.

Naiku Shrine

Established some 2000 years ago, Naiku is the most important of the two major shrines, and visitors with time constrictions are advised to make it their first port of call. The main entrance to Naiku is the Uji bridge, a 100 metre long wooden bridge that marks the entrance from our world to that of the sacred. The causeway through the shrine shadows the flow of Isuzu river which, at a point called Mitatrashi, is used to perform the cleansing ritual of ablution; the washing of the left hand, then the right followed by rinsing the mouth so as to enter the shrine clean. Eventually the path takes you to the main sanctuary, Kotaijingu, where Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral kami of the imperial family, is enshrined. General worshipers may only approach the outer of four gates.

Rebuilding the Structures

The various structures themselves are built of wood, and are of reserved designs; classic examples of pure Japanese architecture, showing almost no evidence of outside influence from mainland Asian culture. The sanctuaries of Kotaijingu and Totoukedaijingu, as well as the Uji Bridge, are moved and rebuilt afresh every twenty years. This reflects the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi, the impermanence of all things beautiful.

This practice, last occurring in 2013 ensures that the buildings have retained their original 2,000 year old form, as well as keeping alive the traditional carpentry techniques that are passed down from generation to generation. The main shrine is rebuilt on a cleared site adjacent to the old one, and alternates between the two sites. The next scheduled rebuild is of Naiku in 2033.

Oharai dori and Okage Yokocho.

Oharai dori and Okage Yokocho perhaps keep with another Japanese tradition of sorts, that being one of commerce amongst tourism. Found at the foot of the Uji bridge, Oharai dori is a street lined with restaurants and eateries as well as shops peddling various souvenirs, handcrafts and sake. It was traditionally the passage by which those making the pilgrimage to Naiku followed, perhaps pausing for sustenance and shelter along the way.

Okage Yokocho is a recreated Japanese market, giving the visitor a glimpse into how the area may have seemed  in ancient times, with further restaurants and stalls as well as holding festival events throughout the year. Visitors to this area are advised to try the Matsusaka beef croquettes as, not only are they delicious, should you fail to do so, you may seriously shock your Japanese friends and coworkers. Seafood fans can enjoy oysters or awabi (abalone) intriguingly grilled by blowtorch.

Getting Around

Both shrines can be accessed from Nagoya by either Iseshi station – 90 minutes on JR or Kintetsu lines – or Ujiyamada station – 100 minutes by Kintetsu. Busses run regularly from outside both stations and take approximately twenty minutes to get to Naiku, while Iseshi station is a short five-minute walk to Gaku shrine.

Naiku and Geku are several kilometers from each other and there is a bus service that can be picked up outside the Geku shrine, and is sign posted in English.

Ise Shrine

1 Ujitachi-cho, Ise, Mie 516-0023, Japan  – Google Map
Tel: 0596-24-1111
www.isejingu.or.jp

By Mark Guthrie

Image - By N yotarou (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons- Modified
ByRay Proper
Jul 16, 2014

Gattan Go!! Rail Mountain Biking in Hida Gifu

rail_mountain_bike_gifuLooking for an interesting family day trip and adventure?  You may enjoy enjoy Gattan Go!!,  an innovative hybrid of bicycle and railroad comprised of two bikes linked to each other and set on an out-of-service railroad line in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture.   You have a variety of options of bicycle, some powered by pedal, some are “motor assisted.”

The bike course is 5.8km round trip;  downhill out, but uphill on the way back, and takes about 1 hour to go from Okuhida Onsenguchi Station to Kamioka Kozanmae Station on the former Kamioka Railway Line, and back.  The course features views of the mountains and local villages, and the thrill of passing over bridges and through two pitch black railway tunnels; all to the the sound and vibration of the tracks as you speed along them.

This is a great way to get the kids out and into a natural setting in a safe and simple way.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (in Japanese only), or emailing (English OK).  See the website for more information.


Gattan Go!! Rail Mountain Biking

Photo: Nagoya International Center (modified)
By
Jul 14, 2014

English Speaking Hairdressers in Tokyo

vipcreative_hair_tokyoIn a large city such as Tokyo, not excelling in Japanese isn’t too much of a problem. Tokyoites are accustomed to foreigners being around, and understand that we may be less than fluent. In daily lives gestures and body language are often readily acceptable as communicative currency. However, for some things signaling is not quite enough, sometimes a misunderstanding can have lasting consequences.

A trip to the hairdresser is one of those times. As anyone who has ever had a completely botched hairstyle can tell you, there is nothing worse than spending your days looking like you lost a fight with a lawnmower, simply because you confused the Japanese for ‘just a slight trim please’ with ‘make me look like Donald Trump on a bad day’.

However, if you know where to look, Tokyo abounds with hairdressers of high repute who, not only know their clipper grades one, two and three, but also have a masterful command of their A, B and Cs.

The list below is for information purposes only and are not endorsements.
Prices are listed for standard cuts (excluding colorings, perms etc.)

Sin Den

Stylists to stars as diverse as Yoko Ono, Alanis Morissette, My Chemical Romance and James Blunt, Sin Den specializes in the foreign hair of hipsters and international bankers alike. Consultations can be held in English, Japanese and Italian.

Dude

You can probably expect a relaxed atmosphere from a stylist with a mantra like “stay chilled dude, stay chilled”. Dude imports its hair colors and will not use thinning scissors without prior consultation (a particular bugbear for foreigners visiting stylists who are used to treating thicker Japanese hair). With a promise of “no personal questions” you can kick back while getting your Dude do and stay chilled.

Assort

With award winning stylists who have worked in ELLE and VOGUE as well as at London Fashion Week, it is no surprise that Assort features on the Leading Salons website. They aim to treat their clients like stars from the moment they enter, and claim their reputation is gained due to a focus on design and precision.

Gold Salon

A native of Sydney, Gold Salon owner Howard Lee Regner has 30 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry, half of which have been in top end salons in Tokyo and his hometown. The spacious, sunlit salon is high above the city and guarantees beautiful color as well as results on any kind of hair you may have.

Watanabe Hairdressing

Most stylists at Watanabe hairdressing have been trained at world famous Vidal Sassoon in London, and have styled the hair of everyone from Paul Smith and Massive Attack to politician Yoko Tajima. Pampering, with customers receiving a full shiatsu head massage, is most definitely the word.

Shinka

Having opened as a sister branch to SHINKA in Sydney, this salon has taken the antipodean aesthetic to Roppongi. The Australian brickwork creates a warm and calming environment and has been nominated for many Best Design in beauty industry awards. With a receptionist who also doubles as a columnist in beauty magazines, you can probably presume their stylists make the cut.

VIP Creative Hair International

The staff at VIP claim to provide the hairstyle that is “perfect for you” with expertise over a full range of colors as you enjoy the “VIP” treatment. The occasional misspelling on their website may be a little off-putting, however various forum testimonies around the internet claim it to be one of the more reliable salons in the city.

Photo: from www.vipcreativehair.jp